Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) appreciate consistency. When watering, moisten all the soil with room temperature water and repeat when the soil becomes slightly dry. Always remove run-off water after it drains. Dry, curling leaves, spotted and yellowing, are a sign that your spider plant needs more regular watering in the growing period.  In winter, your spider plant will be in a non-growth phase and can be watered more sparingly. It is conditioned to the winter dryness of its native habitat, and you can let the top inch to half inch of soil dry before watering again from November to March. If the leaves look bleached, it can be an indication that watering should be more consistent.

Spider plants can be sensitive to fluoride and salts in your water supply. If you notice leaf tips turning brown, try using rainwater or distilled water for your plant.

You can add humidity to your room by placing the plant container and its run-off dish on top of a tray of wet pebbles. The water will evaporate up into the leafy area of the plant from the high surface area of the pebble tray. The additional humidity will help to regulate soil moisture and reduce leaf tip browning.

Learn more about caring for your spider plant from our Guide to Spider Plants.

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service