Frosted spider plant!

9 years ago

I normally keep my little spider plant on my patio to keep it away from my highly destructive indoor cat since she gave it a very severe pruning. I live in zone 9b so it's been growing happily out there, but last night we had a frost (dropped to around 30) and I completely forgot to bring it inside. The plant is all limp and floppy and frost-bitten now. It seems like a goner, but does anyone have any ideas for emergency rescue? Several years ago my mother recommended cutting frostbitten plants back to just above the soil level--good idea or bad idea?

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floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK

9 years ago

I would do absolutely nothing for a while to see exactly which leaves are really dead. This happened to me with an all green spider plant in December and only now is it becoming clear which bits are never going to recover and can be cut off. I see no reason to repot it either at the moment as imo that would just stress it further. To me it looks as if the central growth on yours is ok. Keep your fingers crossed and be patient.

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Comments (9)

susanzone5 (NY)
9 years ago
Treat yourself to a new plant.
Barb in Eastern North Carolina, zone 8
9 years ago
If mine, I would cut back all the leaves, put the roots into fresh soil and keep lightly moist, warm and in good light. You should get new leaves eventually.
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MrBlubs
9 years ago
I wouldn't give up either.

Spider plants are quite resilient and they have been able to bounce back from frost damage in quite a few occasions.

It probably can be brought back with enough care and patience.
annaweber52
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for the tips. Should I keep watering it as usual?
dbarron
9 years ago
Water lightly....don't drown it.
Jennifer
9 years ago
I'm 9a and mine have come back no problem.
shadie welch
4 years ago
Let it stay dry longer in the winter before watering
Jurassic Park
4 years ago
Just out of curiosity, where approximately are you in Zone 9b to see such severe cold damage so early in the season. I am two zones colder (7a/b) and only have had light, inconsequential frosts. The world has definitely gone upside down! Yes, cats like to munch on these, so mine are hanging high or in the garage.