Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are one of the most easy-to-care-for houseplants that add a touch of greenery to any interior space. Native to Central and Southern Africa, these potted plants quickly adapt to their surroundings and can last many years without much attention. Neglecting them, however, may result in browning, yellowing, curling, or bending leaves.
But why is your spider plant turning brown or yellow exactly? These problems often occur when the plant is getting too much light or not enough water, as well as insufficient light exposure, or is affected by pests like flea beetles and aphids.
In this guide, well explore several spider plant common leaf issues in detail and help you learn how to address them effectively.
Spider Plant Leaves Curling Inward: Causes and Solutions
Spider plants are popular and easy to care for houseplants known for their graceful cascading green leaves. However, those elegant leaves sometimes start mysteriously curling inward, causing concern for plant parents. Leaf curl can be caused by various cultural, environmental, pest or disease issues. By examining all factors and making appropriate adjustments, you can get your spider plant back to perfect arching form.
Causes of Spider Plant Leaves Curling Inward
The most frequent causes of spider plant leaves curling inward are
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Insufficient Light: Without adequate bright, indirect light, leaves can lose rigidity and curl inwards.
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Underwatering: Leaves curl inward to conserve moisture when the plant lacks water.
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Overwatering: Too much water can lead to root rot, impacting nutrient absorption. Curling leaves indicate plant stress.
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Low Humidity: Spider plants prefer 40-50% humidity. Dry air causes moisture loss from leaves, making them curl.
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Temperature Extremes: Sudden temperature drops from drafts or cold weather shocks spider plants, curling leaves.
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Pests: Spider mites, mealybugs, thrips can all feed on leaves, causing curling.
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Diseases: Fungal or bacterial diseases like root rot, botrytis, etc. damage foliage.
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Poor Soil: Nutrient deficiencies from depleted or dense soil manifest as curled leaves.
Correcting Environmental and Cultural Issues
Optimizing the plant’s care regimen corrects non-disease causes of curled leaves:
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Move plant to bright, indirect light like an east or west window. Filter harsh direct sun.
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Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil is dry. Check with your finger.
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Use room temperature water. Allow cold tap water to sit out before using.
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Maintain 40-50% humidity near the plant using a humidifier or pebble tray.
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Avoid temperature extremes and drafts. Keep indoor temperatures above 60°F.
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Repot annually in fresh, well-draining potting mix. Dense, soggy soil causes issues.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced diluted liquid fertilizer during growth periods.
With proper adjustments, spider plant leaves should regain their graceful arch.
Treating Pests
Spider mites, mealybugs and thrips can all infest spider plants. Treat using insecticidal soap, neem oil or horticultural oils. Quarantine infected plants. Prevent pests with routine treatments.
Managing Diseases
Fungal or bacterial diseases also cause leaf curl. Improve air circulation and quickly remove affected leaves/plants. Sterilize pots before replanting and optimize conditions.
When to Worry About Curling
Mild curling of just a few leaves generally indicates a minor cultural fix is needed. Severe curling of many leaves signifies an urgent underlying problem needing prompt diagnosis and treatment. Progressive worsening curling despite remedies warrants a full workup to determine the cause.
While pests and diseases happen, improper care and environment account for most spider plant leaf curl. Start by optimizing water, light, humidity and temperature before tackling complex problems. Consistency with care is vital for success!
With attentive plant parenting, your spider plant’s leaves should return to their graceful cascades. Let the flowing green begin!
Why Are My Spider Plant Leaves Curling Up?
Long, arching leaves of your spider plant may curl, due to over/underwatering, water purity issues, soil pH, root rot, root crowdedness, and direct sunlight.
Some workarounds to fix curling spider plant leaves include following the right watering schedule and avoiding regular tap water when hydrating the plant It’s rich in chlorine and fluoride, which aren’t good for houseplants.
In addition, it’s a good practice to let the soil dry out completely before you water it again. This will prevent the roots from rotting or getting attacked by pests. If it has been a long time since you moved your spider plant into a larger container with fresh soil, consider repotting it.
Pro Tip: Spider plants prefer slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.1 to 6.5. So, use a pH meter to know if the soil is alkaline enough.
Q: What does an overwatered spider plant look like?
A: An overwatered spider plant looks droopy, with leaves turning yellow, brown, or curling up.
House Plant Rescue: Saving a Spider Plant From Death ️
FAQ
What does an overwatered spider plant look like?
- Yellowing or Brownish Leaves: The leaves may turn yellow or brown, especially at the tips, as a sign of stress from soggy soil.
- Drooping or Wilting Foliage: The leaves may droop or wilt, indicating the plant is not getting enough oxygen to its roots due to overwatering.
- Soft and Mushy Stems: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the stems to become soft and mushy.
- Fungal Growth: Overwatering can lead to fungal growth on the soil surface.
- Tiny gnats flying around the plant: Overwatering can create a breeding ground for gnats.
- Root Rot: If you gently remove the plant from its pot, you may notice black, mushy roots, which are a sign of root rot.
Why are my plant leaves curling inward?
Curled leaves are due to a light problem
The plant is probably trying to fight against too much light. This tends to happen in summer, when you take your plant out into the garden to enjoy the fresh air. Unaccustomed to these new growing conditions, your plant will fold up its leaves to limit its exposure to the sun.
Should I cut off bent spider plant leaves?
Once a crease forms, it won’t go away, so you either need to cut it out or get used to its appearance while ensuring the other leaves remain healthy.
What makes a curly spider plant curly?
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Curly Spider Plant, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.