Spider plants are famous for being some of the most low-maintenance houseplants out there. But even these hardy favorites can run into trouble sometimes. If you suddenly notice yellow leaves popping up, it’s time to do a little detective work and step in to help your leafy friend.
Why is my spider plant turning yellow?
Most of the time, yellow leaves are a cry for help because your plant isn’t getting enough light. If the spot you’ve chosen is too dark, the plant just can’t thrive. Here’s a good rule of thumb to remember: the more variegation (white or light stripes) the leaves have, the more light the plant needs. While solid green varieties are pretty chill about shadier spots, their colorful cousins will definitely protest with yellow leaves if they’re stuck in a dark corner. Another culprit to watch out for? A pest infestation, specifically aphids or scale.
How to fix the problem
If your plant is sitting in too much shade, try moving it to a brighter location. Just be careful not to put it in harsh, direct sunlight, or you’ll be dealing with sunburn next! If your apartment is naturally a bit dark, a daylight grow lamp is a fantastic solution so you don’t have to give up on having a beautiful houseplant. If you spot a sticky residue on the leaves, you’re likely dealing with pests. In that case, give your spider plant a thorough treatment with neem oil.
What about brown leaves?
Seeing brown leaves on a spider plant can be super frustrating for any plant parent. They can make an otherwise gorgeous plant look tired and weak overnight. Often, we try a little too hard to help and move the plant into intense, direct sun—but that actually backfires, as those brown spots are frequently just sunburn. Another common cause is letting the root ball get too dry. Usually, giving it a good drink about twice a week should keep things looking fresh.
Yellow leaves on spider plants: The quick breakdown
- Yellow leaves are usually a sign that your plant needs more light.
- Pest infestations can also cause yellowing.
- Moving the plant to a brighter spot is often the best cure.
- A grow lamp is a great alternative for dark rooms.
- Use neem oil to get rid of any unwanted pests.
- Brown leaves usually mean too much direct sun or that the soil has dried out too much.
