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Trimming your spider plant helps to promote new growth, remove damaged leaves or stems that are causing problems to the growth of the plant as well as control the shape/size of the plant.
However, trimming this plant has some steps which you must follow before you can start the process.
In this article, we will outline all the 9 steps that you must take to have a successful trimming this season.
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9 Steps On How To Trim Your Spider Plant
Trimming your spider plant is one of the essential maintenance that this plant needs at some point in its growth especially when the roots of the plant are overgrowing the container or there are some dead leaves or infected leaves/stems to be cut off.
This is mostly recommended to be done every year though, it doesn’t have any specific time within the year. But it is advised that if you want to carry out this maintenance, it must be done when your spider plant is actively growing.
However, before you start following the steps which we will be outlining for you, it is important that you know the reasons why you are trimming the plant.
Afterwards, you should get your trimming tools ready by sterilizing, cleaning and sharpening them. Don’t forget to wear your gardening gloves to avoid any harm while trimming the plant.
Having known the first stage of your preparation, let’s talk about the 9 steps that you must follow in trimming your plant.
1. Get Your Trimming Tool Ready
The first thing that you must do before trimming your spider plants is to get your trimming tools ready and clean them up.
To effectively clean the tools, spray on the cutting blades of your pruning shears with a mild household cleanser or you can rub alcohol to sterilize it. Afterwards, dry the blades immediately after you are done.
If none of the cleaning agents suits you, you can also try using a dash of white vinegar or a 10% bleaching solution though, it is not recommended as it will corrode the blades on your shears especially when you use it often. So try as much to avoid such excessive usage.
2. Cut Off Affected Leaves
When you are done sterilizing, cleaning and sharpening your tools, the next thing that you must do is examine your plants and cut off any affected areas or spots on the stem of your spider plant.
However, while trimming, simply avoid cutting off the brown part of the leaf as it will leave an open wound on the leaves.
Move the plant to an area where it will get much sunlight of about 4-6 hrs daily. Water the plant and avoid using excessive fluoride or chlorine as it will damage your leaves.
Furthermore, you should consider watering the plant with filter water or the use of distilled water.
3. Trim The Foliage At The Base Of The Plant
Spider Plant is known to be a plant that grows around 12 in (30 cm) in diameter and 12 in (30 cm) tall. So, if you notice that your plant or the root of your plant is getting larger, then it is a clear sign that you need to cut off the healthy plants.
Furthermore, you can also repot the plant when there are some overgrown plants by choosing a container about 4 in(7.5 to 10 cm) larger in diameter.
4. Trim Off The Root If It Becomes Root Bound.
If you notice that your spider plant has continually started turning yellow, then remove your plant from the soil and use a shear to trim the roots.
Use your shears to prune the roots by trimming about 1 in (2.5 cm) of the roots so your plant will have more space in the soil when you put it back in the pot.
Ensure that the soil stays moist and the plant is protected from direct sunlight while it’s recovering from the pruning.
5. Trim Your Spider Plant Regularly.
Spider plants thrive and can also grow out of their container. If your plant is between 2 to 3 (feet 60 to 90 cm), then you should consider trimming your plant regularly. Consider doing root pruning every 2 years or more if your spider plants are also growing a lot of foliage.
In addition, If you do a severe trimming, you can go a few years in between pruning.
6. Propagate Your Baby Plants.
If your spider plant is growing effectively, you will likely notice a shootout on the stem of the new growth of baby plants. However, if more spider plants are growing off the plant, then you must trim off the plant while leaving the main plant intact as the main plant will drop over to the side.
To keep the main plant growing stronger, there will be a need to propagate the baby plants or you can dispose of them.
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7. Trim The Stems
The next thing that you must do is trim the stems of not just the main plant but also the baby plant. After you must have removed some of the baby plants, do well to use your shears to cut the baby stem near the base of the main paint.
Dispose of any baby plant and propagate the baby plant.
8. Plant Your Baby Spider Plants In Separate Containers.
For your spider to grow, you must choose the best baby spider plant that has roots growing at its base.
Plant the root of one of the baby spiders in a separate container that’s filled with soil. The container must be well-drained up to 4 to 5 in (10 to 12.5 cm) larger than the width of the baby plant.
After doing so, press the well-draining soil around the base of the plant and if the baby plants don’t have roots, then you can put them in a container with water.
Leave them there until they sprout roots. Ensure that you constantly replace the water in the container every few days or when you notice some oily liquid on the soil.
9. Water The New Spider Plant
The last step that you must take is to water the new spider plant but before that, soak the roots of the baby plant in the new pot or container. Then water it frequently to keep the soil moist.
After a few weeks, you will notice the growth of new spider plants. Water them only when you notice that the soil has dried out. This is so that you wouldn’t overwater the newly grown plants.
FAQs
1. How Do You Make A Spider Plant Full?
To make your spider plant full, you must grow the plant in a soil-based, well-draining potting mix as spider plants like even moisture.
Place your plants in bright to moderate indirect sunlight as this plant does like to be exposed to much sunlight to avoid burning the leaves.
2. How Do I Get More Spider Plant Babies?
The most common method of getting more spider plant babies is through propagation, and there are a few ways you can do it.
You can either root them in the soil while they’re still attached to the mother plant or you can cut them off and either root them in water or propagate your spider plantlets in soil.
3. How Can You Tell The Difference Between A Male And Female Spider Plant?
You can easily tell through their reproductive organs.
In a female spider plant, the epigyne is situated on the underside of the abdomen while in the male, there are two thickened pedipalps at the front of the head.
4. What Soil Is Best For Spider Plants?
The best suitable soil for a spider plant is loose, nutrient-rich potting soil which can retain moisture.
Conclusion
Spider plants can be trimmed whenever you choose to do so. All you need to do is to carefully follow the steps provided for you in this article and you will have a productivity result at the end of the season.
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