Can Spider Plants Live Completely Under Water?

Spider plants, also known as Chlorophytum comosum, have become one of the most popular houseplants around the globe. They are easy to care for, inexpensive, and they can thrive under different growing conditions. However, some gardeners or plant enthusiasts have asked if spider plants can live entirely underwater. The short answer is no. Spider plants cannot survive underwater, and in this article, we will delve deeper into this topic.

Why Can’t Spider Plants Live Underwater?

All plants need air to survive, and if they are submerged under water, they will eventually die. Plants release oxygen during the process of photosynthesis, which is then used by animals, including humans, to breathe. When in water, spider plants will not be able to release oxygen, which means they will eventually suffocate and die.

Moreover, spider plants were not designed to grow underwater. They have small roots, which are adapted to grow in soil where they can absorb water and nutrients from the earth. If you submerge spider plants underwater, the roots will not be able to perform their primary functions, resulting in death.

How to Care for Spider Plants Properly

Spider plants are easy to care for when grown under appropriate conditions. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, but they can also tolerate some level of shade. Additionally, spider plants prefer well-draining soil and require infrequent watering, as they are susceptible to root rot.

Spider plants also need temperatures ranging from 60 to 75°F (15-24 °C) to grow correctly. They can be grown indoors or outdoors, but they need protection from frost, and their soil needs to be moist but not waterlogged.

How to Propagate Spider Plants

One of the best things about spider plants is that they are easy to propagate. They typically produce small plantlets or offshoots that grow from the mother plant. You can propagate spider plants by cutting out these offshoots and planting them in a pot with well-draining soil.

You can also propagate spider plants by stem cuttings. However, it would be best if you allowed the cuttings to form calluses for a few days before planting them in the soil. Spider plants can also be propagated by seeds, but this method is rare, expensive, and not commonly used.

Conclusion

In conclusion, spider plants cannot survive entirely underwater because they need air to survive. Submerging these plants will ultimately result in their death. However, they are easy to care for when grown under the right conditions, and they can quickly help refresh your living space with their green leaves and spider-like appearance.

Remember to keep your spider plants in well-draining soil, give them infrequent watering, keep them protected from frost, and allow them indirect or partially shaded light. As long as you take good care of your spider plants, they will reward you with their beauty and air-purifying properties.