Saturday, February 7, 2009

The Advantages Of Growing A Spider Plant

By Thomas Fryd

There are approximately 60 different species types of the Spider plant, or Genus Sansevieria. Some are called Snake plant, or mother-in-laws-tongue or several other names. Some are native to Africa, but the plant has also been found in Australia, China and many other locations. The plants are easy to grow and take care of, which makes them an ideal addition to your indoor garden.

These plants do good in a lowly lit environment and can go for up to two months between being watered in the winter season. This is what makes them an ideal choice of indoor plant. Their known for their beauty and grow leaves that will vary with each new one that grows. The leaves are dark green and can have a yellow stripe along the edge, or it can be speckled with many different varieties.

The tips can be very sharp, so care should be used when doing maintenance and placement. Trimming up the tips is not necessary, so you should be careful when you water the plant or trim its leaves.

If the plant is overly watered the leaves will drop and it can produce root rot, since the plant is drought-tolerant. If it is under watered, the leaves will appear wrinkled and this can result in the root damage being permanent. Let the long leaves fall and whatever you do, do not stake them. Simply trimming the leaves at the base and just wait for the next ones to spring up, it does not take long.

You need to allow the soil to dry out in between waterings, you can use a hygrometer to test the soil just under the surface. If you do not have a hygrometer, a simple tongue depressor can be used in the interim. You will insert the wood a few inches into the soil, the pull it out and check to see the amount of moisture.

Being a native of the tropic, they adore heat. Provide them with ample sunlight exposure and a warm environment, and they will reward you with growing lushly. Care needs to be taken by providing an ample pot, though. The plants have been known to outgrow a clay pot and split it in two because they have such a large and healthy root system. Provide them with a large pot and remember to trim excessive overgrowth.

Spider plants do not require much fertilizer, and do well with a low nitrogen level in the soil. The plant can get overwhelmed with soil that is too rich. You should care for your spider plants much in the same way as a cactus. Then the plant will be healthy and generate many interesting patterns in the leaves.

The plant stalks will produce white or greenish color flowers. Others grow because of their fibrous leaves which were known to be used to make bow string, another name for this species of Sansevieria.

If you desire a plant that is both beautiful and easy to care, these lovely species will be a great addition to your indoor plant garden.

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