everything you need to know about the uses and benefits of spider plants
As one of the most popular houseplants, spider plants are loved by many. however, not everyone knows all the benefits that these plants provide! In addition to being a pleasure to look at and care for, they can also improve the environment and human health. Read on to learn more about some of the top spider plant benefits.
about spider plants
Known for their thin, arching leaves and adorable little “spiders,” spider plants are some of the most popular houseplants around. Although individual varieties vary in appearance, all spider plants are members of the species Chlorophytum comosum.
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These plants are native to much of Africa and grow in tropical forests. however, you can now find them all over the world as houseplants.
To keep these plants happy, you’ll want to provide a warm environment, with a temperature between 65 and 85ºF. they are tolerant to various levels of humidity, but prefer moderate to high humidity.
Although they like a lot of bright light, they prefer indirect sunlight to direct sunlight.
To help your plant thrive, plant it in a well-draining soil mix and water when the top few inches of soil are dry.
the benefits of spider plants
Spider plants are not only beautiful, they also offer numerous benefits. they can improve your health, improve the appearance of your home and more.
1) remove pollutants from the air
The 1989 NASA Clean Air Study is often cited as proof that houseplants can remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. In fact, this study shows that houseplants, including spider plants, can remove formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. however, it is not the only study out there!
a 1984 study examined how plants might help remove formaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant, from the air. they chose golden pothos, nephthys, and a spider plant as their test plants. results showed that spider plants were the most effective at removing formaldehyde.
More recent studies support the ability of spider plants to remove formaldehyde from the air. It is important to note that soil microorganisms associated with spider plants play an important role in air filtration.
Although spider plants remove pollutants from the air, most studies conduct experiments in small, sealed chambers. that means the impact of a plant in a room would be miniscule.
2) lead tolerant
While some plants cannot grow in soil contaminated with heavy metals like lead, spider plants can. one study showed that spider plants could grow well in soil containing up to 500 mg of lead per kg of dry soil.
another study showed that spider plants could be useful plants for lead phytoremediation. they remove lead from the soil and also have the benefits of high biomass and low cost.
3) useful in feng shui
With busy lives and stressful days, it helps to design our homes with balance in mind. That’s where the practice of feng shui comes in.
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spider plants have a strong connection to the earth element. therefore, placing a spider plant in your bedroom or living room can help you ground yourself. They can also be valuable additions near studies or desks, as they can help you connect with learning.
Because dead and dying plants can bring bad energy into your home, be sure to take good care of your spider plant. if you notice a problem, try to fix it as soon as possible.
4) easy to propagate
One of the best things about spider plants is how easy they are to propagate. If you’ve ever seen a healthy spider plant, you know that it can produce hundreds of seedlings.
These seedlings, also known as branchlets or spiderettes, grow on the tips of the plant’s leaves. they form after the plant produces flowers.
If you leave offsets on the mother plant long enough, they will form roots. At this point, all you need to do is remove the seedlings and place them in the ground. it’s as simple as that!
You can share these new spider plants with friends or place them all over your house.
5) okay for most allergies
Both aromatic plants and those with certain types of pollen can cause a runny nose and headaches. Fortunately, spider plants don’t bother most people.
Although the plants produce flowers, they are tiny and do not have much fragrance. That said, some people are sensitive to the pollen that flowers produce. therefore, it’s good to test for any sensitivities before adding one of these plants to your home or office.
6) low maintenance
If you travel a lot or don’t have much gardening skills, the spider plant might be the perfect plant for you! They don’t require a lot of care and usually don’t have too many problems with pests and diseases and only need to be repotted every 18 months or so. a light pruning of your spider plant will also keep them in a somewhat even shape if that’s your thing.
Spider Plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can even survive short periods as low as 40ºF! while they prefer moderate to high humidity, they can also tolerate short periods of drought. In general, the humidity of the average home is acceptable.
They can also handle changes quite well, so you don’t have to worry about moving them from room to room.
Also, they can tolerate overeating or not eating too much from time to time. That said, it’s best to water spider plants when the soil is slightly dry and you’ll want to fertilize occasionally in spring and summer.
Finally, spider plants can adapt to a wide variety of light conditions. Although they prefer bright, indirect light, they can also survive in darker areas.
7) improve the look of your home
While it’s probably obvious, spider plants are gorgeous! Whether you’re looking to spruce up a bright office or add a natural element to your bedroom, these plants will do the trick.
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Since spider plants are weeping, they work well in hanging baskets and in pots on plant stands. smaller plants also look lovely in pots on desks or tables.
You can also choose from different types of spider plants. the common variegated spider plant has white and green leaves, while the curly bonnie variety has long, curly leaves.
8) can reduce stress
if you think you feel relaxed when you spend time with plants, you’re not imagining it. Looking at plants like spider plants can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
One study examined the effect that houseplants and a window had on participants. results found that participants experienced less nervousness and anxiety when looking at nature through the window or at indoor plants.
Plants can also protect us from the stress of interacting with technology. a 2015 study separated participants into two groups: one transplanted plants and the other completed a task on the computer.
After the task, the group that interacted with the plants had lower diastolic blood pressure. they also reported feeling more comfortable and relaxed. so if you want to relax during work, adding a spider plant to your office can help.
9) can improve focus and productivity
If you find it hard to stay focused at work and find that your productivity drops throughout the day, a spider plant can help. Increasingly, adding plants to your workplace can lead to positive results.
one study examined the effects of placing plants in a windowless room. participants who completed tasks near plants had a 12% faster reaction time than participants in an area without plants.
Plants can not only help you improve your reaction time, but they can also improve your ability to concentrate. A 2011 study showed that plants can help prevent fatigue that comes with work, making it easier for you to focus throughout the day.
10) cheap and easy to find
While finding and buying a rare houseplant can be exciting, it can also be a hassle! And that’s regardless of how you feel if you kill a $100+ plant.
Spider plants are inexpensive and easy to find both at garden centers and online. And since they’re so easy to propagate, you might be able to get one of these plants from your friends.
These attributes make them great plants for both beginners and those on a tight budget.
11) non-toxic for dogs and cats
Although adults know not to eat houseplants, the same cannot be said for dogs and cats. The last thing you want is for your beloved pet to chew on a toxic houseplant.
Fortunately, the ASPCA reports that spider plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs. While you shouldn’t let your pets eat these plants, you don’t have to worry if they take a small bite.
summarizing
Now that you know the many benefits of spider plants, it’s time to take advantage of them! add one of these easy-care plants to your home and enjoy all they have to offer.
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