Spider plants are a popular houseplant due to their ease of care and their ability to purify the air. However, even the most experienced plant owners can struggle with keeping their spider plant alive. One common issue is when a variegated spider plant starts to die. In this article, we’ll discuss the possible causes of a dying variegated spider plant and how to revive it.
Overwatering is one of the most common causes of a dying variegated spider plant. Spider plants prefer to dry out between watering, and if they are constantly wet, their roots can rot. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a foul smell coming from the soil.
On the other hand, underwatering can also cause a variegated spider plant to die. Spider plants require consistent moisture, and if they are left too dry for too long, their leaves will start to brown and curl.
Variegated spider plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. If they are placed in a low-light environment, their leaves will start to lose their vibrant stripes and turn solid green. Eventually, the plant will stop growing altogether.
While variegated spider plants need bright light, they can also be sensitive to direct sunlight. If the plant is exposed to too much direct sunlight, its leaves will start to burn and turn brown.
Spider plants are generally resistant to pests, but they can still fall victim to spider mites or mealybugs. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and eventually kill the plant if left untreated.
If you’ve identified the cause of your variegated spider plant’s decline, the next step is to take action to revive it. Here are some tips on how to revive a dying variegated spider plant:
If you’ve been overwatering your spider plant, the first step is to stop watering it and let the soil dry out. Once the soil is dry, water the plant sparingly, ensuring that the soil has fully dried out before watering again. If the roots have started to rot, you may need to repot the plant in fresh soil.
If your spider plant has been underwatered, start by giving it a thorough watering. Make sure that the water reaches all parts of the root ball. Going forward, make sure to water the plant consistently, keeping the soil moist but not soaking wet.
If your variegated spider plant isn’t getting enough light, try moving it closer to a window or adding supplemental lighting. Keep in mind that direct sunlight can be harmful to spider plants, so make sure that they are placed in a spot with bright, indirect light.
If your variegated spider plant has been exposed to too much direct sunlight, move it to a shadier spot. If only some of the leaves are affected, you can trim them off to promote new growth.
If you’ve discovered pests on your spider plant, isolate it from your other plants and treat it with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully and repeat treatments as needed.
Variegated spider plants prefer to dry out between watering, so aim to water them once every 1-2 weeks. Make sure that the soil has dried out before watering again.
If your variegated spider plant has healthy stems, you can propagate it by snipping off a stem with at least two leaves and rooting it in water or soil. However, if the plant is severely damaged, it may not be able to recover.
Variegated spider plants prefer bright, indirect light. If the leaves start to lose their stripes and turn solid green, it may be an indication that the plant isn’t getting enough light. If the leaves start to brown and curl, it may be getting too much direct sunlight.
Fertilizer can help promote new growth in a variegated spider plant, but it’s important not to over-fertilize. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer), and reduce or stop fertilizing during the dormant season (fall and winter).