Trimming Spider Plant Roots: 6-Step Guide

Trimming Spider plant roots is essential and can be achieved by removing the unwanted and damaged roots using sharp scissors.

While trimming, prune the dried and dead outer edges first and move to the bottom parts of the roots subsequently. Once pruned, replenish the plant with fresh soil and water.

Let’s understand this process in more detail in this comprehensive guide!

Here’s Why You Should Consider Trimming Spider Plant Roots

Now, these are some of the reasons why you must prune the roots on your Spider plant – 

1. Overgrown Spider Plant

Does your Spider plant look overgrown?

Do you see too many leaves on the plant?

Well, if the answer is yes, you should consider pruning the leaves as well as the roots.

As you know, root trimming helps in keeping things tidy underneath the topsoil.

This way, they won’t grow too much, and the plant will continue to produce new roots in the soil.

The other benefit of trimming the roots of such plants is that you will not have to transplant them for at least 5-6 months.

The Spider plant will continue to grow nicely in the same pot for an extended period.

Therefore, whenever you feel the plant is overgrown, do take a look at the roots as well.

2. Rootbound Conditions

Yes, the Spider plant can also get rootbound.

This generally happens when you neglect the plant and let it grow for a long time.

But how do you know it’s rootbound?

There are a couple of ways through which you can get to know more about it.

Firstly, if you think the plant is not growing at all for a few weeks, it’s likely because of the rootbound issue.

The second way to confirm is by uplifting the whole plant from the pot.

This is a better option to check the issue, as you get to see how well they are doing inside the pot.

So, try to confirm whether the plant is rootbound or not.

If it does seem to have a rootbound issue, you can trim some of the roots from the plant.

3. Effects Of Overwatering

Overwatering can cause a lot of issues to the roots.

When the water sits in the pot for a while, it becomes difficult for the roots to thrive in such conditions.

As a result, the roots will begin to rot.

Now, if you want to avoid the situation from getting aggravated, you should quickly remove the plant and check the roots.

It will help you understand the extent of damage caused to the roots.

Once you confirm this issue, you can safely perform the trimming process.

4. Seasonal Root Trimming

As I mentioned earlier, the root-trimming process can help in keeping the plant growing for a long period.

So, if you have grown the plant well for the past few seasons, you should think of performing an inspection on the whole plant.

This, of course, includes the roots as well.

Ideally, this process should be done before or at the beginning of the growing season.

This way, the plant will get enough time to rejuvenate and form new roots in the soil.

5. Addressing Yellow or Brown Leaves

Many times we get to experience leaves turning yellow or brown due to some existing issues.

It happens with most indoor plants because it’s quite a task to keep up with their water and light requirements.

If your plant leaves are turning yellow, you should have a look at the roots.

The soil might have rot or dry root conditions, leading to issues with your plant leaves.

Hence, you must confirm the problem by uprooting the plant.

If you feel there is a need to remove the roots, you must go ahead and perform the trimming process.

In the next section, I have shared some insights on how you should go about this process.

Do take a look at it if you have never pruned the Spider plant roots.

Step-By-Step Guide To Trimming Spider Plant Roots

Here’s how you can trim the roots of this plant – 

1. Take The Plant Out Of The Pot

This is the first step of the process.

Without removing the plant from the pot, you won’t be able to proceed with the trimming process.

So, gently take the plant out of the pot and make sure you don’t apply too much pressure.

You may also water your plant a day before performing this activity, as it will loosen the soil and make the whole process a lot easier.

Also, if the soil is already loose, don’t try to uplift the plant.

Instead, it would help if you thought of flipping the pot upside down.

It will be easier for you to remove the plant with this method.

2. Clean The Dirt Attached To Roots

Removed the plant from the pot?

Now, it’s time to rinse the roots.

Cleaning is an essential part of this process because it will allow you to look at the entire root system carefully.

So, use a garden spray and remove the dirt attached to the roots.

When you are done cleaning the roots, let the plant dry out for a bit before you begin the next step.

Note: You don’t have to remove all the dirt from the roots. 

Just get rid of it as much as possible.

3. Trim The Overgrown Roots

Although the trimming process sounds easy, you will have to think deeply before removing the roots.

First and foremost, you should remove the damaged and dead roots from the plant.

You will find these roots on the outer part of the root system.

Trim them off and discard them into the bin.

Don’t throw these roots in your compost bin, though.

Once you have removed these roots from all sides, you can have a look at the root system again.

If needed, you can perform another round of trimming.

But make sure to keep most of the roots intact, as you don’t want to put the plant under a lot of stress.

Here’s a detailed video on how to trim Spider plant roots –

4. Prepare A New Pot With Fresh Soil Mix

In this step, you should place the plant in a new pot with a fresh soil mix.

Fresh soil is quite important because it will allow the plant to grow at a standard rate.

If you use the same potting soil, it may not have enough nutrients to fulfill your Spider plant’s needs.

Thus, it makes sense to prepare a fresh batch of soil for the new pot.

5. Put The Plant Back In The Pot

When the soil mixture is ready, you can simply place the plant in the pot.

While performing this step, you must ensure all the roots are placed under the soil.

Cover them properly with the remaining soil mix.

6. Water It Well

Finally, don’t forget to water the plant.

At this stage, you can water the plant till it comes out of the drainage holes.

It’s an important step because it will help rejuvenate the roots.

Alright, these are the few steps you need to follow if you want to trim the roots of the Spider plant.

Now, let’s take a look at the FAQs below.

FAQs