Hello, dedicated caretaker! We spider plants (*Chlorophytum comosum*) are famously resilient, but a little seasonal attention helps us truly thrive. Here is what we experience and need from you throughout the year.
As the days lengthen and temperatures gently rise, we feel a surge of energy. This is our primary growing season! We are pushing out new leaves and, soon, those long, graceful flower stalks that will become our "spiderettes." Please gradually increase your watering as we wake up; the soil can dry out a bit more between drinks now compared to winter. This is also the perfect time to repot us if we are root-bound and to provide a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to fuel our growth spurt. We will gladly accept a spot with bright, indirect light.
We are in our full glory now, vigorously producing foliage and plenty of baby plantlets. Our thirst is at its peak due to higher temperatures and more active growth, so consistent watering is key—just ensure our pot has excellent drainage to avoid soggy roots. While we enjoy warmth, please shield us from intense, direct afternoon sun which can scorch our leaves. A location with bright, filtered light is ideal. You can mist our leaves occasionally to boost humidity, and feel free to propagate our spiderettes in water or soil!
We sense the light fading and the air cooling, and our internal processes begin to slow down. This is your cue to start reducing the frequency of watering. Allow the topsoil to dry out more thoroughly before giving us a drink. It is also time to completely stop fertilizing; the extra nutrients are not needed now and can harm our roots as we prepare for dormancy. Please bring us back indoors if we spent the summer outside, and find us a cozy spot away from cold drafts and heating vents, which can cause stressful, dry conditions.
We are now in a state of rest, conserving our energy. Our growth has slowed or stopped entirely. Water us very sparingly, only when the soil is quite dry, as we are very susceptible to root rot in cold, wet soil. We can tolerate lower light levels during these short days, but we still appreciate whatever bright, indirect light you can provide. Most importantly, please keep us away from cold windows and blasts of dry heat from fireplaces or radiators. A gentle leaf dusting will help our surfaces absorb what little light is available.
