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5 Reasons Why Your Spider Plant Is Turning Yellow (how to fix it!)

Most of us have had a spider plant at some point in our lives. They are very common indoor houseplants that do not require much attention and can survive for decades. However, they are susceptible to certain problems, the most common of which is yellowing leaves.

This article will explore five reasons why your spider plant might be turning yellow and how to fix them.

Why Do Leaves on a Spider Plants Turn Yellow?

The leaves on a spider plant can turn yellow due to any of the following reasons:

  1. Too much water
  2. Not enough water
  3. Not enough light
  4. Being overfed
  5. Being in shock

5 Reasons Why Your Spider Plant Is Turning Yellow and How to Fix them

Now that we know the five reasons why spider plants turn yellow, let’s take a look at how to fix them.

1. Spider Plant is Receiving Too Much Water

One of the most common causes for yellowing leaves on a spider plant is overwatering. Spider plants are very adaptable, so you can give them plenty of water without worrying too much about killing them. However, this still needs to be done carefully because an excess of water can damage the roots. Giving a spider plant too much water can cause the tips to turn yellow, and the leaves to fall off quickly.

FIX: The best way to fix overwatering is to stop watering it altogether. Let the plant dry out a little bit, then start watering it again sparingly. You can also water the plant less often, or use a pot with drainage holes so the water can escape.

2. Spider Plant is Not Receiving Enough Water

A second common reason for yellowing leaves on a spider plant is not having enough water. If your spider plant’s leaves are turning yellow but it doesn’t seem to be wilting, it is likely not getting enough water. This can be caused by a number of things, such as the pot being too large for the plant, not having a drainage hole in the pot, or being located in a low-light area.

FIX: The best way to fix a spider plant that isn’t receiving enough water is to water it more often. You can also move the plant to a brighter location, or transplant it into a pot that is more suitable for its size.

3. Spider Plant is Not Receiving Enough Light

Leaves on a spider plant that are turning yellow can be a sign of insufficient lighting. Spider plants generally need at least one to two hours of direct sunlight every day, so this is something you should consider if it is in an area with very little natural light or indirect artificial light like fluorescent lights. A spider plant grown in darkness will often have long, spindly leaves and will be much lighter in color.

FIX: The best way to fix a spider plant that isn’t receiving enough light is to move it to a brighter location. You can also supplement with artificial light, such as fluorescent light or grow lights.

4. Spider Plant is Being Overfed

It is also possible for a spider plant to turn yellow from being overfed. When you are feeding your spider plant, make sure to only give it a small amount of water at a time. Overfeeding can not only cause the leaves to turn yellow but can also cause the plant to rot.

FIX: If you find that your spider plant is turning yellow, stop fertilizing it until the leaves recover and resume feeding it at half strength.

5. Spider Plant is in Shock

If your spider plant has been recently moved or repotted, it may be in shock. When a spider plant is in shock, its leaves often turn yellow and it may lose some of its leaves. To help your spider plant recover from shock, make sure to give it plenty of water and keep it in a bright, sunny spot.

FIX: If your spider plant was recently moved or repotted, it can take a while for it to recover and return to normal. You should wait at least two weeks before expecting any signs of recovery and resume regular care during that time.

TIP: Some plants do recover quickly from shock and the yellow leaves may fall off on their own. If this happens, don’t be alarmed – just resume regular care.

Final Thoughts

If you are finding that your spider plant is turning yellow, there are a number of things you can do to help. Make sure to water it properly, give it enough light, and feed it at the right time and in the right amount. If the plant is still not recovering, it may be best to take it to a garden center for advice. Happy Planting!