Why Are My Spider Plant Leaves Curling? [4 Main Reasons]

Spider plants are highly ornamental and very resilient indoor plants, but they can still cause some issues if we do not provide them with the proper environment. 

So, let’s start with the question- Why Are My Spider Plant Leaves Curling?? 

For starters, if you have not chosen the correct pot size or pot, you may face problems with your Spider plants. Of course, over/under-watering is the most possible cause. Insufficient or harsh lighting and temperature also cause stress and lead to curly leaves for Spider plants. Lastly, improper fertilization is also responsible.

Now, my friend, we are just getting started- 

You have to reach the root of the issue to support the plant. That is why, with its possible solution, we clarified every explanation.

Therefore, read along if you want to save your Spider plant!

4 Reasons Why Are My Spider Plant Leaves Curling?[Along With Solutions]

It’s frustrating, isn’t it? 

Most certainly, it’s disheartening to see your precious Spider plant suffering. Especially since the reason behind this is probably you. 

If you notice your Spider plant’s leaves curling, they do not get enough requirements. So you have to know what you are doing wrong in caring. 

To help you, we’ve explained your mistakes and their solutions.

Improper Pot Size and Material can Cause Leaves to Curl

When they are a small pot-bound, spider plants grow best and only one size (about two inches bigger) if you intend to report. Clay pots are not optimum since the roots cannot grow this plant, resulting in a broken pot.

Use a well-drained potting floor for general purposes and a container with many irrigation trout on the ground. The best plantar in this rapidly growing plant would be a free-draining planting plant. Spider plants must also be planted in free-draining soil.

The small pot’s soil contains too much water, making it difficult for the Spider Plant to consume. Spider plants can grow much happier in larger pots than they did previously. However, don’t choose a pot that is too large because the plant will not absorb water properly, causing the leaves to wilt.

• Solution

Every year you should restock your spider plant and increase the pot size to make it grow.

The spider is best done with larger containers with plenty of space to grow. You want a water drainage pot. 

 Choose a pot that is two inches larger in diameter than the previous pot and place the Spider plant in it. Don’t forget to make some holes in the bottom of the pot so that the water can drain quickly.

So, the best option would be to keep your plant in check and keep re-potting it yearly.

Over or Underwatering may cause Spider plants to curl

Overwatering is the cause of root rot, and it causes not only curling but also wilting. The spider plant does not require a lot of water and should be allowed to dry out between waterings. 

On the other hand, if the Spider Plant absorbs more water than it needs, blisters, burn, and discoloration of the leaves can occur.

Water is the best nutrition supplier to the root of the plant, so if you don’t water your Spider plant for a long time, it will not grow frequently. 

Spider plants need a lot of water and a moist environment to thrive, but they don’t like wet soil. As a result, the leaves will become curly and begin to drooping in preparation for underwatering.

• Solution

Insert your finger about an inch or more into the soil. If you feel a lot of water, then you don’t need to water your spider plant.

If root rot has already occurred due to overwatering, lift the plant up and put it into another container or pot. The pot should have at least 3-4 drainage holes. After replanting, be a bit patient. Because the water needs to be drained. 

Once you’re sure, enough water has been drained, test the soil. Use a moisture meter to know whether the soil is moist or not. If it is, you can start watering again. 

If the top layer of soil on your Spider plant is dry, never water it. So stick your finger in the soil and check the inside moisture. The top layer of soil may be dry, but the soil below is still moist.

Then, don’t water at this time; instead, let the water absorb. A few days later, repeat this process, and if you found less moisture than the previous result, you can water.  On the other hand, we recommend that you water the Spider plant at least once a week for the first year.

You might be interested to read also: How to Save Overwatered String of Pearls

Insufficient or Harsh Lighting & Temperature may cause Spider plant leaves to curl

Incorrect lighting and temperature can literally kill your plant with time. These poor living conditions are just responsible for curly leaves. 

If you give your Spider plant too much sunlight or too intense light in the first moment, that can curl the leaves.  

Spider plants are eye-catching indoor plants that prefer bright light. On the other hand, too little light can interfere in their food production process, causing the leaves to curl. Because too much heat will burn the leaves. 

While too little light and temperature will make the plant starve. Thus, the curly leaves will be seen on the plant.

• Solution 

So, if you have any plants in your house that are larger than your Spider plant, you can place them in their shade. However, if you don’t have another larger plant, place it in an east-facing window in your room.

For your comfort, we’ve created a list of the best LED grow lights.

Over Fertilization may Cause Spider Plants to Curl

Spider plants, like other plants, need nutrients to thrive. However, if you apply too much fertilizer, it will damage your plants. Over-fertilization manifests itself in curly leaves.

Your potted plants would not need fertilizer regularly. It is applied every two weeks in the summer and spring and once a month in the winter. Over-fertilization may cause growth to slow and plants to become fragile and prone to pests and illnesses. It will eventually kill the plant.

Stunted growth, dry or burnt leaf margins, wilting, collapse, or plant death are all signs of over-fertilization.

Without proper nutrition, the leaves lose their attractive arch. Most of the time, the soil would be unable to fulfill the plant’s nutritional needs, and as a result, the plant’s health started suffering.

After some time plant starting showing the sign like leave curling, just follow the instructions of the usage of fertilizations according to your plant. 

You may also find tools on amazon that will let you know when and how much fertilizer you should apply. 

• Solution 

So the questions here should be how you can save your plants from over or faulty fertilization? 

Indeed, the solution to this problem is simple. Try using organic fertilization first and forever. It will be naturally friendly since it comes from nature.

You should be careful how much and where you use it and how much you use it to utilize chemical fertilizer. Stick to the plant always within a few distances. Thus, fertilizers would not directly impact the plant.

Here we have discussed two kinds of fertilizers best for your spider plants and how to use them –

How to care Spider plant

 

This guide will explain how to water a Spider Plant and other care procedures in detail, so follow these instructions to care for a Spider Plant.

• Give Spider Plants proper sunlight

Because direct sunlight can scorch a spider plant, spider plants do not require a lot of natural light to thrive. They prefer bright indirect light in areas where the sun does not shine directly, such as the bedroom or bathroom area as an example. Avoid direct sunlight and instead provide indirect sunlight so that they can thrive.

• Ensure proper soil condition

Because overwatering can cause root rot and eventually kill the plant, allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Spiders do not require soggy soil; they prefer to stay in slightly moist soil, but do not overwater your Spider plant soil.

On the other hand, most people use tap water, which contains minerals that can kill your plants. Allowing the water to sit out overnight before watering is preferable, or you can use filtered water.

• Water Spider Plants properly

During the first year, watering once per week should be enough to keep the soil consistently moist. After a year, before watering, always check the moisture level by inserting 2-3 inches of your finger into the soil.

Watering is not required if the soil is wet, but you can water your Spider plant if the soil is arid.

• Humidity and Temperature

If you’re confused about temperature and humidity, your Spider Plant will thrive in low humidity conditions. However, we recommend that you increase the humidity a little bit more so that they can thrive. If you stand your plants in a gravel tray, the humidity will rise due to evaporation, add a gravel layer, place the plants on top, and add a little bit of water regularly.

Spider plants prefer temperatures ranging from 55 to 80°F (13–27°C), making them an excellent indoor houseplant. However, do not place them in outdoor temperatures because they cannot thrive in freezing or hot temperatures.

• Always liquid fertilizer

Fertilize spider plants once or twice a month during the spring and summer because they are growing more. Too much fertilizer can cause brown leaf tips; on the other hand, too little fertilizer can stunt the growth of your Spider plant. So, use a moderate amount of liquid fertilizer properly.

• Transplant your Spider plant when your plant outgrows in its first pot

When your spider plant’s roots begin to grow through the drainage holes, it is time to transplant your plant into a larger pot.

Always try to transplant your plant in the spring because spider plants grow faster than in other seasons. Make sure to provide fresh pots and choose a container with drainage holes.

FAQs:

Question: How do I know if my spider plant is healthy?

Answer: A mature, healthy spider plant will send out long, arching stems topped with tiny white flowers. Spider plants can’t flower if they get too much or too little light or if they get too much fertilizer.

Question: Do spider plants need a lot of light?

Answer: “How much sunlight does a spider plant require?” Spider plants prefer direct sunlight that is bright, moderate, and indirect.

Question: Do spider plants clean the air?

Answer: The well-known Spider Plant is also an excellent air cleaner. This plant aids in the removal of harmful benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde toxins.

Question: What kind of fertilizer do spider plants like?

Answer: There is no special fertilizer for spider plants. Any all-purpose, complete, water-soluble, or granular time-release fertilizer suitable for houseplants will do.

Take Away

Now, those are the reasons why your Spider leaves are curling. Besides these, there could be many other problems, but these are the main problems you will find.

Are there any other issues you have found as an owner? 

Share your answers and thoughts with us by leaving a comment. Good luck saving your precious Spider plant!