Looking for a new houseplant that’s both beautiful and forgiving? The mandarin spider plant is a fantastic choice. With its vibrant orange stems and classic grassy foliage, it brings a pop of color to your home without needing constant attention. This easy-care plant is perfect for beginners and busy plant owners alike. Let’s look at how to keep yours thriving.
Spider plants, scientifically known as Chlorophytum comosum, are famous for their resilience. The mandarin spider plant is a special cultivar that stands out. Its key feature is the stunning tangerine-orange color on the central stem (petiole) of each leaf. This contrasts beautifully with the deep green leaves, creating a striking visual effect. It’s just as tough as the traditional green variety but offers something extra special.
Mandarin Spider Plant
This particular type of spider plant has all the great traits of its relatives. It grows in a clumping, arching form and produces those familiar “pups” or “spiderettes” on long runners. The bright orange stems are most vibrant on new growth and when the plant recieves adequate light. It’s a safe choice for homes with pets, as spider plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Why You’ll Love This Plant
There are so many reasons to add a mandarin spider plant to your collection. First, it’s incredibly adaptable to different indoor conditions. It tolerates some neglect, making it ideal for new plant parents. The colorful stems add warmth to any room, from a bright kitchen to a cozy office. Plus, it’s a natural air purifier, helping to clean the air in your home.
Here are some of its best qualities:
* Low Maintenance: It doesn’t demand perfect care to look good.
* Fast Grower: You’ll see noticeable growth throughout the spring and summer.
* Easy to Propagate: You can create many new plants from its offshoots.
* Pet-Friendly: A great option if you have curious furry friends.
* Adaptable Light Needs: It does well in a range of lighting situations.
Perfect Placement and Light Needs
Getting the light right is the key to maintaining that brilliant orange color. While it can survive in lower light, its growth will slow and the stems may fade to a more greenish-yellow. For the best color and health, bright, indirect light is ideal. A spot near an east or west-facing window is usually perfect.
Avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun. This can scorch the leaves, causing brown tips and bleached spots. If you only have a south-facing window, place the plant a few feet back from the glass or use a sheer curtain to filter the light. It can also do well under artificial grow lights if your natural light is limited.
Watering Your Plant Correctly
Spider plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, but they do have preferences. The goal is to avoid both extremes: soggy soil and bone-dry conditions. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot. A good rule is to check the soil moisture before you water.
Follow this simple watering routine:
1. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil.
2. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
3. Water thoroughly until you see it run out the drainage holes.
4. Empty the saucer underneath after a few minutes so the pot isn’t sitting in water.
5. Wait until the soil dries out again before the next watering.
In general, you’ll water more often in the warmer, brighter months (maybe once a week) and much less in the winter (every 2-3 weeks). The plant’s thick roots store water, so it’s better to underwater slightly than overdo it.
Soil and Potting Tips
A well-draining potting mix is essential. A standard all-purpose houseplant soil works, but you can improve it. Mixing in some perlite or orchid bark helps increase drainage and prevent compaction. This ensures the roots get enough oxygen and don’t stay too wet.
Spider plants actually like to be a bit root-bound. You don’t need to repot it every year. Only move it to a slightly larger pot when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes or the plant is drying out extremly quickly. Spring is the best time for repotting. Choose a pot with drainage holes every time; this is non-negotiable for a healthy plant.
Feeding for Vibrant Growth
To support its fast growth, your mandarin spider plant will appreciate some fertilizer. During the active growing season (spring through early fall), you can feed it once a month. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 formula) diluted to half the recommended strength. This provides the nutrients it needs without risking fertilizer burn.
In the late fall and winter, when growth naturally slows, stop fertilizing. The plant is resting and doesn’t need the extra nutrients. Always water the soil lightly before applying fertilizer to a dry root system.
Propagation: Making More Plants
One of the most fun aspects of spider plants is how easy they are to propagate. The plant will send out long stems with small white flowers, which then turn into baby plantlets (the pups). You can let these pups grow while still attached, creating a lovely cascading effect. Or, you can snip them off and root them to create new plants.
Here’s the simple method for propagation:
1. Wait until the pup has developed a few small roots of its own.
2. Using clean scissors, cut the runner connecting it to the mother plant.
3. Place the base of the pup in a glass of water, ensuring the leaves stay dry.
4. In a week or two, you’ll see the roots grow longer.
5. Once the roots are an inch or two long, pot the new plant in a small container with fresh soil.
6. Keep the soil moist for the first few weeks as it adjusts.
You can also plant the pup directly into moist soil, but the water method lets you watch the roots develop, which is rewarding.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Even easy-care plants can have occasional issues. Most problems with mandarin spider plants are easy to diagnose and fix.
Brown Leaf Tips:
This is very common. It’s often caused by fluoride or salts in tap water, or by underwatering. Try using distilled, rainwater, or filtered water. You can also trim the brown tips off with scissors, following the natural shape of the leaf.
Pale Leaves or Faded Stems:
This usually means the plant needs more light. Gradually move it to a brighter location to bring back the vibrant colors.
Leaves Losing Their Variegation:
If the green leaves start to look more solid and the orange fades, it’s a sure sign of too little light.
Pests:
Spider plants can sometimes attract aphids or spider mites. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth regularly to prevent this. If you see pests, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Is Your Plant Not Producing Pups?
If your plant is mature but not sending out runners with babies, it might be too happy! Being slightly root-bound can encourage it to reproduce. Also, ensure it’s getting enough bright, indirect light. Sometimes, a plant that is over-fertilized or in a pot that’s too large will focus on leaf growth instead of making pups.
Seasonal Care Considerations
Your care routine should shift slightly with the seasons. In spring and summer, focus on regular watering and monthly feeding. This is when you’ll see the most growth. In fall, begin to taper off watering and stop fertilizing. In winter, water sparingly, only when the soil is quite dry, and let the plant rest. Keep it away from cold drafts and heating vents, which can dry it out quickly.
Styling Your Home with Mandarin Spider Plants
Their arching form makes them perfect for shelves, mantels, or hanging baskets. The colorful stems and trailing pups create a beautiful cascading effect. They look fantastic in modern, minimalist spaces as well as in more bohemian or eclectic rooms. You can also group them with other easy-care plants like pothos or snake plants for a lush, textured display.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much light does a mandarin spider plant need?
A: It thrives in bright, indirect light. This maintains the orange stem color. It can tolerate medium light but may grow slower.
Q: How often should I water my spider plant?
A: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. This might be once a week in summer and every few weeks in winter. Always check the soil first.
Q: Why are the tips of my plant turning brown?
A: Brown tips are often from chemicals in tap water or low humidity. Try using filtered or distilled water and occasionaly misting the leaves.
Q: Can I put my mandarin spider plant outside?
A: Yes, in warm months you can place it in a shady, sheltered spot outdoors. Bring it back inside before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Q: Is the mandarin spider plant safe for cats?
A: Yes, spider plants are non-toxic to both cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA. However, if ingested in large amounts, they might cause a mild upset stomach.
Q: What’s the best way to make my plant produce more babies?
A: Ensure it gets plenty of indirect light and let it become slightly root-bound. Sometimes, a little stress from being snug in its pot encourages it to send out runners.
With its cheerful colors and simple needs, the mandarin spider plant is a wonderful addition to any indoor garden. By providing the right light, careful watering, and occasional feeding, you’ll enjoy its unique beauty for years to come. It’s a plant that rewards a little care with a lot of growth and charm.