Rightly among the most popular houseplants, Chlorophytum or Spider plant is also known as a resistant plant that thrives in almost every room. It tolerates different growing conditions, is easy to propagate, and occasional neglect.

It is one of the favorite choices of every beginner which, has another advantage besides its charm – it is an excellent air purifier – one plant is enough for ten square. So, let’s learn more about this plant.

Generally, the spider plant is a fast-growing type. Under optimal conditions, the leaf rosette will reach 12 to 15 inches in height and the same width within six months to a year.

In spring or summer, adult Spider plant chases long shoots with small white flowers followed by offsets or spider plant babies. Thus, it is most often grown in hanging pots where if the new plants are not cut, it forms a delightful cascade of fresh greenery.

More: How Often Should You Water a Spider Plant?

How fast do spider plants grow?

Grown in a hanging basket, the plant can be 2 or 2.5 feet long, including stalks with offsets.

But if you want to grow an impressive plant specimen with a look that will not go unnoticed in any space, keep reading to find out what conditions you have to provide.

Adequate lighting is a prerequisite for the Spider plant’s growth

Light is necessary for the plants’ growth and directly affects the rate at which they grow.

Chlorophytum is an adaptable plant. It will tolerate partially shaded areas. However, in such places, its growth will be slowed and the leaves thinner and paler, while species with striped green-white leaves may completely lose that pattern.

The best positions where this plant will show its full decorative potential are well-lit places out of reach of direct sun.

In other words, you can place it next to the east or west window where it will get both a slight morning and afternoon sun. If you hold the plant by the south window, it must be shaded in the hottest part of the day, as the delicate leaves of the plant easily get burnt.

More: How Much Sun Does a Spider Plant Need?

Optimal watering means proper growth

Chlorophytum has a fleshy and thickened root in which it deposits water and nutrients.

Meaning, the plant can survive dry periods using its supplies. For Chlorophytum, the rule is that less is better since the plant tolerates skipping one or two waterings but struggles if it sits in a soaked substrate.

Generally, water it twice a week in summer and every fifteen days in winter. Yet, watering should always be adapted to the specific conditions in which the particular plant grows including, temperature, exposure to light, humidity, plant, or pot size.

How to know my spider plant is thirsty?

To avoid the risk of excessive watering before watering the plant, check with your finger that the substrate in the pot is dry to a depth of one inch.

If the soil under your fingers is still moist, the plant has enough water, so do not water it. Excess water quickly causes rot of the thickened root of Chlorophytum, which is a disorder that is difficult to repair.

Low temperature slows down the Spider plant’s growth

In the tropics from which it comes, Clorophytum is never exposed to freezing temperatures. The lower minimum it can withstand is 35 F.

However, if you want a plant that grows and develops instead of barely surviving, provide it with a temperature ranging from 65F to 80F degrees throughout the year.

The plant will not die at temperatures between 45F and 60F. But will slow down or completely stop growing. The temperature at which you feel comfortable is the temperature at which Chlorophytum also feels comfortable.

Additional fertilization for additional growth

Chlorophytum supplementation is not a must, but it is beneficial to apply extra nutrients into the soil to stimulate new plant growth.

You can use a regular fertilizer for plants with decorative leaves but diluted to half the suggested dose. Also, add it when watering once in 15 days from spring to fall. In winter, reduce feeding to once a month.

Humidity is a foremost factor in the Spider plant’s growth

Dry air in the room slows down plant growth and can lead to the appearance of brown and dry peaks on the leaves. Misting is a simple solution to raise the humidity level.

Using soft stagnant water at room temperature and a fine sprayer, mist your plant a few times a week. It is best to do this early in the morning so that the plant has the necessary moisture throughout the day.

Choose the right soil mixture for a happy Spider plant

This plant is not particularly picky about soil as long as it is light, nutritious, and airy enough.

You can grow it in a commercial pot substrate, to which you will add 1/3 of perlite or pumice to improve the aeration.

Avoid ordinary garden soil as it is often too heavy and retains moisture for too long, which causes disturbances in plant metabolism. A drainage layer of tile debris or coarse gravel placed over the water drain hole will ensure that any dangerous excess water drains out of the container.

How often to transplant the Clorophytum?

This plant likes the root to be slightly bounded, so don’t transplant it too often because it’s always stressful for the plant.

When part of the root starts to appear through the drainage hole it is a sign that the plant needs a new larger pot. It is usually every other year.

The best time to transplant is in the spring, at the beginning of the intensive growth phase. Pick a container that is just one inch larger than the previous one. An oversized pot will encourage the plant to grow roots instead of aboveground mass. On the other hand, too small a pot interferes with normal root functions and slows down plant growth.

Additional tips to make spider plant grow faster

Apply the coffee grounds

You can bury one teaspoon in the substrate around the plant. Or add it to water for watering several times during the growing season.

Coffee grounds have slightly acidic properties, which will encourage vigorous plant growth.

Spider plants like spending summer outdoors

In summer, take the plant outside to a shaded spot in the garden or on the balcony.

Fresh air and plenty of light will revive your plant and encourage it to grow faster.

Pruning stimulates new growth

Regularly remove all damaged, withered, or unhealthy leaves.

This way, you will maintain a beautiful and healthy appearance and stimulate the growth of new healthy leaves.

Artificial light

From the end of October to March, the day is shortened, and the plant enters the phase of natural dormancy.

During the winter months, the plant decreases all physiological processes and usually stops growing due to a lack of natural light. You can alleviate this phenomenon using artificial lighting, located next to the plant but at a safe distance.