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Spider plants or airplane plants ( Chlorophytum comosum ) form arching clumps of grass-like leaves and get their common names from the baby plantlets that form on their dangling stems. The baby plantlets or spiders grow on the flower stems of the plant, a relatively common trait in the lily plant family. They are one of the most adaptable and easy to grow houseplants, so they're perfect for people who don't necessarily have a green thumb!
Steps
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Provide bright, indirect light. Spider plants need enough bright, indirect light so the plant will produce flowers and plantlets or spiders.- They thrive on windowsills, though they should be set 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) away from south-facing windows during the spring and summer months.
- They will tolerate lower light levels, in bathrooms, bedrooms and north-facing windows, however, they may not flower or produce spiders in these rooms. It's wise to have two or more plants to switch between higher and lower light areas if you enjoy the appearance of flowers and baby plantlets.
- Outdoor plants should have moderate to deep shade during the day, as too much direct sunlight may scorch a spider plant so indirect is better. [1] X Research source
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Choose well-draining soil or potting soil. If your spider plant is outdoors, plant it in an area with well-draining soil, such as soil that contains compost or sand.- If your spider plant is indoors in a pot, select a high quality potting soil mix that may have peat moss, bark, coco coir, vermiculite and/or perlite. Don't fret too much over the soil, as spider plants are adaptable. [2] X Research source
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Maintain moderate and consistent temperature and humidity. If you live in an area where the temperature fluctuates wildly or reaches extremes, your spider plants will do better indoors. They prefer a temperature between 50 °F (10 °C) to 80 °F (27 °C) and can't thrive in outdoor areas with freezing or searing temperatures. Spider plants can tolerate low household humidity but the addition of a humidifier or pebble tray with water in the same room may help plant health. [3] X Research source
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Water your spider plant with distilled, bottled or purified water. Spider plants are sensitive to the fluoride in tap water, which can lead to yellow and brown leaf tips.- Tap water may leave behind mineral residue on the leaves when watered or misted that are unsightly.
- Use water at room temperature for watering, as cold or hot water may shock them. [4] X Research source
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Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Gently poke your finger into the soil to see if it is dry. If the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) or so of soil is dry, it's time to water your spider plant.- Water moderately or once per week during the first year and subsequent years, should be sufficient to keep the soil consistently moist, but not overly wet.
- If you prefer, simply lift the pot periodically to determine its weight. Light weight needs water.
- Empty excess water from the saucer or drainage tray after an hour or so if your spider plant is potted. [5] X Research source
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Fertilize spider plants every 4 to 6 weeks when growing conditions are good. During the growing season, use a water soluble or controlled release houseplant fertilizer to feed your spider plants. Follow the directions on the fertilizer to know how much of the solution to apply to the soil at the base of the plant.- Reduce fertilization for spider plants during the winter or when kept in low light areas. [6] X Research source
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Transplant your spider plant when it outgrows its container. If your spider plant's roots begin to grow through the drainage holes, you'll need to repot it into a larger container in the spring. Be sure to provide fresh potting soil and choose a container with drainage holes to keep the plant from becoming waterlogged. [7] X Research source -
Propagate large plants. Divide spider plants that are too large by pulling or cutting the root ball into several sections, each with some leaves, and repotting the sections with fresh potting soil. Alternatively, you can pluck off plantlets and root them in a cup of water. [8] X Research source- When propagating the baby plants, it can help to place a cotton ball or wad of napkin in the cup of water to keep the roots from being immersed.
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Trim dead leaf tips or leaves with scissors. If you notice brown or dead leaves or leaf tips, you can remove them. Snip the tip of the leaf off using scissors. Be sure to use distilled or purified water on your spider plants, as brown leaf tips could indicate buildup of fluoride in the potting soil. [9] X Research source -
Treat spider mites or mealybugs with natural insecticides. Signs of spider mites include dull, graying leaves and webby substances on the undersides of leaves. Spray a natural insecticide, like neem oil or insecticidal soap, on the plant to rid it of insect pests. You can find them at your local garden shop. [10] X Research source -
Heal blanched leaves by reducing sun exposure. Leaves and stems that are faded or bleached indicate too much sun. If your spider plant is outdoors, transplant it to a shadier location or place a tall plant near it to provide shade. If your spider plant is indoors, move it away from windows so that it receives indirect, rather than direct, sunlight. [11] X Research source -
Choose variegated or plain green varieties of spider plant.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow much sun does a spider plant need?Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.Spider plants do enjoy bright light, however, they need to be protected from too much direct sunlight. They flourish in partial shade.
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QuestionWhy are the tips of my spider plant leaves turning brown?Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.The most common reason behind brown leaves is overwatering or letting the foliage rest in water. The soil of spider plants should be left to dry slightly between waterings,
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QuestionIs a spider plant indoor or outdoor?Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.They can be grown either inside or outside. It's best to begin a seedling indoors, then they can easily be moved outside.
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Tips
- Spider plants are excellent for cleaning the air of tiny air pollutant particles. They were even grown in space capsules for air cleaning.Thanks
- Spider plants ( Chlorophytum comosum ) are members of the lily family.Thanks
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Warnings
- Spider plants are poisonous to cats, though other animals don't seem to be affected. It would be wise, however, to prevent all pets, including birds, from eating them.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://plantcaretoday.com/spider-plant-care.html#What-Light-Does-Chlorophytum-Grow-Best-In
- ↑ https://plantcaretoday.com/spider-plant-care.html#What-Soil-Type-Do-Airplane-Plants-Grow-Best-In
- ↑ https://plantcaretoday.com/spider-plant-care.html#Airplane-Plants-Like-Consistent-Moderate-Temperatures-Best
- ↑ http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-education3/3-water-plants.htm
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/spider-plant-tips-for-growing-care-and-propagating-234822
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/spider-plant-tips-for-growing-care-and-propagating-234822
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/spider-plant-tips-for-growing-care-and-propagating-234822
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/spider-plant-tips-for-growing-care-and-propagating-234822
- ↑ http://www.gardenloversclub.com/houseplants/spider-plant/growing-spider-plants/
About This Article
Article Summary
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To care for a spider plant, place it in a humid spot that gets indirect sunlight, like in a bathroom. Water your spider plant with distilled or purified water since they can be sensitive to the fluoride in tap water. You want the soil your plant is in to be consistently moist but not soggy. If you notice your spider plant's roots growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot, transfer it to a larger pot so it has room to grow. To learn how to deal with pests or dead leaves on your spider plant, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I came to this website originally to find out what type of light requirements a lucky bamboo plant needed and decided to read this article as well. I currently have 27 spider plants of various ages in my kitchen. I knew most of the info already, but it was nice to find out that leaving my little spiderlings attached to the mother plant were not putting stress on it. This is a wonderful article for beginners, and as I give away my babies, I will send a link to this article with them." ..." more
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"I came to this website originally to find out what type of light requirements a lucky bamboo plant needed and decided to read this article as well. I currently have 27 spider plants of various ages in my kitchen. I knew most of the info already, but it was nice to find out that leaving my little spiderlings attached to the mother plant were not putting stress on it. This is a wonderful article for beginners, and as I give away my babies, I will send a link to this article with them."
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"Purchased a spider plant that I had been eyeballing at my local market for a few weeks. I purchased it on a night after a long emotional week and decided I wanted to put my energy into caring for something fruitful. This article was the perfect beginner guide to my new therapy plant. Thank you."
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"I love plants but kill them with kindness. I am certainly not green fingered, but would love to be. The articles and Q&A's helped me a lot with easy to follow instructions and illustrations. Thank you to all, I read all this page, it saved my Peter Parker, my spider plant."
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"The article was very helpful. The instructions were simple and to the point. I will remember them. I have several spider plants that I am taking care of for a friend, and they sure need help. Thank you for sharing your knowledge on to take care of the spider plants. :)"
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"I, too, came to get info on my lucky bamboo, and just wanted to see if there was anything else I can learn about my spider plant. Great info that has always helped me. I've actually grown a green thumb thanks to the clear and simple tips here on this site."
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