How to Care for a Spider Plant Outdoors

Spider plants, known for their resilience as houseplants, are highly adaptable and can flourish in an outdoor setting during warmer months. Their arching foliage adds texture to patios, hanging baskets, and garden beds in appropriate climates. With an understanding of their needs outside of a controlled indoor environment, these plants can achieve robust growth.

Ideal Outdoor Growing Conditions

When moved outdoors, a spider plant’s light requirement shifts. While tolerant of low light indoors, the intensity of direct outdoor sun can scorch its leaves. The ideal location provides bright, indirect sunlight or light shade. Placing the plant under a covered patio, beneath the canopy of a large tree, or on an east-facing porch where it only receives gentle morning sun are good ways to provide brightness without causing damage.

Outdoor conditions, particularly wind and higher temperatures, cause soil to dry out much faster than it does indoors. Monitor the moisture level by checking the top one to two inches of soil every few days. When this layer feels dry, water the plant thoroughly until water escapes the drainage holes. Proper drainage is a significant factor for outdoor spider plants, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, so use a quality potting mix for container plants.

For spider plants placed directly into a garden bed in suitable climates (USDA zones 9-11), soil composition is a primary consideration. These plants perform best in loose, loamy soil that allows excess water to drain away freely. If the native garden soil is heavy clay, it should be amended with organic matter like compost or perlite to improve its structure and drainage. Spider plants are also sensitive to high salt accumulations in the soil.

These tropical natives thrive in warmth and humidity, preferring an environment that mimics their origins. The ideal temperature range for active growth is between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). They are not frost-tolerant, and temperatures dropping below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage or stunt growth. The increased air circulation outdoors can also lead to dry conditions that may stress the plant.

The accelerated growth that occurs outdoors means spider plants benefit from a more consistent feeding schedule. During the primary growing season of spring and summer, applying a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks supports their development. Over-fertilizing should be avoided, as it can lead to chemical buildup and leaf tip burn.

Transitioning Spider Plants Outdoors

Moving a spider plant from the stable conditions of a home to an outdoor environment requires a gradual adjustment period known as hardening off. This process is designed to prevent shock from sudden changes in light, temperature, and wind. An abrupt move can lead to sunburn and stress, so slowly acclimating the plant over one to two weeks is recommended for a smooth transition.

The hardening off process should begin when outdoor temperatures are reliably above 60°F, even at night. Start by placing the plant in a fully shaded and sheltered location outdoors for one or two hours per day. A spot protected from strong winds is best. After a few days, gradually increase the plant’s time outside by an hour or two every couple of days.

As you extend the duration the plant spends outdoors, you can also start to incrementally increase its light exposure. Move it from deep shade to an area with dappled or filtered sunlight. Continue this slow progression over a period of about two weeks. By the end of this period, the spider plant should be resilient enough to remain in its final outdoor location.

Overwintering Outdoor Spider Plants

For those in climates with freezing temperatures, bringing spider plants indoors for the winter is necessary for their survival. These plants are not equipped to handle frost, and preparations should begin before the first cold snap. Bring them inside when nighttime temperatures consistently fall below 50-60°F (10-15°C). Waiting too long risks exposing the plant to damaging cold.

Before moving the plant indoors, a thorough inspection for pests is needed. Outdoor environments are home to insects like aphids, scale, slugs, and spiders that may have taken up residence in the plant. Carefully check the undersides of leaves, the base of the plant, and the soil surface. Rinsing the entire plant gently with a hose can help dislodge many unwanted hitchhikers.

If any pests are found, treat the issue while the plant is still outside to avoid introducing an infestation to other houseplants. An application of insecticidal soap can be effective against common pests like aphids and spider mites. After the plant is brought inside, its growth will slow due to lower light and temperatures. This means its need for water and fertilizer will decrease, so allow the soil to dry out more between waterings and cease fertilizing until spring.

Common Outdoor Problems and Solutions

One of the most frequent issues for spider plants grown outdoors is sun scorch from excessive direct sunlight. This appears as brown, dry patches or a bleached, faded look on the leaves. The solution is to move the plant to a location with more shade or filtered light. The damaged leaves will not recover, but the plant will produce new, healthy growth once it is in a more suitable spot.

Outdoor plants are more exposed to pests than their indoor counterparts. Common pests that can cause damage to the foliage include:

• Slugs
• Caterpillars
• Aphids
• Scale

Aphids and scale insects can often be managed with a strong spray of water from a hose or by using an insecticidal soap. Regularly checking the leaves can help you catch these problems early.

Strong winds can be another environmental challenge, causing physical damage to the spider plant’s long leaves. The foliage can become torn, creased, or broken, leading to a tattered appearance. To prevent this, place the plant in a location that is sheltered from strong gusts, such as against a house wall or among a grouping of other plants.

Pale or yellowing leaves on an outdoor spider plant can indicate a couple of different issues. It is often a sign of overwatering, which can be a problem if the pot has poor drainage and is exposed to frequent rain. Conversely, yellowing can also suggest a nutrient deficiency. If the soil is not waterlogged, the paleness may mean the plant requires feeding.