Spider plant is really popular amongst many plant lovers and gardening aficionados. It features gorgeous spiderettes and looks really beautiful with other plants.
Moisture problems can turn browning and yellowing leaf condition in spider plants.
Overwatered spider plant also faces growth issues, but mistakes happen. If you are providing water to your spider plant in excess amount unconsciously, then you will see undersized growth, brown spots, and yellow leaves. It is the worst scenario and you should start worrying about your spider plant.
When you overwater your spider plant, it invites fatal root rot. It is really imperative to identify overwatering signs in spider plants so that you can find the appropriate solution.
If you think your spider plant is dealing with overwatering issues, then stop watering your plant. Improve the drainage system of soil and spot the marks of root rot that we have mentioned above.
The solution is really simple as you can change the soil and repot the plant. You also have to check temperature, humidity, and aeration.
Overwatering is the most probable reason for disease in spider plants. Overwatering can cause waterlogged soil and in this scenario, the roots of spider plants can’t get enough oxygen. It shows the end of your spider plant and you should treat any cause as soon as possible.
If you want to initiate a rescue mission for your spider plant then the process is really simple. Recognize fatal symptoms and find the best solutions. So, it is really easy to revive an overwatered spider plant.
The appearance of Overwatered Spider Plant:
Whether you are a pro in gardening or not, you can simply recognize the signs of overwatering in a spider plant. An overwatered spider plant looks lifeless, skinny, and faded. T
he brown leaf tip is another common sign of overwatering. Overwatering may also cause soft, wilted, and curled leaves. If the condition of overwatering is severe, then you can sense an unpleasant smell which indicates the root rot issue in the base of the spider plant.
Overwatered vs. Underwatered Spider Plant:
An overwatered spider plant looks almost the same as an underwatered spider plant. So, it is important to find the subtle difference between these two. Overwatering an overwatered spider plant is like welcoming a nuisance. It may kill the spider plant.
The Condition of Soil:
In overwatered cases, the soil will appear darker, soggy, and or wet. It also shows some fungal diseases on top of potting mix. Light and dry soil indicate an underwatered spider plant.
Dropping of Leaves:
You can easily identify the sign of watering with the dropping of leaves. In overwatering situation, both old and new leaves will start falling. In the underwatering scenario, the spider plant fails to produce new leaves.
Stems:
The stems of the spider plant will start yellowing and curled in underwatering. The base stems of the plant will start mushy and weak in overwatering conditions.
Leaf Tips:
The leaf tips in the underwatered case will become brown before turning yellow. But, the leaf tips will appear brown and yellow at the same time in overwatering conditions.
The Condition of Leaves:
The situation of leaves is the same in both scenarios. They turn wilt, yellow, and dead in both conditions. In overwatering case, the leaves will look mushy, soft, or fluffy. Lack of water in spider plants will show dry and crispy leaves.
Major Signs of Overwatered Spider Plant:
When your spider plant suffers from overwatering problem, there are several signs to look out for. By identifying the following signs, you can start the rescue mission for reviving your spider plant.
Leaves Will Start Turning Yellow:
If you notice that your spider is dealing with the overwatering problem, you will experience yellow leaves instead of green. It is one of the biggest signs of overwatered spider plant leaves.
This problem starts from the lower part of the spider plant. You have to take immediate action by stopping overwatering your plant. The leaves will also start dropping and turning yellow.
Yellowing of spider plant leaves also occur due to several other reasons like pest infestation, sunburn, mineral deposit, or nutrient deficiency.
Moldy and Saggy Soil:
You can simply check the overwatering issue by checking the physical condition of the soil. If it is wet, soggy, or moldy, then it is a clear indication of overwatering.
It mostly happens due to waterlogged which is the main cause of improper drainage systems. Wet soil can damage the roots and invites deadly root rot. It also welcomes fungal growth which is not good for your spider plant.
Mushy and Puffy Leaves:
Inflated and soft leaves indicate clear signs of edema. It mostly happens with overwatered spider plants and you will see water-soaked blotches and mushy leaves. Both stems and leaves will appear bloated and mushy.
Brown Spots on Spider Leaves:
Brown or rusty spots appear on the leaves f the spider plant due to improper irrigation. They start from small spots but end in large brown spots. It means your spider plant is bounded by a water-soaked or yellow halo.
Drooping of Leaves:
It depends on the harshness of overwatering they will start wilting. If you are continuously providing water to your spider plant then it invites the dropping of leaves. These kinds of leaves are bloated, mushy, and limp.
Due to excess water, it makes air pockets in the clay and roots can’t breathe. As a result, the spider plant will eventually die.
Dried-up Appearance of Spider Plant:
Due to excess watering, your spider plant will appear shriveled and soft. It will look dry and lifeless. It is because of the bloating and softening of stems and fronds. It is the main cause of tissue damage, root rot, and edema.
Root Rot:
You can easily guess the overwatering issue in a spider plant by seeing the root rot. It is a fungal disease and the roots of spider plants will appear brown or black. They will look soft and sensitive. Stop giving water to your spider plant until its soil dries.
Curling of Spider Plant Leaves:
Leaves of your overwatered spider plant will get wrinkled or curly. It happens because of the huge damage to the root system. Your spider plant can’t absorb water in this condition and results in many problems.
Leaf Edges Turn Brown:
Brown tips of leaves indicate the overwatering issue. If the condition of the tip is not severe then you can resolve it by not providing water for a couple of weeks. If the condition is severe, then it means your spider plant is overwatered.
Pests:
Mealybugs, whiteflies, scales, and more can cause damage to spider plants. These pests attack the plant in the damp and warm seasons. It indicates clear signs of overwatering.
How to Revive an Overwatered Spider Plant (7 Simple Steps):
1 – Stop Watering the Spider Plant:
It is understood that you should stop watering your overwatered spider plant. There are so many signs of overwatering that we discussed above. If you’re overwatered spider plant leaves drooping, dropping, or bloating, then don’t provide water. Protect your spider plant from rain or moisture if you really want to revive it.
2 – Change the Location of Spider Plant:
You have to be careful in watering your spider plant. The situation is different for both indoor and outdoor spider plants.
Your outdoor spider plant will require enough water if it gets direct sunlight. Well, direct sunlight is not good for spider plants so relocate it ASAP. Keep it in bright and sunny locations in indirect sunlight. In this way, your spider plant can work on its recovery and progress.
3 – If the Soil is Soggy then Change It:
If the overall condition of your plant is good but its soil is moist and soggy, then you are in luck. Suck out excess moisture from soil by using different DIY hacks.
You can also tilt the pot of the spider plants in order to remove excess water. Keep it in a bright and sunny spot for a few days.
If the condition of the soil is normal then you can fertilize it. The best temperature for the recovery of overwatered spider plants is 20 to 30 degrees centigrade. Try to reduce humidity and improve aeration.
4 – Check the Drainage Problem:
You need to change the potting mix of your spider plant after 12 months. Used soil retains too much water which is not ideal for an overwatered spider plant. This thing leads to waterlogging issues and it’s the right time for repotting your spider plant with fresh soil.
It solves your overwatering issue and also enhances the drainage capacity. If you experience a foul smell then it indicates root rot. By checking the drainage hole, you can reduce this risk.
5 – Treating Your Spider Plant in Other Ways:
If your overwatered spider plant is not having a root rot issue, then it must be dealing with other problems. You should double-check the drainage system in order to improve the drainage capacity. Tilt your spider plant container. Cut down or trim infected leaves or branches.
Delay the process of fertilization until the overwatered spider plant bounces back to its normal life. Dry out the soil and try to reduce the humidity level. Repotting is a good way to protecting the overwatered spider plants.
6 – Addressing Root Rot Issue:
If you are sure that your spider plant is facing root rot, then change the potting mix as soon as possible. Cut rotten or infected roots in order to stop further damage.
Try to minimize foliage and fix the root system. If you notice any signs of underwatering then water properly your spider plant. Try to do these things in moderation.
7 – Propagation:
If the severity of root rot and overwatering is too huge, then it indicates the end of your spider plant. In this scenario, you must go for propagation. Take healthy plantlets from the stems and place them on topsoil. The roots will begin in just a few days.
General Mistakes in Watering Your Spider Plant:
- Inconsistent watering.
- Too much watering.
- Moist or damp soil.
- Watering the leaves is a common mistake.
- Watering during the daytime.
Summary:
The main signs of overwatering spider plants are yellow, drooping, and puffy leaves. Your spider plant will look lifeless and almost dead if it is suffering from overwatering issues.
The above solutions will help to revive your overwatered plant successfully. By taking the above measures, you can easily protect, revive, and grow spider plants.