Tiffany Selvey/Static Media
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
My big, hanging spider plant is called the “Spider Queen,” and she’s one of my favorite houseplants. Even though I’m a seasoned gardener, I’ve had some failures with her over the years. But those mistakes have taught me a lot, and now I get to share that knowledge with you.
Spider plants are super easy to care for, which makes them perfect for new plant parents and busy gardeners. They don’t need much soil, fertilizer, or even water. As long as you give them a little TLC, they’ll keep growing and thriving, and that means they’ll eventually need to be repotted with fresh, nutrient-rich soil.
Check drainage holes to see if spider plants need repotting
Tiffany Selvey/Static Media
Before you start repotting your spider plant, you’ll need to make sure it actually needs it. These plants like to be a little root-bound, but they do have their limits. When the roots get super cramped, the plant can’t absorb the nutrients it needs, and the soil will start spilling out of the drainage holes or get really compacted.
The quickest way to tell if your spider plant needs a new home is to check the drainage holes. If you see roots poking out, it’s time to give your plant some more room to grow. You might also notice the soil drying out really fast or the plant looking stressed. That means the roots have outgrown their pot and need some fresh soil to thrive.
Maximize a spider plant’s repotting process with the best timing, pot, & soil
M.photostock/Getty Images
Spider plants do best when you repot them during their active growing season in spring and summer. If your plant is really struggling, you can repot it anytime, but it might take a while to start growing again. Repotting during their slower, semi-dormant period in fall and winter can also slow down their ability to make new baby plants or bloom.
It can be tempting to give your spider plant a big jump in pot size, but they actually prefer to be a little cramped. Too much extra space can make them focus more on growing roots than the gorgeous foliage you love. Just move your plant up to a pot that’s one size bigger – like from a 6-inch to an 8-inch container.
Spider plants aren’t super picky about soil, so a standard, high-quality potting mix will do the trick. Look for a well-draining blend that holds some moisture, like a cactus or succulent mix. Make sure to leave about an inch at the top of the pot for the plant’s crown. After you’ve planted it, give the whole thing a good soak until water runs out the bottom. Most potting soils have some fertilizer, but plan to start feeding your spider plant with a quality plant food in about six months. Put it in a spot with some indirect sunlight, and watch it thrive!
