Not Daily, Not Weekly: Here's How Often To Water Your Spider Plant This Winter

Winter is a time when we all — people, animals, and plants — slow down, rest, and reset. Most plants, including the popular spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), slow their growth during the cooler months. It gives them a chance to rejuvenate and get ready for a new growing season. During this period of repose, spider plants need less food and water than they do when actively growing. Knowing how often to water a spider plant so it lives happily for years to come involves making seasonal adjustments to your routines. In winter, you should water your spider plant about every one to three weeks. Alternatively, checking soil dryness will tell you when it's time to water.

Winter's shorter days and colder temperatures, even indoors, trigger slower growth in your spider plant. At the same time, the plant absorbs less water through its roots. When you water your spider plant in winter, the soil holds onto moisture for longer than it does during warmer months. This makes it very easy to overwater your houseplant. There are some signs you may be watering your spider plant too much, like rotting roots and yellowing, curling, or wilting leaves. Fortunately, you can avoid harming your houseplant in winter by making sure the soil is dry before you water. Dry soil indicates the plant is ready for a drink.

If watering on a set schedule worked for all plants, it sure would make indoor gardening a lot simpler. However, a set watering schedule rarely works all year round — for spider plants or any other houseplant, really. One of the easiest and quickest ways to check if it's time to water your spider plant is by checking the dryness of the soil. You can do this by sticking a finger into the soil. If the top inch or so of soil feels dry, water your plant. If the soil feels even a little damp, wait another day or so and test it again. The toothpick method is another affordable, eco-friendly hack to never overwater your plants again. Stick a dry, uncoated wooden toothpick into the soil of your plant. Wait a few minutes, pull it out, and look at it. If it's darkened, the soil is damp enough.

When it's time to water your spider plant, you'll need to stick to a few simple rules. For starters, never use cold water. It can shock or stress your warm climate-loving houseplant. Water can come out from the faucet pre-chilled, especially in winter. Room temperature water is best. To ensure your spider plant gets the moisture it needs, water the plant until it starts to drain out of the drainage holes. Don't forget to empty the drip tray so there is no standing water. Indoor air can be notoriously dry in winter, and it may dry out houseplant soil faster. However, this does not automatically mean your plant needs more water. Sometimes only the surface of the soil is affected. That's why the finger — or toothpick — trick is so important.