Question
My spider plant is fairly large with 5-inch leaves. The pot I'm using is spacious for my plant (about 4 inches in diameter). I don't know the age of my plant. I put my plant at an open window, facing east, during the day, and close the window during the night when it's cold.

The problem I'm having is at the root of the plant. Lately, the roots have turned black/brown, and the base of the leaves have lost its pigmentation. The plant sits in water, so I add new water (from the sink) whenever the water level goes down.

Answer
Richard,

The spider plant is not a swamp plant. It cannot sit in water constantly. It is more like a grass. It needs to be watered then allowed to dry and be dry for at least 3 days then watered again. The roots of a spider plant have succulent nodules on them that store excess water. Watering it once a week in the summer is usually adequate unless it is over 100 degrees then it may need water every 3 days, but it still needs to get dry between waterings and you need to water from the top then empty the drain tray an hour later so the roots are not sitting in water and rotting. If the roots are too far gone it may be too late. Get another one and follow my instructions. Most house plants cannot sit in water constantly unless they originated in a swamp! Good luck!

Darlene