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You should bring spider plants indoors when nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F.
Spider plants are tropical plants that cannot tolerate frost or cold drafts.
So knowing when to bring spider plants indoors is key to keeping them healthy.
If you wait too long, your spider plants can suffer damage from the cold.
In this post, we’ll discuss exactly when to bring spider plants indoors and how to do it.
We’ll also cover care tips and common mistakes to avoid.
Let’s dive in.
When to Bring Spider Plants Indoors
Watch the Temperature
Spider plants are happiest in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F.
When nighttime temps start dipping below 50°F, it’s time to bring spider plants indoors.
Even a light frost can damage the leaves, causing browning or wilting.
So bring spider plants indoors before the first frost hits your area.
Use a thermometer to monitor outdoor temps accurately.
If you have potted spider plants, they are more vulnerable to cold than in-ground plants.
Check your local weather forecast regularly during fall.
When you see nights forecasted in the 40s, that’s your cue to act.
Spider plants are sensitive to cold drafts, so bring them in before any frost.
If you have multiple spider plants, bring them in over a few days to manage space.
If you have a porch or garage, consider moving them there first.
Seasonal Cues
For most regions, late summer or early fall is when to bring spider plants indoors.
If you live in a climate with mild winters, you might wait until late fall.
But generally, you should bring spider plants indoors before the overnight lows stay below 50°F consistently.
In USDA zones 9-11, spider plants can stay outdoors year-round, but in other zones, they need to come in.
Pay attention to your specific microclimate, such as areas near walls that retain heat.
In northern regions, you may need to bring spider plants indoors as early as September.
In southern regions, you can wait until later in the fall.
Observing your plant’s behavior can also help.
If leaves start looking stressed or discolored, it might be time to bring spider plants indoors earlier.
Use a calendar reminder to check temperatures weekly.
Mind the Transition Period
When bringing spider plants indoors, don’t rush from outdoors to indoors.
Instead, transition them gradually over a week.
Start by moving them to a shaded area outside for a few days.
Then bring them inside for a few hours each day.
During transition, watch for signs of shock like yellowing leaves.
Gradual adjustment reduces stress on the plant.
If you move them directly indoors, they may drop leaves due to shock.
A gradual transition helps them acclimate to indoor conditions.
This helps your spider plants adjust to lower light and different humidity indoors.
Knowing when to bring spider plants indoors also involves planning this transition.
Don’t skip this step as it prevents plant stress.
How to Bring Spider Plants Indoors
Inspect for Pests First
Before you bring spider plants indoors, check for pests.
Spider plants can attract aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites when outdoors.
If you bring these pests inside, they can spread to your other houseplants.
So when you bring spider plants indoors, examine each leaf and stem carefully.
Common pests include scale insects and whiteflies.
Quarantine new plants if you have others.
Look for sticky residue or tiny webs as signs of pests.
If leaves have holes, check for caterpillars or beetles.
Wipe down leaves with a damp cloth to remove any insects.
If you find pests, treat them with insecticidal soap before bringing inside.
A magnifying glass can help spot tiny pests.
Choose the Right Indoor Spot
Spider plants need bright, indirect light when indoors.
Place them near a window that gets plenty of light but avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves.
East-facing windows are ideal for spider plants.
Avoid placing them in dark corners.
South-facing windows can provide too much direct light, so use sheer curtains.
Rotate the pot every few days to ensure even growth.
When you bring spider plants indoors, consider the humidity too.
Spider plants like moderate humidity, so if your home is dry, mist them occasionally.
Also, keep them away from cold drafts or heating vents.
A consistent temperature is best for spider plants indoors.
Sheer curtains diffuse harsh light nicely.
Adjust Watering
Indoor conditions affect how often you water spider plants.
When you bring spider plants indoors, reduce watering as they require less water indoors than outdoors.
Use room temperature water to avoid shocking roots.
Check soil moisture with your finger before watering.
Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.
Spider plants prefer slightly dry soil over soggy conditions.
Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in lower light.
So when to bring spider plants indoors also means adjusting your watering schedule.
Use a moisture meter if unsure.
Caring for Spider Plants Indoors
Light Requirements
Once spider plants are indoors, they need consistent bright, indirect light.
If they don’t get enough light, they may lose their variegation or grow leggy.
Consider using a grow light if natural light is limited.
Spider plants can tolerate lower light but may not produce babies.
If leaves become pale, move to a brighter spot.
If natural light is insufficient, LED grow lights work well.
Spider plants can adapt to lower light but will grow slower.
When you bring spider plants indoors, rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even growth.
This keeps your spider plants looking full and healthy.
Spider plants can handle up to 6 hours of indirect light.
Feeding and Pruning
Feed spider plants indoors with a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season.
Use a fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
When you bring spider plants indoors, they may slow down growth in winter, so reduce feeding.
Prune away any brown leaf tips to keep your plant attractive.
Prune at the base of the leaf to encourage new growth.
Yellow leaves indicate overwatering or low light, so adjust accordingly.
Spider plants also produce offsets or “babies” which you can propagate.
Propagating babies is easy – just pot them in soil.
Even when indoors, spider plants will thrive with proper care.
Do not fertilize in dormant winter months.
Pest Monitoring
Even after bringing spider plants indoors, continue to monitor for pests.
Check the undersides of leaves for signs of insects.
If you spot any, treat them promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Regular monitoring prevents infestations from spreading.
Common indoor pests include fungus gnats and mealybugs.
Sticky traps can help catch flying insects.
When you bring spider plants indoors, keep them separate from other plants for a few weeks.
This quarantine period ensures no pests hitchhike to your collection.
Yellow sticky cards are effective for catching pests.
Common Mistakes When Bringing Spider Plants Indoors
Bringing Them In Too Late
One big mistake is waiting too long to bring spider plants indoors.
If temperatures drop below 50°F, your spider plants risk cold damage.
So know when to bring spider plants indoors and act on time.
Once damage occurs, it’s irreversible.
Not Checking for Pests
Failing to inspect for pests before bringing spider plants indoors can cause issues.
Pests can quickly multiply in indoor conditions.
Always check your plants thoroughly.
Some pests can cause diseases.
Placing in Direct Sunlight
Spider plants need indirect light indoors.
Direct sunlight through a window can scorch their leaves.
Choose a spot with filtered light.
Leaves can get sunburned.
Overwatering
Indoor spider plants require less water than outdoor ones.
Overwatering is a common mistake after bringing spider plants indoors.
Let soil dry between waterings.
Root rot is hard to treat.
Ignoring Humidity Levels
Spider plants like moderate humidity.
If your home is dry, their leaf tips may turn brown.
Mist them or use a humidifier.
Brown tips are a sign of low humidity.
Not Acclimating Gradually
Skipping the transition step can stress spider plants.
They may drop leaves or stop growing.
Always acclimate them slowly to indoor conditions.
So, When to Bring Spider Plants Indoors?
You should bring spider plants indoors when nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F.
This typically happens in late summer or early fall, depending on your region.
Bringing spider plants indoors protect them from frost and cold damage.
Remember to transition them gradually and inspect for pests.
Once inside, provide bright indirect light and adjust watering.
Avoid common mistakes like bringing them in too late or overwatering.
So knowing when to bring spider plants indoors ensures your plants stay healthy year-round.
We hope this guide helps you keep your spider plants thriving.
Follow these tips and your spider plants will reward you with lush growth.