How to Grow and Care for Spider Plants
About Spider Plant
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) grows 1 to 2 feet tall and is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11. It grows best in bright, indirect light with medium water.
‘Chlorophytum comosum,’ commonly known as the ‘Spider Plant,’ displays a fountain of gracefully-arching foliage and delicate, star-shaped blossoms year-round. This ever-popular houseplant is prized for its rosette of beautifully colored, linear, grass-like leaves. It typically grows 18 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide. Long, arching stolons, heavy with intriguing, tussock-like plantlets, or “babies,” cascade from the plant’s flowering nodes. The green, linear leaves of the ‘Spider Plant’ are often variegated with white stripes. The ‘Milky Way’ cultivar features creamy-white leaves with vivid green margins, while the ‘Picturatum’ variety presents leaves with central golden stripes. The ‘Variegatum’ is yet another cultivar, with soft green leaves edged in ivory. The stolons and plantlets require a three-week period of less than twelve hours of light, or short days with longer nights, to develop. The ‘Spider Plant’ is native to the warm, tropical regions of South Africa, where it is evergreen and often planted as a groundcover or used as an edging along shady garden walkways. Perennial only within USDA hardiness zones 9-11, it makes a lovely specimen for decorative containers or hanging baskets. ‘Spider Plants’ are intolerant of direct sunlight, but they flourish in dappled or deeply shaded areas. In 1984, scientists conducted research and discovered this plant has the uncanny ability to purify contaminated indoor air. It can actually release oxygen while removing harmful toxins, such as formaldehyde. ‘Spider Plants’ tolerate artificial light, making remarkable office or house plants to brighten dark corners. The genus name, ‘Chlorophytum’ is derived from the Greek words, “chloros,” meaning “green,” and “phyton,” or “plant.” The botanical term, “comosum,” translates to the phrase, “furnished with a tuft,” in reference to the plant’s “tuft-like” plantlets.
When to Plant Spider Plants
Spider plants are houseplants and can be potted any time of year. Repot in spring when roots fill the pot, and root the small plantlets in water or soil to start new plants.
How to Plant Spider Plants
The ‘Spider Plant’ prefers medium light, but it can tolerate deep shade. The plant’s leaves will scald if exposed to direct sunlight. Although tolerant of drought, it grows best in evenly moist, well-drained, loamy soil, or African Violet potting mix with a pH between 7.4 and 7.8. Potted plants are available from most local garden centers. ‘Spider Plants’ are easily propagated in spring by removing and replanting the “babies,” or plantlets. The new plantlet should be gently pressed and anchored into moist soil so that the root buds are covered thinly. It will develop roots in about three weeks, at which time it can be severed from the main plant to grow on its own.
Spider Plant Care
The ‘Spider Plant’ prefers lightly moist soil in spring and summer. In winter, the top inch of the soil should be allowed to dry between each watering. The plant is prone to root rot if over-watered. It is best to avoid using tap water containing fluoride. Distilled water or pure rainwater is best to prevent brown leaf tips from appearing on the plant. The ‘Spider Plant’ prefers average room temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees and never cooler than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants should be repotted when roots begin to grow out of the drainage holes. It is important to select a pot only one or two inches larger than the old one because the pant performs best if slightly root bound.
Fertilizing Spider Plants
The ‘Spider Plant’ should be fertilized every two weeks in spring and summer with a water-soluble 10-10-10 fertilizer, diluted by half. It should not be fertilized at all during the fall and winter months. It is important to read and carefully follow the directions on the product label before using fertilizer.
Pruning Spider Plants
Brown leaf tips, which can be caused by too little water or humidity, are easily snipped off with scissors to maintain a more attractive appearance.
Spider Plant Pests and Diseases
‘Spider Plants’ are prone to root rot if over-watered. Whiteflies, spider mites, scale, or aphids occasionally appear but can be treated with an application of neem oil or horticultural soap, used according to the directions on the product label.
Are Spider Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
No. The ASPCA lists spider plants as non-toxic to dogs and cats, though cats often enjoy chewing the leaves. If you think a pet has eaten a toxic plant, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Spider Plant FAQs
Why are my spider plant’s leaf tips turning brown?
Brown tips usually come from fluoride or salts in tap water, dry air or uneven watering. Use rainwater or distilled water and keep the soil lightly moist.
How much light does a spider plant need?
Bright, indirect light keeps the leaves striped and encourages plantlets. Spider plants tolerate lower light but grow more slowly.
How do I propagate a spider plant?
Snip off a plantlet (“spiderette”) with small roots and set it in water or moist potting mix. It roots within a couple of weeks.
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