It is important to use the right type of soil for spider plants to keep them happy and healthy. They are not very fussy, but prefer well-drained, nutritious mixtures.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about spider plant soil. I’ll also share my easy recipes and step-by-step instructions for making your own mixes.
You’ll also learn how to choose the best type to use, the properties that make it suitable, and how to properly store leftovers for later use.
best soil for spider plants
The best soil for spider plants is a loamy, nutrient-rich, lightweight, well-drained, well-aerated medium with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level.
We recommend purchasing a quality all-purpose potting mix or making your own using the easy recipe below.
How to choose the right soil
To ensure that the soil you choose is ideal for spider plants (also known as Chlorophytum comosum or airplane plants), check the following characteristics listed on the package.
Well-drained – The label should say something like “fast-draining” or “well-draining.” This will allow excess water to drain away from the pot and prevent the medium from getting too wet or soggy. Loamy and nutrient-rich – Look for rich, fertile soil to keep your plants healthy and vibrant. Avoid mixtures that contain chemical fertilizers and instead look for ones made from natural or organic ingredients.
Related article: How to care for spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum)
Water retention – Chlorophytum comosum does not grow well in very wet soil, but it also does not like to dry out completely. Choose a mixture that contains ingredients that naturally retain moisture, such as peat moss or pine bark. Porous Mix – Spider plants prefer porous soils because they are loose and porous. This allows water to pass through easily, preventing too much moisture from building up, and maintains an appropriate level of humidity. Slightly acidic – Aircraft plants prefer neutral to slightly acidic mixtures ranging from 6.1 to 7.5 on the probe meter. If the alkalinity is too strong, the tips of the leaves may turn brown and begin to die. If it’s too alkaline, you can add acidic granular fertilizer or garden lime to neutralize it.
Related article: Why the tips of spider plants turn brown and how to fix it
Make a DIY Spider Plant Soil Mix
You can use a general-purpose potting medium for your spider plant, or you can try making your own medium. It’s easy to do and you have complete control over the ingredients. Below is my recipe and mixing tips.
recipe
Necessary supplies
material
You only need 4 ingredients to make homemade spider plant soil mix using my recipe. Below we explain the purpose of each and provide alternatives in case you can’t find it.
Peat moss – improves water retention, aeration and drainage while also providing nutrients. You can also use coco coir instead if you prefer. In that case, add acid granules. Pine bark – provides additional nutrients during decomposition, prevents compaction and improves drainage. Coarse sand – helps drain the mixture quickly. You can substitute grass or chicken litter. Some people prefer to use crushed granite or aquarium stone instead. Perlite – increases drainage and air permeability and also prevents compaction. If you can’t find it where you live, you can use pumice instead, which is very similar.
Tips for mixing soil for homemade spider plants
Moisten the peat moss if it is dry and pour all ingredients into a tabletop potting tray or bucket.
Stir everything with a hand trowel or shovel. Make sure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed before use.
store leftovers
You can use your DIY spider plant potting soil right away, or save the rest for later use. To be safe, use a 5-gallon bucket with a tight-fitting lid. This creates an airtight environment that protects from insects and pathogens.
Homemade media is very difficult to tell apart once mixed, so store the bucket in a cool, dry place and label it clearly.
FAQ
You can also use cactus mix for your spider plants, but we don’t recommend it. Cactus soil is gritty and doesn’t hold water well, so you’ll need to water it more often. It also lacks the nutrient-rich substances that Chlorophytum comosum requires.
Yes, African purple soil is a good choice for spider plants. The texture and pH level are ideal, and it also provides the perfect balance of nutrients.
Yes, you can use regular potting soil for spider plants. Be sure to buy a quality brand made for indoor plants. Otherwise it may be too heavy.
If you want to learn everything there is to know about maintaining healthy indoor plants, you need my Houseplant Care eBook. We’ll show you everything you need to know about how to keep every plant in your home thriving. Download your copy now.
Learn more about spider plants
Learn more about potting soil
Share your tips for the best spider plant soil and your favorite recipes in the comments section below.
Printable step-by-step instructions
How to make potting soil for spider plants
Follow my step-by-step instructions to learn how to make your own spider plant soil. You’ll learn what tools and ingredients you’ll need, how to measure and mix, and how to safely store leftovers for future use.
Preparation time
15 minutes
active time
15 minutes
total time
15 minutes
difficulty
easy
Instructions
Pre-moisten – If your peat moss is dry, moisten it until it’s slightly damp to the touch. Don’t overdo it. Make sure that the water does not get wet or drip. Weighing Ingredients – Weigh the peat moss, pine bark, coarse sand, and perlite using the container of your choice. This could be a scoop, measuring cup, bucket, or large spoon. Be sure to use the same container for each ingredient to ensure consistency. Mix thoroughly – Combine all ingredients in a bucket or potting tray and stir with a hand trowel or shovel. Make sure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly. Use or store – Use as much of your homemade mix as you need right away, then transfer the rest to a bucket or container with an airtight lid. Label clearly and store in a cool, dry place.
Precautions
We recommend wearing a dust mask when mixing potting soil to avoid breathing in harmful particles. Peat moss tends to expand when water is added, so be sure to pre-moisten the parts before measuring. Storing peat moss is very important. Place leftover soil in a container with an airtight lid. Otherwise, insects and pathogens may enter. Homemade potting mixes can be difficult to tell apart, so don’t forget to clearly label your containers.
