Growing Spider Plant (Saga) in Meru
Soil suitability analysis based on Meru's nutrient profile
Meru County is a solid choice for Spider Plant (Saga), with a soil-match score of 67/100. At an average pH of 4.88 the soil is strongly acidic, below Spider Plant (Saga)'s preferred 5.8–7 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. Nitrogen (1.22 g/kg), phosphorus (20.3 mg/kg) and potassium (218 mg/kg) all meet Spider Plant (Saga)'s requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Spider Plant (Saga), which favours loam. Spider Plant (Saga)'s full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 250,000/acre at KES 50/kg), but at Meru's 67/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 4,188 kg/acre (~KES 209,400/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Meru soil | Spider Plant (Saga) needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 4.88 | 5.8–7 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.22 g/kg | min 1.2 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 20.3 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 218 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
| Rainfall | 1,400 mm | 600–1,400 mm | OK |
| Altitude | 1,500 m | 0–2,200 m | OK |
Planting calendar
Long Rains
Short Rains
Top dressing guide
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag