Complete Guide to Spider Plant Care and Growth

Ideal Light for Spider Plant

Spider Plants are adaptable but thrive in bright, indirect light. Think of a spot a few feet away from an east or north-facing window, or in a room that gets good ambient light without direct sunbeams hitting the leaves.

While they can tolerate lower light conditions, their growth will be slower, and variegated varieties may lose some of their distinct striping. On the other hand, too much direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves, causing brown spots and streaks.

Best & Worst Light Conditions

• Best Light Conditions:

  • Near an east-facing window with gentle morning light.
  • In a bright room, shielded from direct afternoon sun.
  • They perform well under fluorescent office lighting.

• Avoid:

  • Direct, intense sunlight from a south or west-facing window, which can burn the foliage.
  • Very dark corners, as this can lead to weak, pale growth.

Watering Needs

Watering Frequency

• Growing Season (Spring-Summer): Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. This might be about once a week, depending on your home’s conditions.
• Dormant Season (Fall-Winter): The plant’s growth slows, so it needs less water. Allow the soil to dry out more between waterings.

A common issue causing brown leaf tips is sensitivity to fluoride and chlorine in tap water. If you notice this problem, try using distilled water, rainwater, or tap water that has been left out for 24 hours to allow some chemicals to dissipate.

How to Water

Signs of Improper Watering

• Overwatering: Yellowing leaves, a mushy base, and brown, collapsing leaves are signs of root rot.
• Underwatering: Leaves will look pale, faded, and droopy. The plant will lose its vibrant color.

What Kind of Soil Does Spider Plant Like?

Spider Plants are not demanding when it comes to soil. A general-purpose, well-draining potting mix is perfectly suitable. The most critical factor is that the soil allows excess water to drain away easily to protect its fleshy roots from rot.

The ideal soil should be:

• Well-aerated: To provide oxygen to the roots.
• Well-draining: To prevent waterlogging.
• Slightly moisture-retentive: To hold enough water between waterings.

DIY Soil Mix Recipe for Spider Plant

You can easily create an excellent mix for your Spider Plant:

• 2 parts all-purpose potting soil
• 1 part perlite or coco coir (to improve drainage and aeration)

This simple blend ensures the right balance of drainage and moisture retention for a healthy root system.

Pre-Made Potting Mix Options

Fertilizing for Lush Growth

When and How to Fertilize

• Growing Season (Spring and Summer): Feed your Spider Plant sparingly, about once every 3-4 months.
• Dormant Season (Fall and Winter): Do not fertilize, as the plant is not actively growing.

Use a balanced, all-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Heavily fertilized plants may not produce as many plantlets. Always apply fertilizer to moist soil to avoid burning the roots.

Signs of Fertilizing Issues

• Over-fertilization: Brown, crispy leaf tips and a white, crusty buildup on the soil surface are classic signs of too much fertilizer.
• Under-fertilization: Slow growth and pale foliage might indicate a need for nutrients, especially in an older plant.

Ideal Temperature Range

Spider Plants are comfortable in typical indoor temperatures, making them well-suited for home environments.

• Ideal Range: 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day.
• Tolerates: Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 50-55°F (10-13°C).

They are not frost-tolerant, so protect them from cold drafts from windows, doors, and air conditioning units.

Does It Need High Humidity?

Spider Plants tolerate average household humidity but appreciate a bit of extra moisture in the air. Low humidity is one of the main culprits behind brown, crispy leaf tips. While not as demanding as others, providing more moisture will always be appreciated. For plants that are true humidity lovers, check out our list of the top 👉 plants that thrive in high humidity.

• Ideal Humidity: They are happy in a range of 40-60%.
• Tolerates: Standard indoor humidity, but very dry air (especially in winter) can cause stress.

How to Increase Humidity

• Misting: Lightly misting the foliage a few times a week can provide a temporary humidity boost.
• Pebble Tray: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. The evaporating water will increase humidity around the plant.
• Grouping Plants: Clustering plants together naturally raises the ambient humidity.
• Humidifier: Using a room humidifier is the most effective method for maintaining consistent humidity.

Flowers and 'Babies'

Yes, a healthy and mature Spider Plant will bloom. It produces long, wiry stems called stolons, which first develop small, delicate, star-shaped white flowers.

After the flowering stage, tiny plantlets, often called ‘spiderettes’ or ‘babies’, form in the same spot. These are miniature versions of the parent plant, complete with their own tiny roots. The production of these stolons and plantlets is often triggered when the plant is slightly pot-bound and exposed to shorter day lengths. These hanging plantlets give the Spider Plant its characteristic ‘spidery’ look and are the primary way it is propagated.

When to Repot

Spider Plants grow fast and have thick, tuberous roots that can quickly fill a pot. They don’t mind being slightly root-bound, which can even encourage them to produce more plantlets. However, they will need repotting every 1-2 years.

• Frequency: Every 1-2 years is typical.
• Signs:
  • Roots are growing out of the drainage holes.
  • The thick roots are pushing the plant up and out of the pot.
  • The pot is visibly bulging or has cracked from root pressure.
  • The plant dries out extremely quickly.

Spring is the best time to repot, but they can be repotted at any time of year if necessary.

How to Repot

1. Choose a New Pot: Select a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. A pot that’s too large can hold excess moisture and lead to root rot. Make sure it has drainage holes.
2. Remove the Plant: Carefully ease the plant out of its current pot. Its extensive root system might make it a tight fit.
3. Inspect and Divide (Optional): This is a great time to divide the plant if you wish. You can gently tease the roots apart into two or more sections, or use a clean knife to cut through the root ball. Ensure each division has plenty of roots and foliage.
4. Pot Up: Add a layer of fresh potting mix to the new pot. Place the plant (or division) in the center and fill the surrounding space with soil, gently firming it down.
5. Water: Water the plant well to help the soil settle around the roots.

Why and When to Prune

Spider Plants require very little pruning. Grooming is mainly done for aesthetic reasons to keep the plant looking tidy and healthy.

• Brown Tips: The most common reason for pruning is to remove brown leaf tips.
• Dead Leaves: Trim any leaves that have turned entirely yellow or brown at the base.
• Stolons: You can trim the long stems with the plantlets if you wish, though many people enjoy the cascading look. These cuttings can be used for propagation.

You can prune your Spider Plant at any time of the year.

How to Prune

Pests That May Affect Spider Plants

While relatively resistant to pests, a stressed Spider Plant can occasionally become a target. Regularly checking the leaves, especially the undersides and the dense crown at the base, can help you catch any issues early.

• Spider Mites - These tiny pests thrive in dry conditions and can be hard to spot. Look for fine webbing and a stippled, dusty appearance on the leaves.
• Mealybugs - These look like small, white, cottony dots and often hide in the crown of the plant where the leaves emerge.
• Scale Insects - These appear as small, hard, brown bumps on the leaves, particularly along the central vein.
• Aphids - Small, pear-shaped insects that can cluster on new growth and the long stolons, sucking sap and weakening the plant.

Most pests can be managed by wiping them off with a damp cloth or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or by treating the plant with insecticidal soap.

Troubleshooting Spider Plant Issues

Spider Plants are tough, but they will show signs of stress when their needs aren’t being met. Most problems are easy to diagnose and fix.

• Brown, Crispy Edges - This is the most common complaint. It’s rarely a sign of a serious disease but is typically a reaction to dry air, inconsistent watering, or, most often, a sensitivity to minerals and chemicals like fluoride in tap water. Switching to filtered water often solves the problem.
• Yellowing Leaves - While it’s normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and die off occasionally, widespread yellowing is usually a sign of overwatering and soggy soil.
• Root Rot - This is a direct result of overwatering or soil with poor drainage. The plant’s base may become mushy, and the roots will turn brown and soft. This is the most serious threat to a Spider Plant.
• Stunted Growth - If your plant isn’t growing or producing plantlets, it may be due to insufficient light, a lack of nutrients, or being severely root-bound and in need of repotting.
• Pest Damage - Look for stippling on leaves, sticky residue, or visible insects if the plant looks generally unhealthy.

Creating New Plants

1. Propagation by Plantlets (Spiderettes)

This is the easiest and most common method.

1. Wait for Roots: Look for the small nubs or even fully-formed aerial roots at the base of the plantlet. It’s best to wait until these roots are about half an inch long.
2. Snip the Stem: Using clean scissors, cut the plantlet off the long stem (stolon).
3. Pot in Soil: Plant the spiderette directly into a small pot filled with moist potting mix. The tiny roots should be just under the soil surface.
4. Root in Water (Alternative): You can also place the base of the spiderette in a small jar of water. Once a more substantial root system develops (1-2 inches long), pot it in soil.
5. Pin Down Method: For a foolproof method, place a small pot of soil next to the mother plant. Pin a still-attached plantlet down onto the soil of the new pot using a bent paperclip or wire. Once it has firmly rooted, you can snip the connecting stem.

2. Propagation by Division

This method is best done when repotting a large, crowded plant.

For a clear walkthrough of the technique, see our plant division guide.

1. Remove the Plant: Carefully take the entire Spider Plant out of its pot.
2. Separate the Root Ball: Gently pull the root ball apart into two or more sections. You may need to use a clean knife to cut through the thick roots.
3. Ensure Viability: Make sure each new section has a good amount of both roots and leafy growth.
4. Repot: Plant each new division into its own pot with fresh soil and water thoroughly.

Are Spider Plants safe for cats and dogs?

Why are the tips of my Spider Plant turning brown?

How do I get my Spider Plant to make babies?

Should I cut the brown tips off my Spider Plant?

How often should I repot my Spider Plant?