Spider plants are not known to attract spiders. This house plant gets this name because of its leaves, similar to how a spider looks.
They are thin, long, and dome-shaped with white or plain green color streaks.
Spider plants are primarily used as indoor house plants but can grow outside in tropical areas.
Originally from Africa, they are found almost everywhere worldwide.
They do best in places where they can get direct sunlight, fresh air, and filtered water.
Besides adding a crisp and green look to your home, they improve air circulation.
Do indoor plants attract spiders?
Some indoor plants can attract spiders. Spider mites are attracted by certain conditions around your house plants and not necessarily the plant itself.
They are attracted to plants with a lot of moisture, lack fresh air, and those that are not trimmed regularly.
Flowers, like the sunflower, are mainly known to attract spiders.
You can use a mild store-bought insecticide or make one from the house.
A mixture of warm water, dish soap, and vinegar should ward off the spiders if sprayed directly under the plant leaves.
Alternatively, when choosing a house plant, pick those with fruity, citrusy scents. Strong smells repel spiders.
Plants like lavender, peppermint, and basil can keep spiders away.
Spiders, on the other hand, can be suitable for your home.
They keep minor bugs and insects like mosquitoes away as they eat them.
Does the spider plant attract bugs?
No, the spider plant does not attract bugs neither does it keep bugs away. Bugs and insects are drawn to most indoor plants due to their nature.
Their dark green leaves and the wet soil in their containers are perfect hiding spots for bugs.
Mites, whiteflies, and aphids are the common bugs you will find in your spider plants.
They feed on the sap or watery nutrients found on the leaves and stems of plants.
Although these tiny bugs cannot harm the spider plant, take the plants outside and spray water on the leaves if you want to get rid of them.
The water will wash away the bugs. Alternatively, purchase a pesticide from the drugs store to use if there is an infestation.
Ensure you follow the packaging instructions well to avoid contamination to your eyes and mouth.
Plants that attract spiders
Spiders are attracted to plants that give them a good hiding spot.
Tall plants in dark corners provide the perfect environment as they can spin their webs in the many stems and leaves.
Insects and bugs will draw spiders to the plants if the soil becomes damp due to over-watering and lack of air.
Flowers, especially sunflowers, attract spiders. Insects and bugs are attracted to these bright flowers, and spiders love eating bugs.
This makes them a perfect place for them to hunt for food.
If your house plants are bushy, they make a good breeding ground for small insects and bugs.
Spiders will be drawn to the bugs and not necessarily to the plant’s scent.
What attracts spiders to your house?
Besides the insects and bugs in your indoor plants, spiders are attracted to other conditions in your home.
A bush garden or backyard.
Spiders will hide in the foliage if you have a garden or outdoor plants. They can be helpful as they will feed on the harmful bugs in your garden.
However, be on the lookout for poisonous spider species, although they aren’t common in open spaces.
Humidity
If your home is humid, it will attract spiders. They feed on dust mites and hide in the plants, corners, and walls of your house.
Ensure your place is well ventilated and adequately insulated.
Installing an air conditioning unit is recommended, especially in areas with scorching, humid weather most of the year.
Leftover food and waste
Organic waste and food leftovers attract pests and insects to your home. Spiders that feed on these bugs will also be drawn to your house.
It is important to clean after every meal and dispose of food leftovers appropriately.
A clean home will not only keep spiders away but also other household pests and insects.
Plants that keep spiders away
Since spiders are attracted to bugs and insects in house plants, keeping those that repel such bugs will keep the spiders away.
Spiders have a strong sense of smell, and they avoid plants with strong, sweet, or citrus smells.
Spiders enter your home through open windows and vents.
Spread small pots of rosemary, lavender, basil, mint, and eucalyptus along the window sills, kitchen counter, and shelves in your home.
Alternatively, you can dry out any scented plants, crush them and dissolve them in alcohol.
This mixture is potent enough to repel the spiders.
Pour the mixture into a spritz bottle and spray the areas they hide in and your house plants.
Inspect your house, especially your indoor plants, for spiders.
Their webs are visible to the naked eye. Once you spray the natural spider repellent, the spiders will move on.
How to keep spiders out of house plants
Besides bringing other plants with a strong smell and taste into your house, there are different ways to keep spiders away.
Occasionally spray homemade insecticides
A mixture of dish soap, vinegar, and water in a spray bottle is a simple yet effective way to kill bugs, insects, and spiders.
Use sparingly to avoid damaging the leaves. Rinse off the excess insecticide before watering the plants.
Spray pesticides if there is an infestation
If the spider plants are prone to bugs and spiders, buy a pesticide to kill them and stop the breeding ground.
Proper maintenance of your indoor plants is vital
Ensure you water your plants when necessary to avoid dampness.
Air your house plants frequently and trim excess foliage.
Regular inspections of your house plants are required to keep them bug-free, and hence, they will not attract spiders.
Wrapping Up
The suggestion that spider plants got their name because they attract spiders is a myth.
The plant’s natural look and feel have no direct relation to these arachnids.
Since they adapt to any environment, multiply, and are simple to take care of, Spider plants are common in many homes.
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