Spider plants, recognized by their arching foliage and plantlets, are highly favored houseplants due to their air-purifying qualities and ease of care. While commonly grown indoors, these adaptable plants can also flourish outdoors under suitable conditions. Growing them outdoors can provide a different aesthetic, particularly in hanging baskets where their “spiders” can cascade beautifully.
Outdoor Environment Essentials
Spider plants thrive outdoors with specific environmental conditions. They prefer filtered sunlight, partial shade, or dappled light, mimicking their native tropical habitat. Direct, harsh sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, can scorch their delicate leaves. Placing them in a location that receives 3 to 4 hours of sunlight after acclimation is often ideal.
The optimal temperature range for spider plants outdoors is 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). While they tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C), growth may slow significantly, and temperatures below this can cause damage. Spider plants will not survive freezing conditions.
Maintaining moderate to high humidity levels is also beneficial. In drier climates, misting or grouping plants can help increase localized humidity. Strong winds can cause physical damage to leaves and accelerate soil drying, so a sheltered location is advantageous.
Daily Care for Outdoor Spider Plants
Outdoor spider plants typically require more frequent watering than their indoor counterparts due to increased evaporation from sun exposure and wind. Water them when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, ensuring thorough saturation until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Using distilled water or rainwater is recommended, as spider plants are sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride found in tap water, which may lead to brown leaf tips.
Spider plants thrive in well-draining soil, whether in containers or garden beds. A loose, loamy potting mix with good drainage prevents root rot. For in-ground planting, amending heavy clay soils with organic matter such as compost, perlite, or sand improves drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, around 6.0-7.0, is generally preferred for optimal growth.
During their active growing season in spring and summer, outdoor spider plants benefit from regular fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 15-15-15), diluted to half the recommended strength, can be applied every two to four weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to salt buildup and leaf tip burn. Fertilization should be reduced or stopped during cooler, dormant months.
Protecting Your Outdoor Spider Plant
When transitioning spider plants from indoors to an outdoor environment, hardening off is important to prevent shock. This involves gradually exposing the plant to outdoor conditions over one to two weeks, starting with a shady spot and slowly increasing its exposure to filtered sunlight. This allows the plant to acclimate to brighter light, temperature fluctuations, and increased air movement outdoors. Moving plants too quickly can result in wilting or damaged leaves.
Outdoor spider plants can be susceptible to common pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Regular inspection, especially of the undersides of leaves, is essential to detect infestations early. For minor issues, rinsing the plant with a strong stream of water can dislodge pests. Insecticidal soap can be effective for more persistent problems, and isolating infested plants helps prevent spread to other plants.
Before temperatures consistently drop below 50-55°F (10-13°C), bring outdoor spider plants indoors for winter. Before bringing them inside, thoroughly inspect the plants for any hidden pests, checking leaves, stems, and the top layer of soil. Treating pest issues outdoors, such as with insecticidal soap, helps prevent their introduction to indoor plants.