Yes, it's best to bottom water spider plants, especially when they are fully dried out and need a good drink.
Top Watering vs. Bottom Watering for Spider Plants
While both top and bottom watering can hydrate your spider plant, bottom watering offers several advantages, particularly for plants that prefer a consistent moisture level.
Top Watering
- Method: Water is poured onto the soil surface, allowing it to seep down through the soil.
- Potential Issues:
- Can lead to uneven watering, with some areas remaining dry while others become waterlogged.
- May cause surface compaction of the soil.
- Can increase the risk of overwatering if you're not careful about the amount used.
Bottom Watering
- Method: The pot is placed in a shallow dish or basin of water, allowing the plant to absorb water from the bottom up through the drainage holes.
- Advantages:
- More Even Hydration: Ensures the soil is uniformly moistened, preventing both dry pockets and overwatering.
- Healthy Root Development: Encourages roots to grow downwards, seeking moisture at the bottom of the pot.
- Reduced Overwatering Risk: The plant absorbs only the amount of water it needs, reducing the chance of root rot.
- Reduced Leaf Damage: Avoids water splashing on the leaves, which can sometimes lead to spotting.
- Better for Dry Soil: As the reference states, spider plants especially benefit from bottom watering when they are fully dried out and in need of a drink.
How to Bottom Water Your Spider Plant
- Place your spider plant's pot (with drainage holes) in a dish or sink.
- Fill the dish or sink with about 1-2 inches of water.
- Allow the plant to sit for 10-20 minutes, or until the soil feels moist to the touch on top.
- Remove the pot from the water and allow any excess water to drain away.
Conclusion
As the reference highlights, spider plants do like to be bottom watered, especially when they have dried out. While top watering is an option, bottom watering provides the most consistent and beneficial hydration for your spider plant.
