This question is also for the snake plant as well. And what would be the best way to combat outdoor pests for these two plants?
You can move the plants outside, but they need to be acclimated. This article will help with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/move-houseplant-outside.htm
We would recommend that you keep them out of direct light and keep them well watered. They will need to come back in once the temps go below 55 F.
I've inherited several spider plants and they have developed a sticky substance on the individual leaves. What is it and what can I use from household products to correct it?
It sounds like you have a pest of some kind, either aphids or spider mites, most likely. These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-treatment.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/homemade-aphid-control-a-natural-way-to-kill-aphids.htm
In spring and summer, I hang my spider plant out on the porch. It thrives there and the leaves get so green and lush. In October, I bring it back inside and within 1 to 2 weeks the leaves begin to turn brown and it wilts. Any thoughts on why this occurs and suggestions?
Do not worry too much. Most likely this is from its adjstment to the indoors, which typically contains drier air than outside. It usually helps to mist plants or add a humidifier to increase the humidity level in the home. You might also want to trim out the brown foliage. Another cause to browning comes from the type of water you give it. If it's acustomed to receiving rainwater, then regular tap water (which is usually full of chemicals) can cause the plant to brown. Try some distilled water or leave the tap water sitting out awhile before use if this is a problem. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/spider-plant/pruning-spider-plants.htm
Where do you cut spiderettes, at the root or near the spiderettes?
You should cut them near the spiderettes. Some spider plants can grow several spiderettes on the same shoot, so leaving the shoot intact as much as you can may allow additional spiderettes to form.
I have a spider plant that I have had for many years. Some of the tips are brown and I would like to trim the brown off. How do I trim the ends?
For the brown tips, you can simply cut off the brown portion or the entire leaf. Either way is fine. This article should also help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/spider-plant/pruning-spider-plants.htm
I have two well developed spider plants that have spots on the stems and show signs of wilting, but no spots or holes on the leaves. The spots are small, oval shaped, and beige/brownish along stem by base of the plant. Any help, please. I don't want to lose these plants.
It sounds like it could be scale. I would treat the plant with neem oil. This article will help you with that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
For more info on scale, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
My spider plant looks quite healthy, very seldom has any brown ends. I water usually once a week well. My problem seems to be that my plant is growing "up" instead of going down around the planter. Is there something I need to change? I have about 5 different plants in the pot so am wondering if that is an issue? I also have never fertilized, so do I need to and with what type of fertilizer? Thank you for your help, especially about it growng upwards.
It sounds like you may have just a very healthy spider plant. Strong leaves will grow up instead of outward, though eventually they should grow tall enough that they fall outward.
Spider plants actually do better being crowded together. They produce more spiderettes when they are crowded. They also do not need much fertilizer, though the soil you are using sounds like it may have fertilizer in it, as they are growing well.
Just to be sure, make sure the plant you have is actually a spider plant. There are a few houseplants that look similar except for their growth patterns (i.e growing up instead of growing out and down).