Growth Rate of the Spider Plant

Growth Characteristics

• The spider plant is a low-growing plant that has thin, curving leaves. These leaves typically spread out to between 2 and 4 feet in diameter. The leaves of the plant grow from a central spot in the soil without a visible stem. This plant is a perennial species with evergreen leaves. The flowers of the spider plant are small, white blooms that grow periodically over the course of the year. These flowers produce small, pod-shaped fruit that are less than 1/2 inch in length. The spider plant typically reaches maturity within two years, when it begins producing plantlets that you can transplant to begin new plants.

Nutrient Requirements

• A healthily growing spider plant requires fertilization with nitrogen-, phosphorous- and potassium-based fertilizers in a 3 to 1 to 2 ratio. Spider plants are particularly susceptible to damage from excess levels of fluoride and boron in the soil. Avoid introducing water or fertilizers with high concentrations of these chemicals to your spider plants to ensure regular growth. They also grow well in soils with small quantities of iron, magnesium, copper and zinc. The ideal concentrations of these minerals for your spider plants are 50 to 300 parts per million of iron and magnesium, 25 to 300 ppm of zinc and 10 to 60 ppm of copper. Spider plants will grow slowly in soils without the proper nutrient levels.

Environmental Needs

• Spider plants can tolerate a wide range of ambient temperatures and light levels in the area they are growing in. Spider plants prefer areas with a moderate amount of shade. Plants grown in locations that are over exposed to light will experience reduced growth rates and produce wilted, yellowed leaves. Spider plants grow best in USDA hardiness zones nine through 11, restricting their outdoor growth to the southern parts of Florida, Arizona or Texas and the coastal regions of California. Spider plants only produce significant growth at temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but can survive at temperatures as low as 35 degrees.

Pest Problems

• There are four types of insect infestation that are common to spider plants including caterpillars, scales, thrips and mealybugs. These pests can negatively affect the health and growth of your plants. They are typically controlled using insecticides that are absorbed through the plants' roots. Caterpillars are also responsive to pesticides but you can remove them physically. Spider plants growing in well-drained soil are less susceptible to damage from overexposure to pesticides and fungal infections of the roots.