How to Revive a Spider Ivy Plant

Position your spider plant in bright light for best results. Although this tolerant plant will grow in most any light conditions, it does especially well while in the natural light streaming in from a window or while on your front porch or deck during frost-free weather. If your spider plant appears to be barely sending out new growth, it might not be receiving the nutrients needed from light to produce growth. Exposure to natural light will revive your plant by providing proper nutrients.

During its active growth period in the summer, water the soil in your spider plant to keep it moist but not soggy. Allow the soil to become dry between watering during the other seasons. If the ends of the leaves turn brown, you can revive your plant by watering it less to prevent browning leaves and root rot.

Use a commercial fertilizer once every three months to feed your spider plant. Lack of nutrients can cause any houseplant to deteriorate. While the spider plant doesn't require frequent fertilization, a commercial fertilizer reduced to half strength helps to keep roots, leaves and new growth healthy and strong.

Prune new growth, also referred to as "spider babies," with pruning shears. You can leave some of the new growth on your spider plant to give it a cascading look as it hangs near the window, but too many spider babies take essential nutrients away from the main plant. By removing most of the new growth, your spider plant will quickly perk up as it starts receiving more nutrients.