How To Revive Dying Spider Plants? (All Possible Problems+Solution)

Spider plants are easy-going and forgiving plants. Some hobbyist loves their spider plant but struggles to keep them alive. So, if you are among those who is struggling to keep your spider plant alive, then you are in the right place. Today, we are going to learn some ninja tips for reviving a spider plant. So, let’s get started.

To save a dying spider plant, move the plant to a bright spot that gets indirect light, and examine the plant for possible damage. The most likely cause would be too much water or pest infestation. Let the soil dry out before watering, and spray some neem oil to deal with pest infestation. Repot the plant if needed.

We don’t want to panic you, but we want you to understand the symptoms and take necessary actions to save your spider plant from wilting.

Signs a spider plant is dying

Our plants might not speak as humans do, but they will give you visual cues when they are in trouble. The spider plant will also give you some visual signs if they are suffering. Some signs of a dying spider plant include:

• Leaves turning yellow and brown
• No new growth
• Bad smell in soil
• Soggy soil
• Leaves falling off
• Droopy foliage

If you notice any of these signs, then it means your plant is suffering. You need to take the necessary steps to save your plants from dying. So, without further delay, let’s get right into it.

How to save dying spider plant?

Seeing your plant die is stressful. It would be best if you took quick actions to revive your spider plants. With the right action and resources, you can save your dying spider plants.

Now there can be several problems that could lead to the wilting of your spider plant. The most crucial step is identifying the right problems and taking the necessary actions to revive your spider plant.

Overwatered spider plant

Most people end up killing their spider plant is by overwatering them. If you are also making a mistake of overwatering your spider plants, then you should take quick actions to rectify it.

Watering should not suffocate your beloved plant; instead should provide required nutrients to the soil, roots, and foliage.

Possible problems: 

• The leaves will start turning yellow
• An overwatered plant can attract pests and bugs
• New leaves start falling off
• Leaves start losing their color
• If left in too much water, leaves will start turning brown.
• And finally, the root will start to rot.

Solutions:

• Pause watering your spider plant.
• Give them bright indirect light all day long.
• Let the soil dry out completely and provide proper air circulation.
• Loosen the soil from the top to allow better airflow within the soil.
• Water the plant only when the soil gets dry.

You can also get a moisture meter to determine the need for water in your spider plant.

Prevention:

• If you keep checking the soil before watering them, you will never overwater your plant.
• Avoid following any prescribed routine to water your spider plant.
• You can check the soil moistness by digging a finger/skewer in the soil and feel if the soil is dry or moist.
• It would be best if you didn’t let the soil and roots stay wet for long.
• Make sure that the excess water drains out through drainage holes.
• Water your spider plant according to the season. During winter, the plant needs less water, and during summer, the plant needs more water.

Also read: How often should you water your spider plant?

Under watered spider plant

If you are like me, who forget to water your spider plant, or you love going out on a long vacation, then your spider plant has to stay thirsty for a long time. 

The spider plant might do well even if underwater. However, if they are left in similar circumstances for an extended period, they are likely to suffer.

It would be best if you never boned dry your spider plant. You can learn how to keep them hydrated and healthy by going through the following points.

Possible Problems:

• Leaves are losing their color.
• Dry and crisp foliage.
• Some leaves start turning brown.
• Brown edges will start appearing.
• Plant experience slow growth.
• The leaves look lifeless and pale.

Solution:

• You need to clip any damaged part of the leaves of your spider plant.
• Water your dehydrated spider plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain out.
• After the excess water has drained out, water the plant again to rehydrate the plant.
• You can also fill a large pot, dunk the plant pot into it and let it sit for a while and then place it back on its spot. 
• Also, make sure the plant is getting enough light.

Prevention:

• Avoid following any routine to water your plant. 
• Water your plants thoroughly every time you water them. 
• Since the season changes the plant’s water needs, you should water according to its needs.
• Inspect the soil mix if it is well-draining or not. Make sure the soil is well-draining.
• You can use the bottom watering method to make sure the plant gets adequate water.

Also read: Overwatering vs. Under-watering your spider plant.

Lighting issues with spider plant

Lighting issues generally indicate either too much light or low light for long hours. Both are a problem for your spider plant. 

It suggests that there should be a balance of both, which means moderation could be the way out. We have gone to relevant details concerning the same.

Possible problems:

Too much light:

• Your plant will get a sunburn.
• Leaves start wilting and turning brown.
• The foliage and leaves start drooping.

Low light:

• The plant has weak stems and leaves.
• Leaves start drooping.
• Plant experience leggy growth.

Solution:

• Move your plant to a better light exposure, which is an indirect bright light for at least 6 hours. 
• Keep your plant near a window but make sure the plant should not be exposed to direct sun for too long. 
• Provide indirect light during the intense hours and some direct light when the sun is rising/setting.

You can also get some grow lights if you feel your spider plant is not getting enough light. Try this amazing SANSI 15W LED Grow Light Bulb, which I got from amazon.

Prevention: 

• Avoid direct sun on your spider plant for more than a few hours.
• If you keep your spider plant in the east or south, they will get enough light for healthy growth.
• You can choose the right direction on your own, the spot where the plant gets early morning sun and late afternoon sun.
• If you keep your plant outdoors, make sure the plant is not exposed to direct light for too long.
• Install a shade over your plant to prevent the plant from burning due to direct sun.
• Use artificial light if enough sun is not available for your plant., especially during winters.

Also read: How much light do spider plant need?

Root rot in spider plant

Root rot is a condition where a plant is suffering a lot from within. That happens mostly due to overwatering or heavy soil mix.

The roots suffocate, become vulnerable to fungal diseases, root rot, etc. They cannot survive on their own anymore due to continuous pressure and unfavorable conditions both externally and internally.

Possible problems:

• Slow to no new growth.
• Foul smell in the soil.
• Soft, brown, and mushy roots.
• The leaves start drooping and turning yellow.
• Black and brown spots are visible on the leaves.
• The leaves may start turning pale and losing their color.
• Leaves are losing their shine and luster.
• With severe damage to the roots, the plant may die within ten days.

Solution: 

• Take out your spider plant from the pot gently by holding the leaves.
• Examine the condition of the roots without messing much with the roots.
• The roots should be in a condition to revive them back to life.
• If the roots are entirely mushy, brown, and soft, then you might have to get rid of the plant.
• If there are any white, firm roots present in there, then there is a ray of hope for your spider plant.
• Now, wash the plant under running water and use soap water to eliminate the bacteria and fungus in the roots. 
• Keep the plant in fresh air for some time to let it breathe and get rid of the fungus.
• You can soak the roots in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water for a few minutes.
• You can now prepare light and well-draining soil mix.
• Sterilize the soil and sterilize the fresh pot as well.
• Line some pebbles at the bottom of the pot and add the soil mix.
• Fertilize after a few days and water appropriately.

Prevention: 

• To avoid such a situation in the first place, make sure your plant is watered adequately and the excess water is draining out.
• Inspect your plant health every few days so you can quickly identify any changes in the plant.
• Provide enough light for your plant and make sure the plant is kept in the right airflow place.
• Avoid wet and soggy soil in any condition.

A Quick Tip:

Keep a healthy piece of cuttings from your leftover plant before repotting them so that you have the security that even if the repotting is unsuccessful, you can grow another plant from its cuttings.

Pest Infestation in spider plant

Pests are irritating creatures disturbing your plant’s growth and health. You might not even know, and these pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, scales, aphids, etc., have sucked all the goodness from your plant.

We need to go through all the plant foliage and leaves and make sure not even a single egg is left behind after a complete cure.

Possible problems:

• Visible white spots were seen on the foliage.
• Distorted leaves and stems.
• Holes can be seen on the leaves.
• New leaves start falling off.
• Slow growth
• Speckled leaves
• Leaf blight

Solution:

• Immediately separate your infested spider plant to save another plant from infestation.
• Use a cotton ball dipped in soapy water to clean the leaves, which can help eliminate a lot of pests stuck to the leaves.
• You can make a solution with neem oil and dish soap to 1-liter water. Spray this solution over the plant till the problem persists.
• Take half parts of alcohol and add some neem oil to it and spray your plant well. It works like magic to get rid of the pests.

Prevention:

• To keep pests at bay, keep a check on your plant every few days without fail. 
• It would be best to inspect your plants every few days to keep a check on the pest population.
• Use neem oil and water spray every 10-15 days as a preventive measure.
• Do not over-fertilize or over water your plant.

Inappropriate temperature

The temperature usually doesn’t cause much difficulties to the plant, but if the temperature in your region fluctuates a lot, then it could be the reason for your stressed spider plant.

Temperature is cultural and not in our control but protecting our plant is in our control. Let us see how we can help our plants.

Possible problems: 

• Leaves get shrunken.
• Some leaves will start losing their color.
• Brown spots start appearing.
• New leaves start to droop.
• The plant looks stressed.

Solution:

• Trim the damaged leaves.
• Monitor the temperature around your spider plant. Make sure it is between 55°F to 85°F.
• As per the need, keep the plant in a proper lighting arrangement. 
• Move your spider plant to a warmer spot during colder months.

Prevention: 

• Keep your spider plant at a temperature level between 55°F to 85°F.
• Avoid keeping your plant at a temperature level below 35°F.
• Move your plant to a more suitable spot if the temperature level is above 85°F
• It would be ideal to move your spider plant away from radiators and vents.

Humidity issues in spider plant

If the humidity level is too high or too low around your plant, the plant may suffer. Mostly the leaves will show signs of stress.

In the case of spider plants, low humidity also works well. But too high might be an issue for them. We need to see and manage the entire situation in favor of our plant.

Possible problems:

• Brown spots start appearing.
• Some leaves start turning dry and crisp.
• You may also notice some brown tips in the leaves.

Solution:

• Maintain moderate humidity levels around your spider plant.
• Mist around the spider plant to maintain ideal humidity for the plant.
• You can also use a humidifier to regulate the humidity around your spider plant.

Prevention:

• Maintain humidity level around and above 40% around your spider plant.
• Avoid direct sun on your plant.
• Water appropriately.
• Use a humidifier for accurate level.

You can try this amazing Homech humidifier from amazon.

Also read: Should I mist my spider plant? (Appropriate humidity levels)

Last words

1. Spider plants should not be stressed by over caring. Love your plant but don’t kill them with your love.
2. Providing a balance of appropriate water, enough light, the right amount of fertilizer will keep the spider plant healthy forever.
3. Do not mist your spider plant regularly.
4. Water from the soil and not the leaves.
5. Keep the temperature and humidity levels in check around your spider plant.
6. Take out time for your plant every few days.

---

Source: Common insect pests and diseases, College of agricultural studies,  Spider Plants Introduction, University of Vermont, Spider plant care, National science foundation.