Are you looking for an easy-care, low-maintenance houseplant that adds color to your terrarium? With its long arching foliage, the spider plant is an excellent choice for any terrarium. Not only does it look great, but it’s also a hardy plant that’s easy to grow and maintain. Read on to learn more about how to grow a spider plant in a terrarium.
Setting up the terrarium
Of course, before you put your spider plant in the terrarium, first you need to know how to set up the terrarium for the plants. Terrarium size, substrate and other things you need to know to lush your spider plant in a terrarium. Here’s everything you need to know to set up a spider plant terrarium.
A. Selecting a terrarium
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right terrarium for your spider plant.
1. Size Matters
When selecting a terrarium, it’s essential to consider the size of the container. Generally, a terrarium should be twice as wide as the root ball of your spider plant. (source) If the terrarium is bigger, your plant will be able to grow. On the other hand, if it’s too large, your plant won’t have the support to stay upright.
2. Opt for a Clear Container
Clear containers are the best option for spider plants. Not only do they look great, but they also allow your plants to get the necessary light. Check the container for cracks or chips, as this can allow moisture to escape and potentially harm your spider plant.
3. Consider the Climate
Before buying a terrarium, consider where you plan on placing it. If you live in a warm climate, you’ll opt for an open terrarium, allowing air to circulate and help keep your plant cool in the summer. On the other hand, if you live in a cooler climate, you’ll want to opt for a closed terrarium, as this will help retain heat and moisture.
B. Preparing the soil
The importance of soil preparation for a terrarium cannot be overstated. When preparing the soil for a spider plant in a terrarium, four key elements must be considered: soil, pebbles, charcoal, and moss.
1. Soil
First and foremost, choosing the right soil for your spider plant is essential. You should opt for light and well-draining soil, as spider plants thrive in soils that are high in organic matter. An excellent option for terrariums is a soil mix with one part loam, peat moss, and perlite, which will help ensure proper drainage.
2. Pebbles
Once you’ve selected your soil, the next step is to add pebbles to the terrarium. This helps ensure that excess water can percolate through the soil, vital for preventing waterlogging. Stones also help to create an attractive terrarium design and provide a suitable environment for the plant’s root system.
3. Charcoal
The third element that should be added to the terrarium is charcoal. Charcoal helps to keep the soil fresh and is incredibly useful in terrariums. It helps to keep the soil aerated, which is important for promoting healthy and strong root growth.
4. Moss
You should add some moss to the terrarium. Moss helps to keep the soil moist and can act as a natural water reservoir. It also helps to prevent the soil from becoming too dry and can provide a beautiful contrast to the other elements in the terrarium.
By taking into account these four elements, you can create the perfect soil mix for your spider plant.
C. Planting the Spider Plant In the terrarium
The next step is to plant the spider plant properly. Here is how I did it.
1. Positioning the Plant
When positioning your spider plant in the terrarium, it’s important to consider the space’s size and where the best light and airflow will be. If your terrarium is on the smaller side, you’ll want to place the spider plant where it will get enough light and air circulation. If you have a larger terrarium, you can set the spider plant in the center and group other plants around it.
2. Carefully Planting the Spider Plant
Once you’ve decided where to place your spider plant, carefully plant it in the terrarium. Start by removing the spider plant from the pot and gently shaking off the soil. Place the spider plant in the terrarium and cover the roots with soil. Gently press the soil around the base of the plant to help it take root. Be sure to leave some space around the roots so the plant will have room to grow.
3. Watering the Plant
Once your spider plant is planted, it’s time to give it a nice drink of water. Spider plants prefer consistently moist soil, so water it whenever the top inch of the soil starts to feel dry. Be sure to thoroughly water the plant, but do what is necessary. Too much water can cause the roots to rot, so allow the soil to drain after each watering.
Caring for the Spider Plant in the Terrarium
Spider plants are one of the easiest plants to care for. You don’t have to worry about too many things, even in a terrarium. Here are some simple points to look after spider plants in a terrarium.
1. Watering
Proper watering is crucial to caring for a spider plant in the terrarium. The spider plant needs to be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. I usually water my spider plant once every two weeks or so, but this can vary depending on your terrarium’s humidity and temperature levels. You should also use lukewarm water, as cold water can shock the plant’s roots.
2. Fertilizing
Fertilizing your spider plant is a great way to give it the nutrients it needs to grow and thrive. I recommend using liquid fertilizer that’s made explicitly for houseplants. I usually fertilize my spider plant once every month or so. Always dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions on the packaging.
3. Pruning
Pruning is essential in caring for a spider plant in the terrarium. You should prune the plant when its leaves begin to yellow or brown. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and can also help the plant to stay looking neat and tidy.
4. Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity levels are also essential when caring for a spider plant in the terrarium. The ideal temperature for a spider plant is between 70-90°F. The humidity levels should be maintained at around 50-60% for the best results.
Troubleshooting the Spider Plant in the Terrarium
Sometimes, your spider plant needs to do better in the terrarium. In that case, you can always look for these things to identify the problem and take action accordingly.
A. Checking the Soil
The soil is one of the most important aspects of a terrarium. The soil should be well-draining, light, and airy to absorb water and nutrients properly. Check the soil in your terrarium to make sure it meets these requirements. If the soil is too heavy or dense, you may need to repot the spider plant in lighter soil.
B. Examining the Lighting
Spider plants love bright, indirect sunlight, so ensure your terrarium receives enough light. If your terrarium is in a room that doesn’t get much natural light, consider supplementing it with a grow light. Adjust the light intensity to match the needs of your spider plant.
You can find a detailed discussion on how to grow spider plants in low light In here. The rules apply the same to the terrarium setups.
C. Monitoring the Humidity
Spider plants thrive in humid environments, so you’ll need to monitor the humidity levels in your terrarium. If the humidity is too low, you can mist the plant daily or place a humidifier in the room.
D. Resolving Watering Issues
Watering is key when it comes to spider plants. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. If the soil is too dry, it could be a sign that you need to adjust your watering schedule. To determine how often you should water your spider plant, check the soil every few days and water when it feels slightly dry.
Wrap UP
The spider plant is an easy-care houseplant perfect for growing in a terrarium. With adequate light, water, and good soil, your spider plant will thrive and give you lush, lush foliage.
