What busy days are holidays! Everyone seems occupied with the special things that make holidays so festive. With so much happening there is little time to notice when the ordinary things around us take on their own exceptional characteristics. And so my Spider plant grew and grew until I couldn’t ignore it any longer. When I finally gave it my attention I was surprised at how far it had reached despite my neglect or perhaps because of it.
Spider plants are easy to grow, beginner plants if you will, and almost foolproof for anyone to grow. They need little water and actually prefer dry soil. They also would rather not be in direct sunlight as their leaves are disposed to turn brown. As they mature they send out “babies” that can be clipped and repotted to make new plants. Spider plants do tend elongate so they need space to hang down. Hanging baskets are good places to grow them.
I appreciate houseplants that have a sense of self, that can thrive through their own strength and joie de vivre to what might be considered challenging conditions. My aloe plants, and there are several, have that same defining ability. They seem to laugh when I forget to water them and then put out new growth. The spider plant spreads its leaves and stretches further, calling for me to check its soil and give it what it needs.
Plants teach me stuff. I hope that I can be as resilient, as adaptable, should life require it of me.
Try growing a spider plant for yourself:
http://www.plant-care.com/spider-plant.html
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What a coincidence. I was obsessive about soaking my bonsai once a week, as it's previous onwer had instructed me. For the last few months, however, I have forgotten and watered it sporadically. Like your spider plant, it hasn't suffered at all, yet. Since it was a gift, I feel a responsiblity to keep it thriving, so I will try to remember it from now on. On the other hand, my pathos is like your spider plant and thrives on benign neglect. A boon for those of us with purple thumbs.
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