Real Spider under Phal's leaf!

[CourtneyT]

Yesterday when I was checking my phalaenopsis, I saw some webs in the pot. My first thought was that it got spider mites! After checking the plant, I saw a Real, Big Spider making web under the leaf! What should I do now? Repot it or leave it alone? Or just get rid of the spider and the web? I didn't see any damage to the plant yet. This pot is currently holding two phals and the other phal. just started to grow a flower spike. Also, is the spider nesting there a sign of too much humidity and slow air flow? Since the home is pretty cool (59F to 65F) and outside is about 20s to 50s, I haven't really opened the window this winter.

Well, at least I'm not scared of bugs so I didn't scream. I'm just worried about my plants.

[MrHappyRotter]

You'll probably have some work ahead of you if you plan on evicting the spider, unless you're lucky enough that it tries to run out of the pot (and not down into the safety of the mix). You can try submerging the pot in a bucket of water to flood the spider out, just be prepared for its inevitable departure.

Spiders are harmless. It found a dark, humid home with a promise of food, so it decided to stick around.

Spiders indoors are a sign that your house is not perfectly air tight (which it shouldn't be in most cases) and that either the spider is a very recent introduction or that there's plenty of food to keep the spider alive (as would be the case in most homes).

[Lacie]

The spider won't do any harm to the plant and is likely to help you take care of pest (insects that will actually harm the plant), so I would say if you can stand it just let her stay! There certainly isn't any need to repot.

[CourtneyT]

Originally Posted by MrHappyRotter

either the spider is a very recent introduction or that there's plenty of food to keep the spider alive (as would be the case in most homes).

Will the spider eat some bugs for me to protect the orchids?

[Paul]

Originally Posted by CourtneyT

Will the spider eat some bugs for me to protect the orchids?

Potentially, yes. It will depend somewhat upon the size of the spider vs the size of the bugs in question. For example, a large spider is unlikely to have any interest in fungus gnats -- they are simply too small. In any event, it poses zero risk to your plant.

[Leafmite]

Spiders are usually valued by those who grow plants. I only remove and release them outside if I notice lady bugs on my plants as I feel the lady bugs to be more beneficial.

[Mountaineer370]

Originally Posted by CourtneyT

Well, at least I'm not scared of bugs so I didn't scream. I'm just worried about my plants.

You mean you're worried that they might be scared of the spiders? Sorry, I just couldn't resist having a little fun with you.

Seriously, as others have mentioned, the spider will not harm your plants in any way. Personally, I would have to ask the spider to find another home, but that's just me. I'm fine with the occasional ladybug that I find in my house, but the rest of them are escorted outside.