The slender leaves of the striped green-and-white spider plant lovingly embrace the curved wreath base. As the larger “mother” spider plants continue to grow, they will shoot off smaller “baby” plants, also known as plantlets. You can clip this new growth and plant it into another living wreath!
Spider plants are hardy, easy-to-care-for plants and grow happily in a variety of climates. They have also proven to be very effective with clearing indoor air pollutants.
| 9-inch wreath base |
| 7 (3-inch) spider plants |
Prepping the Plants
Gently remove the plants from their plastic pots. Using forceps, scrape off the excess soil to expose the roots. Spider plants have water-rich tuberous-looking roots that can be on the bulky side, but each plant can be divided into small more manageable plugs. Some of the roots may break off. Don’t worry, though! This will not harm the plant, and new roots will grow rather quickly.
Planting
Start with a dampened wreath base.
With forceps or a screwdriver, make a hole through the moss and into the core of the wreath-base soil.
Stagger and space plants every 2 inches, evenly covering the entire wreath.
Grasp the base of each plant with forceps and gently place it into a hole, tucking the stems inside. During planting is when you will most likely break off some of the tuberous roots. The plant will adapt just fine; however, make sure to get the bulk of the roots planted inside the wreath.
Use some U-shaped pins to secure around the roots if added support is needed or to hold down flyaway longer leaves.
This wreath should lay flat for two weeks before hanging.
Care
Bouffant spider plants add texture and beauty to an interior room where light is sufficient. A spider plant wreath will thrive in a warm location in a house out of direct sunlight; harsh sun exposure can scorch the tender leaves. On the other hand, if the wreath is not getting enough sun, the variegated stripe pattern and color will fade. For best results, hang the wreath near a window that receives plenty of indirect light. Frequent misting will give the humidity spider plants love. If any browning occurs on the tips of the leaves, simply give them a trim with sharp scissors. Allow soil and moss to dry slightly before watering. Fully submerge the wreath in water once a week or place it in a sink and give it a gentle soak with water from the faucet. Drain the wreath well before rehanging.
