Despite their creepy-crawly name, spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are among the most popular houseplants to grow. Spider plants are moderately fast-growing plants. Their rosettes of slender, gently arching leaves stretch from around 12 to 18 inches long. The leaves are green or striped green and white.
Mature plants regularly send out long stems that bear small, star-shaped flowers. If the flowers are fertilized, a small fruit forms. Once the flowers fall off, tiny plantlets form in their place, which ultimately grow their own roots and can be snipped off to create new potted plants.
Spider grass can be a real nuisance in lawns and gardens This aggressive weed spreads quickly and crowds out desired plants. Getting rid of spider grass takes some work, but it can be done. Here are the most effective ways to eliminate spider grass for good
What is Spider Grass?
The term “spider grass” refers to two common perennial grasses
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Aristida ternipes, also called wiregrass or spidergrass. This grass has fine, threadlike leaves.
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Liriope spicata, also known as creeping lilyturf or monkey grass. This grass has wider, straplike leaves.
Both types of spider grass spread rapidly via seeds, lateral roots, and underground rhizomes. Their ability to propagate easily makes them very hard to control.
Why Get Rid of Spider Grass?
Here are some reasons you may want to remove spider grass:
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It aggressively invades lawns and garden beds, crowding out desired plants.
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The sparse, thin foliage creates unattractive bare patches in lawns.
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The wiry stems look unsightly in ornamental gardens.
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It doesn’t hold soil well, leading to erosion issues.
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It turns brown quickly when weather turns cold or dry.
Controlling spider grass takes persistence, but it allows your lawn and gardens to thrive.
Manual Removal
For small infestations, manually digging up spider grass can work. Here’s how:
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Use a shovel, trowel or knife to dig under the plant and lift it out roots and all.
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Remove as many roots as possible – leave no fragments behind.
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Rinse off soil and discard the plant remains.
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Fill the holes with fresh soil or mulch.
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Check regularly for new sprouts emerging from leftover roots.
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Repeat digging whenever you see regrowth. Expect to do this for a few seasons.
Manual removal is most effective when soil is damp right after rain or watering. But take care not to overly disturb the soil, as that can spread the grass.
Smothering with Mulch or Plastic
You can smother spider grass using:
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A thick 6-inch layer of mulch like wood chips, straw or pine needles.
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Black plastic sheeting.
To do this:
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Cut back the grass stems short.
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Water thoroughly.
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Apply mulch or plastic, overlapping the edges.
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Weigh it down so it doesn’t shift.
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Leave the barrier in place for at least one growing season.
Regularly check for any new sprouts around the edges. Maintain vigilance in following seasons.
This low-effort method works for large areas. But it also kills desired surrounding plants.
Applying Herbicides
Glyphosate products like Roundup effectively kill spider grass:
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Never apply near water or edible gardens.
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Cut grass back to promote new growth. Actively growing plants absorb herbicide better.
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Mix and apply per label instructions. Avoid drift onto other plants.
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Expect to make several applications every 1-2 weeks before it dies out completely.
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After dieback, remove dead grass debris. Monitor for regrowth.
While fast and powerful, herbicides have downsides like toxicity and harming other plants. Only use them as a last resort if other methods fail.
Solarizing Garden Beds
For infested garden beds, solarization uses the sun’s heat to kill spider grass:
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Clear out the area completely.
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Water thoroughly.
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Cover with clear plastic sheeting, sealing the edges securely.
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Leave the plastic in place for 4-6 weeks over summer. The heat underneath will destroy the grass.
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Remove the plastic and replant the bed. Watch for any regrowth.
This eco-friendly method only works for small, defined beds, not lawns. It also kills beneficial soil microbes.
Preventing Spider Grass Regrowth
Once spider grass is gone, prevent its return with these tips:
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Maintain dense, vigorous turf or garden plantings to crowd it out.
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Improve drainage and avoid overwatering moist soils.
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Use mulch, landscape fabric, and gravel as weed barriers.
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Quickly dig out any new sprouts before they spread.
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Clean equipment after use in infested areas.
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Consider competitive groundcovers like vinca minor as grass alternatives.
Killing off this stubborn invader and keeping it away for good takes persistence. But with diligence and the right cultural, mechanical, and chemical controls, you can get rid of spider grass for good. Reclaim your lawn and garden from this pesky weed!
Water
Spider plants like lightly moist but not soggy soil. Overwatering causes root rot and ultimately kills the plant. These plants are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in water, which may brown the leaf tips. If possible, use rainwater or distilled water for container plants. The fleshy tubers retain moisture well, so inconsistent watering, while not ideal, wont harm spider plants too much.
In the winter, keep watering and misting the plant regularly, as spider plant needs to be kept moist in all seasons.
Spider plants will bounce back from a bit of drought, but they prefer consistent moisture. Use a moisture meter to evaluate the soil, and water the plant just before the meter reads “dry.”
Plant Is Too Sparse
A possible remedy is to cut away some of the baby plantlets as this redirects the plants energy into producing more shoots. Another solution may be to repot and divide a plant that has become overly root-bound. If your spider plant begins to suddenly struggle after months of being a healthy plant, it likely needs more room for its roots.
Why do I Have Spiders in My Lawn? | Pest Support
FAQ
How do I get rid of spider grass?
Stop an infestation before it has a chance to begin by following these tips: Get rid of tall grasses, weeds, and brush piles, as they make great homes for these spiders. Regularly mow the lawn and trim bushes, hedges, and shrubs. Don’t let trash accumulate: Human food crumbs also attract insects these spiders consume.
How do you prevent grass spiders?
Watch Where You Store Firewood – Avoid stacking wood directly against your house as it attracts grass spiders looking for shelter. Trim Your Vegetation Regularly – Tall grass and overgrown bushes provide the perfect hiding spots for grass spiders, so keep your yard tidy.
Why do I have grass spiders in my house?
The presence of dense vegetation around houses can also lure grass spiders inside as it closely resembles their natural habitat, enticing them to explore …
Should I kill a grass spider?
Unless you are being spooked by grass spiders in a sitting/playing area and you cant tolerate the looks of them, its best just to leave them alone. Cutting your grass shorter in those areas and sprinkling diatomaceous earth where you don’t want ANY pests with an exoskele…
How do I get rid of grass spiders?
Grass spiders, while their webs can be unsightly, can be managed with basic yard hygiene. To get rid of grass spiders, mow lawns frequently, trim vegetation, keep pet food inside, clean up spills and food messes promptly, and eliminate brush piles.
How do you get rid of spider webs on grass?
Spread a mixture of fungicide and liquid fertilizer all over the lawn. After that, spread little granules to kill the spider web on the grass. Learn more details in this article.
Can spider grass be killed?
Spider grass, which is also known as Aristida ternipes Cav. and its various cultivars, can be killed. However, it’s important to note that the term ‘spider grass’ can also refer to another perennial grass, Liriope spicata, or creeping lilyturf.
What is a grass spider?
From the family Agelenidae, meaning they build funnel-shaped webs, grass spiders (Agelenopsis spp.) are brown and striped and grow to about 1 inch in length. These funnel weavers live in tall grasses, ground covers, bushes, shrubs, and small crevices of buildings and rocks.
Does herbicide kill Spider grass?
Herbicides, especially commercially available varieties such as Round-Up, will kill Spider grass, especially the Liriope variety, as long as it is mixed and applied correctly. Store leftover herbicide properly and monitor the plant.
Does grass spider eat dead leaves?
Grass spiders’ webs catch debris like dead leaves, twigs, grass clippings, dust, and more. Over time, this can make a yard look unkempt. Dead leaves are not food for grass spiders, but they do get trapped in their webs.