How to Grow and Care for a Curly Spider Plant

The curly spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’, is distinguished by its arching leaves that twist and curl, displaying vibrant green and creamy white stripes. Unlike its common relative with straight foliage, this cultivar’s compact growth habit makes it a popular choice for desktops and shelves. Its reputation as a low-maintenance and adaptable plant adds to its appeal, making it a frequent choice for those new to indoor gardening.

Curly Spider Plant Care

Light

To maintain the signature curl and vibrant variegation of the leaves, the plant requires bright, indirect light. An ideal location is near an east-facing window where it can receive gentle morning sun. While the plant can tolerate lower light conditions, its growth may slow, and the leaves might lose some of their curl and striping. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to become pale or yellow.

Water

‘Bonnie’ spider plants prefer the soil to be kept lightly and evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly once the top 25% of the soil feels dry to the touch, allowing the excess to drain completely to avoid root rot. These plants can be sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in tap water, which can lead to brown leaf tips. Using distilled water, rainwater, or tap water that has been left out for 24 hours can help prevent this issue. Always confirm by checking the soil moisture with your finger before adding more water.

Soil

A well-draining potting medium is necessary for a healthy root system. The ‘Bonnie’ spider plant thrives in a loose, porous mix that retains some moisture but allows excess water to escape efficiently. You can create a suitable blend by combining a standard houseplant potting soil with materials like perlite or bark to improve aeration. A mix of three parts all-purpose potting soil to one part perlite works well to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Temperature and Humidity

Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’ is adaptable to typical household environments, preferring temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15-24°C). It can tolerate a broader range but should be protected from temperatures dropping below 55°F (13°C) and sudden drafts. This plant appreciates moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 60%. Increasing humidity by misting, using a pebble tray, or grouping it with other plants can promote more robust growth.

Fertilizer

During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, the curly spider plant benefits from regular feeding. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, can be applied once a month. Over-fertilizing can be counterproductive, leading to fewer of the baby plantlets that spider plants are known for producing. Stop fertilizing during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows.

Propagating a Curly Spider Plant

The ‘Bonnie’ produces long, hanging stems called runners, which develop small plantlets, or “spiderettes,” at their ends. Propagation is best done during the spring or summer growing season. A spiderette is ready to be propagated once it has developed its own small, visible roots, about an inch or two long.

You can snip the plantlet off the runner and start it in its own container. For water rooting, place the base of the spiderette into a jar of clean, distilled water, ensuring only the root area is submerged. Change the water every few days, and once a substantial root system has formed, transfer the plantlet to a pot with soil.

To plant directly in soil, place the spiderette into a small pot with a suitable potting mix, burying its small roots. Keep the soil lightly moist as the new plant establishes itself.

Common Problems and Solutions

Brown leaf tips are a common spider plant problem, often caused by minerals in tap water, such as fluoride, or by inconsistent watering. Switching to filtered or distilled water can often resolve this. If you notice the leaves on your ‘Bonnie’ are losing their curl and growing straighter, it is a strong indication of insufficient light. Moving the plant to a location with brighter, indirect sunlight will encourage new growth to be curly.

Mushy, yellowing leaves at the base of the plant are a sign of overwatering and potential root rot. Inspect the roots; healthy roots should be firm and white. Black, mushy roots indicate rot and should be trimmed off with clean scissors before repotting into fresh, well-draining soil. Common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs can be treated with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.