Why Spider Plant Leaves Are Curling (And It's Not From Over Or Under Watering)

Spider plants are easily one of the most recognizable and popular houseplants. And honestly, it makes sense. They are easy to grow, simple to care for, and do not complain when neglected or kept in less-than-ideal conditions. However, they are not perfect! And a common problem with spider plants is curling leaves. Now, when most people see curling leaves on a spider plant, they immediately think it is due to inappropriate watering. And while that can be true, it is not always the case. Sometimes, spider plant leaves curl due to inappropriate lighting, too. Take, for instance, too much light. It causes the plant leaves to lose too much water, and this can lead to wilting, which can cause curling of leaves in houseplants. But improper sunlight light does even more damage.

Excess light can cause spider plants to scorch and develop brown tips. As for low light, it leads to weak growth. And when plants grow weak, their leaves will not be able to maintain their shape, and they might turn curly. So, if you suspect that the problem is low-light causing curly leaves, make sure to also check your plants for yellow leaves. It is another sign that can help you figure out if your spider plant is growing in too little light. Just keep in mind here that some spider plant varieties, for instance, the Bonnie spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum 'Bonnie'), have naturally curly leaves. So, make sure to check if you have one of these varieties before you go around fixing the light situation for the spider plants growing in your home.

Now that you know improper lighting can cause curling in straight-leaved spider plant varieties, the next question is, how do you provide the right lighting conditions for your spider plants? Well, that depends on where you are growing them. Even though spider plants are popular as indoor plants, they can also be grown outdoors and even used as groundcovers. So, if you are also planning to grow your spider plant outdoors, choose a spot in light shade. A place with medium sun or filtered sunlight, like under the canopy of other trees, is probably the best.

Don't grow spider plants in full sun. They cannot tolerate it. However, if you are growing your spider plant indoors, try to place it near an east- or west-facing window. You can set them away from windows, too, as they tolerate low light, but do not place them in areas that are too dark. It will not only make the leaves curl but also cause certain varieties to lose their variegation. However, if there is no natural light at all, add some grow lights for your indoor plants.

Spider plants benefit from artificial light as well. In fact, this is why they are so commonly used in office buildings. And lastly, just keep in mind that sometimes inappropriate watering and fertilizing can also cause spider plant leaves to turn curly. So, make sure you know how and how often to water a spider plant, so it lives happily for years to come. Plus, don't overfertilize if you don't want to be guilty of holding your spider plants back.