6 Creative Ways to Display Curly Spider Plants & More .

Curly spider plants also known as Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’ is a popular houseplant variety characterized by their curly, variegated leaves.

Native to South Africa, curly spider plants are part of the Asparagaceae family and are known for their air-purifying qualities.

Let’s answer the many questions asked about curly spider plants’ care and maintenance, and some creative ways to display them.

So, keep reading to learn more about the beautiful and versatile curly spider plant.

In This Article

6 creative ways to Display Curly Spider Plants at Home and in Your Office

There are many creative ways to display curly spider plants in both home and office settings. Here are a few ideas:

Hang them from the ceiling with beautiful hanging plant pots. The best way to display spider plants is by hanging them from the ceiling. This is my personal choice, I put them in a macrame or woven plant hanger. It creates a beautiful cascading effect that can add visual interest to my space.
Place them in a Terrarium. Putting them in Terrariums creates a miniature garden that can be easily displayed on a tabletop or shelf. Add some decorative rocks or moss to the bottom of the terrarium to create a natural-looking display.
Use them as a centrepiece. A small spider plant can make a beautiful centrepiece for a dining table or coffee table. Place it in a decorative pot and surround it with candles or other decorative items to create a unique display.
Create a living wall. If you have a larger space to work with, consider creating a living wall using several spider plants. This can be done using stylized hanging planters or by attaching the plants to the wall.
Incorporate them into a bookshelf display. Spider plants are a great addition to a bookshelf display. Place a few plants on different shelves and allow them to trail down the sides of the bookshelf for a natural feel.
Use them as desk decor. A small spider plant can make a great addition to a desk or workspace. Place it in a decorative pot by a window to purify the air and add some greenery to your work environment.

Frequently Asked Questions On Spider Plant (Babies, Toxicity and Watering Needs)

Can curly spider plants grow or live in water?

Yes, curly spider plants can grow and live in water. In fact, they are known to be one of the easiest houseplants to propagate in water.

To do so;

Simply cut off a healthy, mature spider plant baby or “pup” that has its own roots, and place it in a vase or jar filled with water.
Change the water every few days to prevent the growth of algae and promote healthy root growth.
Once the roots are well-established, you can transfer the plant to soil or continue to grow it in water, replacing the water every 1-2 weeks.

Keep in mind that while spider plants can survive in water alone, they still require proper nutrients to thrive, so be sure to fertilize them every few months if you choose to keep them in water.

What is the best soil mix for curly spider plants?

Curly spider plants prefer a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. Here’s a simple recipe for a soil mix that works well for curly spider plants:

Items Needed:

2 parts potting soil
1 part perlite or coarse sand
1 part peat moss or coconut coir

Planting Instructions:

In a large container, mix together the potting soil, perlite or coarse sand, and peat moss or coconut coir until well combined.
Add water to the mix and stir until it’s moist but not waterlogged.
Fill your pot with the soil mix, leaving enough space at the top for your spider plant’s roots.
Plant your spider plant, making sure the roots are covered with soil but the base of the plant is not buried.
Water your plant thoroughly and allow the excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot.

This soil mix provides good drainage and aeration for the spider plant’s roots while also retaining moisture and nutrients. Remember to repot your spider plant every 1-2 years to ensure it has fresh, nutrient-rich soil to grow in.

Why is my curly spider plant losing curl?

There could be a few reasons why your curly spider plant is losing its curl:

Lack of moisture: Spider plants require consistent moisture to maintain their curl. If the soil is too dry, the leaves can become limp and lose their curl. Make sure to water your plant regularly, and consider misting it occasionally to increase humidity.
Lack of nutrients: Spider plants require nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to maintain their health and vitality. If your plant is not receiving enough nutrients, it may become weak and lose its curl. Try fertilizing your plant with a balanced houseplant fertilizer every 2-3 months.
Low light: Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light. If your plant is not receiving enough light, it may become weak and lose its curl. Try moving your plant to a brighter location, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Overcrowding: If your spider plant has become overcrowded, it may not have enough space to grow and maintain its curl. Consider repotting your plant into a larger pot with fresh soil to give it more room to grow.

Are Curly Spider Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Curly spider plants are non-toxic to cats. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) affirms this. If your cat ingests or chews on the leaves or stems of a curly spider plant, it will have no harmful effects.

However, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on your cat around any houseplants, as some cats may have a sensitivity or allergy to certain plants.

How long does it take for a curly spider plant to grow babies?

Curly spider plants are known for their prolific production of “Spiderettes” or “babies,” which are small plantlets that grow on long, arching stems.

The amount of time it takes for a curly spider plant to produce babies can vary depending on a few factors, including the plant’s age, health, and growing conditions.

In general, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year for a curly spider plant to start producing babies.

Once the plant has matured and is well-established, it will typically begin to send out long stems with small plantlets at the end. These plantlets can be propagated to create new spider plants or left on the parent plant to create a fuller, more lush appearance.

How do I encourage my spider plant to grow babies?

To encourage your curly spider plant to produce more babies, make sure it’s getting adequate light, water, and nutrients. You can also try misting the leaves occasionally or placing the plant in a humid location to promote healthy growth. With proper care, your curly spider plant should produce plenty of babies for years to come.

Here are a few tips to encourage your spider plant to produce more spiderettes:

Provide adequate light. Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, it may not produce as many babies. Try moving your plant to a brighter location or supplementing it with artificial light if necessary.
Keep the soil moist. Spider plants require consistent moisture to thrive. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, by watering regularly and misting the leaves occasionally.
Provide nutrients. Spider plants benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. This will help provide the nutrients they need to produce healthy babies.
Keep the plant pot-bound. Spider plants tend to produce more babies when they are slightly root-bound. Avoid repotting your plant too frequently, and choose a pot that is just slightly larger than the root ball.
Pinch off the babies. Once your spider plant has produced several babies, you can encourage it to produce even more by pinching off the largest and healthiest plantlets. This will redirect the plant’s energy towards producing new babies.

How often should you water a curly spider plant?

Curly spider plants prefer to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. The frequency of watering your curly spider plant will depend on a few factors, such as the size of the pot, the type of soil used, and the humidity level in your home.

As a general guideline, aim to water your curly spider plant once a week, but always check the soil first to ensure it needs watering.

Stick your finger about an inch into the soil, and if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If the soil feels moist, you can wait a few more days before checking again.

During the winter months or in cooler environments, your curly spider plant may require less frequent watering, as the soil will take longer to dry out. On the other hand, in warmer or more humid environments, you may need to water your plant more often.

Is Curly Spider Plant Good for the Bedroom?

Yes, spider plants can be a great addition to a bedroom as they have several benefits that can promote a healthy indoor environment.

Firstly, spider plants purify the air by removing harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. This is important in the bedroom where we spend a significant amount of time breathing in the air.

Additionally, spider plants are known for their calming and relaxing properties.

Studies show that having plants in a bedroom reduces stress and anxiety levels, which leads to better sleep quality. The visual presence of greenery can also help create a soothing and peaceful atmosphere, which is ideal for a bedroom setting.

Finally, spider plants are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, including low light, making them an ideal plant for a bedroom where natural light may be limited.

Do curly spider plants stay curly?

Yes, curly spider plants typically stay curly as long as they are grown under proper conditions. The curly or wavy leaves are a natural characteristic of the plant and are caused by a mutation in the plant’s genes.

However, curly spider plants can lose their curls or develop straight leaves if they are not getting enough light or are grown in poor conditions. For example, if the plant is grown in low light or is not getting enough water or nutrients, it may start to produce leaves that are less curly or even straight.

To keep your curly spider plant looking its best, make sure it’s getting adequate light, water, and nutrients. You can also try misting the leaves occasionally or placing the plant in a humid location to promote healthy growth. With proper care, your curly spider plant should maintain its signature curly leaves for years to come.

How Long Does It Take For A Curly Spider Plant To Grow Babies?

Under optimal conditions, curly spider plants can produce babies within a few months to a year after being planted. The exact timing will depend on factors such as the plant’s age, size, and growing conditions.