Green Spiderwort

Green Spiderwort prefer to have moderately moist soil, but like to dry out between waterings, so make sure to offer water when the surface of the soil looks dry, which in most cases will be about 1-2 times a week. In summertime they enjoy a good soak, but never allow them to stay wet or waterlogged as this can cause rot and be fatal. In winter they need much less water, and the roots should be allowed to dry out completely before rewatering.

Green Spiderwort thrive best in bright indirect light. They like the brightest light possible, but if you can keep it out of direct sunlight that will be beneficial. Too much direct sunlight can result in the leaves turning brown. Different levels of natural light throughout the day is ideal, as it will encourage good growth. You can easily grow these plants on the north or south facing windowsill.

Green Spiderwort are a tropical plant, and should be kept in temperatures above 60°F (16°C). They can deal with a range of temperature fluctuations as long as it’s not extreme. If the temperature is too high or too cold it can cause a slowdown in growth or even damage to the plant. Ideal temperatures range from 65-80°F (18-26°C).

Green Spiderwort like a moderately humid environment, but don’t require anything extreme. If humidity drops beneath 40%, consider setting up a humidifier or misting your plant with a spray bottle once a day. Keeping it near a room humidifier is a great solution as well. You should check the humidity levels at least once a day to make sure that your plant is enjoying the optimal environment.

Green Spiderwort thrive best in a light, well-draining soil. You can buy a general potting mix, or choose one specifically designed for houseplants. The soil should have good drainage and air circulation -- while it should retain some moisture, it should quickly dry out so that the leaves don’t stay wet for too long. Adding in things like compost or vermiculite can also be beneficial and help the soil hold more moisture.

Green Spiderwort benefit from a light monthly fertilization in spring and summer. You can use a liquid houseplant fertilizer or a slow-release granular fertilizer. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can cause root burn and stunted growth. In winter, it’s best to cut back on the amount of fertilizer, and fertilize only every few months.

Green Spiderwort are fairly tough houseplants and quite resistant to pests, but they should still be examined regularly for signs of mealybugs, scale, aphids and spider mites. Check the underside of the leaves for any webs, and also check for any sticky residue or small crawling bugs. If spotted, you can use a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol to gently rub away the pests. You can also create a mixture of neem oil and dish soap and spray the plant, or try insecticidal soap. Make sure to read the instructions first.

Green Spiderwort should be repotted every two to three years in early spring. When repotting, it’s important to use a well-draining potting soil. You don’t need to go up too much in size when repotting -- only two to three inches extra in diameter is usually enough for these plants, depending on their size. Also, when it comes to soil, make sure to get a soil specifically formulated for houseplants.

Green Spiderwort don’t usually require pruning, but if the leaves begin to look thin and unruly, you can cut down some of the lower foliage to encourage new growth. Cut off the foliage at the point where each branch meets the main stem, and use sharp, sterilized scissors. You should never cut more than one-third of the plant at a time. In some cases, you can also try to pinch back new leaf growth to encourage bushier growth.

Mulching can be beneficial for Green Spiderwort as it will help to retain moisture and prevent weed growth. Any kind of organic material is ideal for mulching, such as bark chips, shredded leaves, grass clippings, and even straw. Just avoid anything too fine as this can create an impenetrable layer that blocks moisture and air flow.

Green Spiderwort can easily be propagated in a number of different ways. To propagate, it’s best to take a cutting from an existing stem, or you can even divide an existing plant. Take the cutting and place it into wet (not soggy) soil, making sure that the roots are below the surface. Water regularly and keep in bright indirect light. Keep the soil moist and watch for new growth. In some cases, you may also have to apply a light fertilizer.

Green Spiderwort can sometimes grow quite tall and spindly, and will benefit from some kind of support if needed. You can add a moss pole or a stake to the soil, and gently weave the stems through the support as the plant grows. Make sure not to wrap the stems too tightly as this might impede their growth.

Green Spiderwort don’t require a rest period, since the growth and flowering stop when the light becomes too low during the winter months. These plants do benefit from a period of short days to encourage flowering, so keeping them away from a light source for 12 hours a day is a great way to do this.

Green Spiderwort is not toxic to pets, so it’s a great choice for those with cats and dogs. However, as with any houseplant, it’s best to keep it out of the reach of animals and children.