Native to tropical and south Africa, the spider plant has gained popularity around the world due to it’s easy to care for nature. This houseplant is known for it’s long, arching leaves that look great in hanging baskets. Learn everything you need to know about spider plant care here with this guide.
This care guide is specific to spider plant care. For other plant specific care guides, check here.
| Name | Chlorophytum comosum Spider plant, spider ivy, ribbon plant |
| Sunlight | Can tolerate low light Prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight |
| Water | Once every 1 to 2 weeks (check that the soil is dry before watering) |
| Temperature | 65 – 80 °F (18 – 27 °C). Do not keep in cold temperatures |
| Humidity | Medium humidity |
| Toxicity | Non toxic to dogs, cats, humans |
Spider Plant Care Indoors:
Spider Plant Size & Growth
Spider plants can grow up to 2 ft (60 cm) tall. Each leaf can grow 8 to 18 in (20 to 45 cm) in length and 0.2 to 1 in (6 to 25 mm) wide.
This plant releases branched white flowers that may reach lengths of 30 in (75 cm). Blooms may occur from spring to fall.
Spider Plant Light Needs
While spider plants tolerate low light, complete shade reduces the plant’s variegated pattern and decreases growth. This houseplant thrives with bright, indirect light.
Learn more about plant variegation here
An East or West facing window is best because it provides enough light without burning the plant.
Excess direct sunlight causes leaf burn, which shows up as brown spots on the leaves. If your plant is burned, move it farther away from the window or cover the window with a sheer curtain.
The white portions of the variegated varieties are especially susceptible to leaf burn. Avoid direct sunlight and do not keep the plant directly next to a window. The brown sunburned portions do not fade once formed, so it is best to prevent leaf burn in the first place.
Rotate your spider plant every few days so that each side receives ample light.
Dust the leaves frequently to keep them clean so the plant can absorb the necessary sunlight.
Spider Plant Watering
Spider plants prefer for their soil to dry out between watering. When it is time to water, pour until the soil feels moist but before it is soaking wet. Watering too frequently leads to root rot, which is difficult to fix. If there is a saucer under the pot, empty out the water that collects to prevent root rot.
Water your spider plant about once every one to two weeks and adjust the frequency as needed based on your environmental conditions. If you notice the soil remains very wet for days, decrease your watering frequency and add more perlite to the soil to increase drainage. Plants in warmer climates or brighter light need to be watered more often than those in cooler climates or lower light.
Spider Plant Soil
Place the spider plant in a well-draining houseplant potting soil. Mix in a few cups of perlite to increase drainage and reduce the risk of over watering.
Spider Plant Temperature
Spider plants do best in temperatures from 65 – 80 °F (18 – 27 °C). Do not keep this houseplant in cold temperatures or near a drafty window.
Spider Plant Humidity
While spider plants tolerate low humidity, they do best in medium to high humidity.
Brown leaf tips are a sign the air is too dry. To increase humidity, place a humidifier nearby, or keep the plant in a pebble tray with water. It is best to avoid keeping the plant away from heating and cooling vents as the air around them is very dry.
Repotting Spider Plants
Spider plants grow relatively quickly- repot this houseplant once every one to two years. Repotting is important when you notice the plant’s growth has slowed or the roots peek out of the soil.
Choose a terracotta pot with a drainage hole for good airflow and to prevent over watering.
When it is time to repot, choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one (about one to two inches wider in diameter). If the pot is too large, the extra soil absorbs too much water and drowns the roots.
Carefully remove the plant from the old pot and loosen the soil from the roots. With a pair of garden shears or scissors, prune any rotten or damaged roots. Fill the new pot with fresh, well-draining potting soil and secure the houseplant in place. Wait a week after repotting before watering again to give the plant time to settle in it’s new home.
Fertilizing Spider Plants
Fertilize once a month from spring to summer (make sure the soil is damp before fertilizing). Do not feed from fall to winter when the plant’s growth slows.
Over fertilizing leads to brown tips and damages the roots. If you over fertilized, thoroughly water the plant to flush out the salts.
Spider Plant Pups
A spider plant may produce offsets, commonly known as “pups”, if it is healthy. These small pups can be removed and replanted as new houseplants once they are at least three inches in diameter.
If you want to have a fuller-looking plant, keep the pups in their place. However if there are many pups and the mother plant is beginning to look unhealthy, cut off the larger ones.
Spider Plant Toxicity
Fortunately spider plants are non-toxic to pets and humans, so you do not have to worry if a piece is accidentally ingested.
Spider Plant Pests
Signs of a pest infestation include:
- Cottony sticky substance
- Yellow or discolored leaves
- Black mold-like substance
Carefully inspect the spider plant for pests. If you notice any, check your neighboring houseplants as well in case they have spread. Quarantine any affected plants.
Wash the spider plant in the sink under a strong stream of water with an insecticidal soap. Spray the plant with rubbing alcohol or diluted neem oil.
Spray once every three to four days for several weeks until all signs of the infestation are gone.
Spider Plant Varieties
Two common variegated varieties include:
- “Vittatum”- green foliage with a white stripe at the center of each leaf.
- “Variegatum”- the opposite of “vittatum”, there is a cream stripe along the edges with a green center.
There are also solid green varieties.
Common Spider Plant Care Problems
1. Spider plant leaves turning yellow
Yellow leaves may be due to natural aging, over watering, nutrient deficiency or pests.
- Old leaves: If only the older leaves are turning yellow, this is normal as the plant ages and nothing has to be done.
- Over watering: If the leaves or stems are limp and mushy, the plant may be over watered. Remove the plant from it’s soil and cut off any rotten roots (they are black and slimy). If the rot has progressed into the stem, cut off the stem until you have clean tissue without any signs of rot. Plant in fresh, well-draining soil and avoid watering for several weeks while the plant recovers.
- Nutrient deficiency: Fertilize the spider plant monthly from spring to summer.
- Pests: Follow the steps described above to rid the plant of pests.
For more information, check out this article: Spider plant leaves turning yellow?
2. Spider plant leaves turning brown
Dried, brown leaves are most likely due to under watering, low humidity, or too much sunlight.
- Dry soil: If the soil is dry to touch, increase the watering frequency, especially if the plant is in a hot room.
- Very dry air also causes crispy leaves. Increase humidity around the plant by placing a humidifier nearby, keeping the pot in a pebble tray, or misting the soil frequently with a spray bottle.
- Too much light: Spider plants receiving bright, direct light can burn, causing brown spots on the leaves. If this is the case, move the plant farther away from the window.
3. Spider plant leaves fading in color
- Under watering: If the plant appears limp with pale leaves and brown, thoroughly water the plant. If the soil is completely dry, place the pot in a tub of water and let it soak up water from it’s drainage hole. After 45 minutes, take the pot out and let the soil drain. Then, place the plant back in it’s original spot.
- Bright light: While spider plants tolerate low light, bright direct light may lead to pale leaves.
In summary for spider plant care…
With long, thin, arching leaves, spider plants make a great addition to any table top or bookshelf. These houseplants are fairly easy going if they are provided with bright, indirect light, watered when their soil is dry, and kept at room temperatures. When properly cared for, the spider plant produces pups, allowing you to expand your collection!
Have more questions about spider plant care? Let me know in the comments below!
