Spider plant care guide
Chlorophytum comosum
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are classic, nearly unkillable houseplants with arching striped leaves and baby plantlets that dangle on long stems. They're safe for pets, fast-growing and perfect in hanging baskets or on shelves.
This guide covers light, watering, winter care, brown tips, babies and propagation, and care for curly, variegated, Hawaiian and orange spider plants.
Low light · Medium light · Bright, indirect light
About once a week
Easy
Pet-safe
Where to water it
Pour water slowly onto the soil around the base, not over the leaves, until it runs out of the drainage holes. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
When: When the top inch of soil is dry.
Where to put it
Shelves and hanging baskets in medium light.
Common mistakes
- Fluoridated tap water, which browns leaf tips
- Overwatering
- Deep shade, which fades the stripes
Spider plant care at a glance
Spider plant care instructions for indoors.
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Light | Medium to bright, indirect light. |
| Water | When the top inch is dry, about once a week. |
| Water type | Filtered or rain water helps prevent brown tips. |
| Temperature | 60°F to 80°F. Keep above 50°F. |
| Humidity | Average indoor air is fine. |
| Soil | Regular well-draining potting mix. |
| Fertilizer | Half strength monthly in spring and summer. |
| Pets | Non-toxic to cats and dogs. |
How much light does a spider plant need?
Medium to bright, indirect light is ideal, like near an east window or a few feet from a south or west window. Spider plants survive lower light, but the stripes fade and the plant won't make babies.
Direct afternoon sun scorches the leaves and causes brown patches.
How to water a spider plant
Water when the top inch of soil is dry, about once a week in spring and summer and every 10 to 14 days in winter. Water until it drains. The thick, white roots store water, so spider plants handle a missed watering well.
Spider plants are sensitive to fluoride, chlorine and salts in tap water, which cause brown tips. Use filtered or rain water, or let tap water sit out overnight, and flush the pot every few months.
Spider plant winter care
In winter, spider plants grow slowly. Water less often, letting the top inch or two dry out, and stop fertilizing. Keep them above 50°F and away from cold windows and heater vents.
Spider plant babies and propagation
Mature, slightly root-bound spider plants in good light send out long stems with small white flowers that turn into baby plants, called spiderettes.
To propagate, wait until a baby has small root nubs on its base, then snip it off and set it in water or moist potting mix. It roots within 1 to 2 weeks. You can also pin a baby into a nearby pot while it's still attached, then cut the runner once it roots.
No babies? The plant may be too young, in too little light, or in a pot that's too big.
Common spider plant problems
Brown tips are by far the most common complaint.
- Brown tips: fluoride or salts in tap water, dry air or underwatering. Trim with scissors and switch water.
- Pale, washed-out leaves: too much direct sun or too little light.
- Yellow, mushy base: overwatering and root rot.
- Roots pushing out of the pot: time to repot or divide.
- Leaves splitting or creased: normal stress from handling or thirst.
Spider plants are a favorite in pet-friendly offices and homes. Leafstruck maintenance keeps them watered with the right water and trimmed, so tips stay green.
Plant maintenance serviceOutdoor spider plant care
Spider plants grow outdoors all year in USDA zones 9 to 11 as a ground cover or edging plant in part shade. Elsewhere, they make great summer hanging baskets in shade and come in before nights drop below 50°F.
Spider plant varieties
All share the same care.
Variegated spider plant
Also sold as Vittatum, Variegatum
Green leaves with a white center stripe, or white edges.
Care: Standard care. The classic type.
Curly spider plant
Also sold as Bonnie
Tight, curling leaves with a white stripe.
Care: Standard care. Compact, great on desks.
Hawaiian spider plant
Also sold as Golden Glow
Solid green to golden leaves, shorter and broader.
Care: Medium light. Slower to make babies.
Orange spider plant
Also sold as Mandarin, Fire Flash (Chlorophytum orchidastrum)
Broad green leaves with bright orange stems.
Care: A related species. Medium, indirect light and even moisture; doesn't make hanging babies.
Green spider plant
Plain green leaves.
Care: Tolerates the lowest light of all types.
Your Spider Plant watering schedule
Every 7 days · about once a week
Water the soil
Pour water slowly onto the soil around the base, not over the leaves, until it runs out of the drainage holes. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes.
Check first: When the top inch of soil is dry.
Schedules are a starting point. Always check the soil before you water. Full Spider Plant care guide
Too many plants to keep track of? We water them for you.
Spider Plant questions
How do you care for a spider plant?
Medium to bright, indirect light, water when the top inch is dry, use filtered water to prevent brown tips, and feed lightly in spring and summer.
How often should I water a spider plant?
About once a week in spring and summer and every 10 to 14 days in winter.
Why does my spider plant have brown tips?
Usually fluoride, chlorine or salts in tap water. Dry air and underwatering also cause it.
How do I propagate spider plant babies?
Snip off a baby that has root nubs and set it in water or moist potting mix. It roots in 1 to 2 weeks.
Why isn't my spider plant making babies?
It needs to be mature, slightly root-bound and in bright, indirect light.
Are spider plants safe for cats?
Yes. Spider plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs, though cats love to chew them.
Pet-safe greenery, handled for you
Leafstruck designs pet-safe plant programs for offices and homes and maintains them on a schedule, with free replacements.
Plants that like the same light
Test what you know
Water It Right game
Ten plants, two questions each: how often, and where does the water go?
GameFind the Right Spot game
Place each plant in the room where it will thrive, from sunny windows to windowless hallways.
QuizPlant matcher quiz
Answer five questions about your light, space and style to get three plants that will thrive.