Spider plant care

Spider plant is commonly found in tropical climates, especially in rainforests. Its native habitat is South Africa. The genus name, derived from Greek, refers to its originally green foliage: "khloros" = green, and "phiton" = plant. However, the most popular variety is now striped, and is therefore referred to as "variegated", more precisely by plant experts as the striped spider plant, or cv. Variegatum, while in common speech it is often called Spider plant.

This cheerful striped plant is the best choice for beginner gardeners, because it's very easy to care for – virtually indestructible. Over time, it's known by many names: in addition to Spider plant, it's also called Spider ivy or Ribbon plant.

Introduction to Spider Plant

The narrow leaves are marked with longitudinal green and white stripes. The white flowers appear in summer on long, stiff shoots, and after blooming, baby plantlets form at the ends of these shoots. If placed on a stand, windowsill, or hung up, the runners can develop freely.

The broader leaves of young plants narrow as they mature. The 'Vittatum' variety has a white stripe down the middle of its green leaves, while 'Variegatum' has white edges on a green base.

Not only its decorative appearance but also its adaptability makes it attractive. A well-cared-for Spider plant continuously produces small offshoots, which are easy to root once separated – or leave them attached for an even more beautiful and unique houseplant.

As these grow, new ones develop. In a more humid environment, they may even root in the air. When they multiply, they can eventually cover the entire pot from all sides.

NASA researchers tested houseplants to see how they affect indoor air quality. The Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) scored exceptionally high in the experiment. Therefore, it's especially recommended for urban apartments and offices not just as a decorative plant, but for air purification as well. This little green creature is capable of capturing up to 96% of the carbon dioxide in the room's air.

Spider Plant Care

Spider plant care: it loves light, so place it in a bright spot, but protect it from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature is between 64 - 75 °F (18 - 24 °C) during the day and 50 - 61 °F (10 - 16 °C) at night. Be careful not to overwater it, as it's sensitive to that. In dry air, it may need some humidity. From spring to autumn, feed it with fertilizer made for foliage houseplants.

Light Requirements for Spider Plant

The most vibrant coloration develops in bright light, but excessive direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. In winter, Spider plant can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight. However, without enough light, the leaf variegation will fade.

The striped variety needs more light, while the plain green-leafed type requires less. It also does well in semi-shade, but needs light to flower. It can survive in shady places too, but its growth will slow, and its colors may fade.

Temperature Requirements for Spider Plant

Spider plant tolerates cold well, and if its soil is dry, it can withstand temperatures as low as 44 - 50 °F (7 - 10 °C). It also handles high indoor temperatures that are too much for other houseplants. The ideal range is 64 - 75 °F (18 - 24 °C) during the day and 50 - 61 °F (10 - 16 °C) at night.

It does not tolerate frost – damage may occur below 44 °F (7 °C). From autumn to spring, it prefers cooler locations and less water. Keep it away from radiators, but do not place it in dark corners. It can also survive at higher temperatures, provided the humidity level is adequate.

Watering Needs for Spider

To care properly for a Spider plant, it's important to know it has moderate water needs. From spring to autumn (its growing season), water it thoroughly 1–2 times a week, but let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings. The plant should not sit in water. In winter, it needs less water, so water it less frequently.

In warmer than average temperatures (> 77 °F or 25 °C) and dry air, mist the leaves daily, preferably in the morning. Otherwise, it doesn’t necessarily need extra humidity.

Be very careful to avoid overwatering, as the roots can easily rot. It's also sensitive to hard water, so use soft or rainwater if possible.

Fertilizing Spider Plant

Due to its fast growth, Spider plant requires regular feeding. The best method is biweekly liquid fertilizer from March to September (during the growing season).

Nutrient-rich soil or the application of well-rotted manure can help improve nutrient availability for older plants, as irrigation water can wash nutrients toward the roots.

Choose a liquid fertilizer with roughly equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Most fertilizers formulated for foliage plants meet these criteria.

Do not fertilize from autumn to spring. During this period, the plant rests, and its growth cycle slows down.

Planting and Repotting Spider Plant

Repotting older Spider plants that need it is best done in spring, but it can be done any time until the end of summer. Due to its rapid growth, it usually needs repotting annually. Nutrient-rich soil or soil mixes are suitable for Spider plant, such as the Florasca B type.

While young, its soil can be loosened with peat, mixed in at a ratio of one-tenth. Later, a similar ratio of clay mixed in is more beneficial.

To preserve the variegation, avoid overly nutrient-rich soil, especially those high in nitrogen. Due to its thick, fleshy roots, it requires a relatively large pot.

Wintering Spider Plant

Spider plant is typically grown as a potted houseplant, so it doesn’t require special winter preparations. During winter care, the main thing to watch is that the temperature does not drop below 50 °F (10 °C).

Keep it in a bright spot even during winter. Although it can survive in dimmer areas, its vibrancy may fade without enough light.

Reduce watering frequency; the soil should be kept slightly dry rather than allowing the roots to sit in water. If the room air is too dry, occasionally mist the leaves or place the pot on a humidity tray.

Protect it from cold drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Blooming of Spider Plant

Spider plant does flower, although its blooms are more decorative than striking. It usually flowers during the growing season in spring and summer.

The flowers are small, white, and star-shaped. They appear on long, curved stalks. The blooms are simple and less eye-catching than the foliage.

After flowering, small plantlets often appear at the ends of the flower stalks, which can be easily propagated by detaching them.

Propagating Spider Plant

Propagation of Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is easy and can be done in several ways. The most common method is removing the baby plantlets, but it can also be propagated by division or from seeds.

Propagating Spider Plant from Plantlets

Separating the plantlets is the most common and easiest method of propagation, as Spider plant often produces baby plants at the ends of its flower stalks. Select one or more of these already-rooted plantlets for propagation.

These can be planted directly – preferably in pairs or trios – into good-quality soil in a medium-sized pot, approximately 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter.

Then place the pot in a shaded, draft-free spot, and to prevent excessive evaporation, cover it with a plastic bag or jar for a few days. Proper rooting is indicated by the emergence of new leaves.

Usually, repotting into a larger pot is only necessary after a year. In the first year, it rarely produces new offshoots, so don’t worry if only leaves develop.

Propagating Spider Plant by Division

When repotting an overgrown plant, it can be divided into several sections. Separate the mother plant along with its root ball into parts. Use your hands or a sharp knife to divide the root ball into smaller pieces, making sure each part has roots and shoots.

Plant the separated sections into individual pots with fresh potting soil, water them thoroughly, and place them in a bright but sun-protected spot.

This method of propagation is very reliable, and anyone can safely try it.

Propagating Spider Plant from Seeds

Spider plant propagation from seeds is slower and requires more attention, so it is less commonly used. If you decide to try, collect the mature seeds after flowering.

Sow the seeds in loose, well-draining soil and cover them very lightly with soil. Mist them with water and keep the soil consistently moist.

They need warmth to germinate, ideally between 68 - 75 °F (20 - 24 °C). Germination may take several weeks.

Once the seedlings are strong enough, transplant them into individual pots.

Rooting Spider Plant Offshoots in Water or by Layering

You can root Spider plant offshoots by placing the cuttings from the stolons into a container half-filled with water. Once roots develop, you can then plant them in soil. Alternatively, before cutting the shoot from the main plant, you can press it into soil, wait for it to root, and then cut it off.

Spider Plant Diseases, Pests, and Causes of Decline

Spider plants are generally resistant to disease, but overwatering and low light can be harmful. They rarely get sick or attacked by pests, but under certain conditions, problems can occur.

Spider Plant Diseases

Overwatering can lead to bacterial root rot. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, browning and softening roots, and possibly a foul smell from the soil. In severe cases, the plant may not be salvageable.

Fungal infections can occur if humidity is high and the soil remains constantly wet. Symptoms include brown or black spots on the leaves or mold growth. Take quick action by improving ventilation, and if necessary, use a fungicide.

Leaf spot may be caused by high humidity or stagnant water droplets on the leaves, appearing as dark, irregular spots. Remove affected parts and avoid misting the foliage.

Spider Plant Pests

If the leaves appear faded with a grayish web on them, red spider mites may be present. Natural pesticides can help protect your plant.

Scale insects show up as brown or white spots on leaf surfaces and are hard to wipe off. Try soapy water or an insecticide.

Aphids are small green, black, or white insects in the leaf axils. They excrete a sticky, honeydew-like substance. Use soapy water or an insecticide to remove them.

Thrips cause silvery streaks or spots on leaves and leaf deformation. Use yellow sticky traps or insecticidal sprays to control them.

Environmental Factors and Improper Care of Spider Plant

Overwatering can cause root rot. If the Spider plant's leaves yellow, brown, droop, and the plant stops growing, suspect root rot. It’s best to remove it from the soil immediately in hopes of saving it.

In low light and overly warm conditions, the plant may become leggy, with pale, faded leaves, and might even begin to die back.

Brown leaf tips are often due to either too little—more commonly too much—water, which in the latter case can also lead to root rot.

Growth issues can occur if the soil’s nutrients are depleted, which is avoidable by repotting when the thick, white, fleshy roots become visible near the container’s edge.

If the air is too dry, leaves may brown and crack—in this case, mist the leaves.

Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leaving brown burn marks. Move the plant to a shadier spot.

Is Spider Plant Toxic?

Spider plant is not toxic to humans or pets and is known as a particularly safe indoor plant.