---
title: "Planta helped me figure out what’s wrong with both of my spider…"
description: "Planta helped me figure out what’s wrong with both of my spider plants! I’ve been watering from the top and all new growth and babies are stunted/browning. I…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/2Uq9uPZL4qGtC81xGFmWQH"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Lo"
published: "2026-06-30T17:54:48.264303Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/bietQkiKSR4V9kCj5sMgm0mjb9BlrbOeMgEd5oOLxFA/YxDVePzUR7SV3yZ_TloE0g.webp?size=large"
---

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# Planta helped me figure out what’s wrong with both of my spider…

_Posted by Lo on 2026-06-30_

Planta helped me figure out what’s wrong with both of my spider plants! I’ve been watering from the top and all new growth and babies are stunted/browning. I thought it was for sure pests but Planta says water is trapped in the stems at the base. This makes total sense. Anyone else bottom water only?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/bietQkiKSR4V9kCj5sMgm0mjb9BlrbOeMgEd5oOLxFA/YxDVePzUR7SV3yZ_TloE0g.webp?size=large)

## 8 comments

### LeafyGreenhouse commented on 2026-06-30

I bottom water only on my spider plant she also got this when I was top watering but granted she has been in my care for 5 years and has seen everything lol

#### Lo replied on 2026-06-30

Both spider plants started browning at the same time and they are in different areas of the home- I’ve been so confused.

#### LeafyGreenhouse replied on 2026-06-30

Top watering definitely explains that for sure

### Union Leo commented on 2026-06-30

I definitely recommend bottom watering your spider plants, and also don’t water them as often as you think you should. Wait for the plant to droop before watering!

### LydiaLovesPlants commented on 2026-07-01

I have noticed that most of my spider plants start to turn a paler green than they usually are, and that’s when I water them. Give or take a couple of hours later, they are back to their usual more vibrant selves.

### MK commented on 2026-07-01

Thanks for asking this question! I have repotted my poor spider twice bc i thought the roots were the problem. It looks exactly like this…. I will switch to bottom watering and hopefully that works!

### Oleander Mom commented on 2026-07-02

Do you have a moisture meter with a ph meter on it? I suspect your soil is too acidic. Spider plants like to be 6-7 for ph. Soil gets acidic due to soil composition with too much peat or the tap water. Once you know the ph you can amend the soil with a few coffee grounds or garden lime if it is too acidic. You may want to use distilled water if you aren’t. I had this happen with a starter last summer and added a teaspoon of coffee grounds to the top and then watered. It bounced back quickly. I usually top water, but I try not to get it on the leaves.

#### MK replied on 2026-07-12

Thanks for this tip!!!

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