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Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
Care level: Very easy
Spider plants send out long, arching stems tipped with baby 'spiderettes' that are genetic clones of the parent, a natural propagation strategy that lets a single plant colonize wide patches of the grasslands of South Africa where it originates.
Tolerates low light but grows best in bright, indirect light; avoid harsh direct sun which scorches leaves.
Water
Keep soil lightly moist and water when the top 2-3cm dries out, roughly weekly; reduce in winter.
Humidity
Adapts well to average home humidity, though brown tips can appear in very dry air.
Soil
Standard well-draining potting mix works fine.
Temperature
Normal room temperatures. Keep it above 7°C.
Size
30-45cm tall and 30-60cm wide, plus trailing runners.
Growth speed
Medium
Best position
north / north-east-facing windowanywhere up to about 2 m from the window
east-facing windowabout 1 m from the window or further back
west-facing windowabout 2 m from the window or further back
Watch for strong direct sun at east / west windows.
See every window directionHide window directions
Best position
right by the window
about 1 m
about 2 m
about 4 m
4 m or more
north
works well✓
works well✓
works well✓
just about~
just about~
north-east
works well✓
works well✓
works well✓
just about~
just about~
east
just about~
works well✓
works well✓
works well✓
works well✓
south-east
too much direct sun☼
just about~
just about~
works well✓
works well✓
south
too much direct sun☼
too much direct sun☼
too much direct sun☼
just about~
works well✓
south-west
too much direct sun☼
too much direct sun☼
just about~
works well✓
works well✓
west
too much direct sun☼
too much direct sun☼
works well✓
works well✓
works well✓
north-west
too much direct sun☼
just about~
works well✓
just about~
just about~
✓works well~just about○too dark☼too much direct sun
A rough guide based on window direction and typical daylight through the year. Window size, curtains and whatever stands outside matter just as much.
✓Non-toxic to pets
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Source: ASPCA
Propagation tip
Spiderettes often grow tiny aerial roots while still attached to the mother plant. Snip one off once you see root nubs forming and it can go straight into soil or water with almost no transplant shock.
Care by Season
Spring
Resume regular watering and feed lightly as new plantlets begin forming on runners.
Summer
Water consistently and consider moving outdoors to a shaded spot for a growth boost.
Autumn
Taper off feeding and watering slightly as growth slows.
Winter
Water sparingly and keep away from cold windows; brown tips are normal and can be trimmed.
Growing & Maintenance
Soil and pot
Standard potting compost in a pot with drainage holes. A plant that is slightly root-bound produces more runners and plantlets.
Repotting
Every 1-2 years in spring, when the thick, fleshy roots lift the plant out of the pot or push against its sides. Move up one size.
Fertilising
A balanced liquid feed every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer. Overfeeding shows as brown leaf tips and fewer plantlets.
Pruning
Snip brown tips off following the shape of the leaf, and pull or cut old leaves away at the base. Cut the runners off if you do not want plantlets.
Propagation
From plantlets. Peg one into a small pot of compost while it is still attached and sever it once rooted, or cut it off and root it in water. Large clumps can also be divided at repotting.
Pests & Diseases
Common problems
Brown leaf tips
Most likely cause: Chlorine and fluoride in tap water, dry air or too much fertiliser.
What to do: Water with rainwater or tap water left to stand for a day, raise the humidity and feed less. Trim the tips to the shape of the leaf.
No runners or plantlets
Most likely cause: Too much fertiliser, or days that are too long. Plantlets form after about three weeks of short days with long, uninterrupted nights.
What to do: Feed less and keep the plant out of rooms that are lit late into the evening in autumn and winter. A young plant also needs time to fill its pot.
Bleached, scorched leaves
Most likely cause: Direct sunlight.
What to do: Move it into bright, indirect light.
Limp, yellowing leaves
Most likely cause: Overwatering. The thick roots rot in wet compost.
What to do: Let the top 2-3cm dry before watering again and water less in winter. Cut away mushy roots and repot if needed.
Roots lifting the plant out of the pot
Most likely cause: The plant is pot-bound.
What to do: Repot in spring into a pot one size larger.
Pests & Diseases
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing and stippled, pale leaves.
Treatment: Rinse foliage and increase humidity; apply insecticidal soap if persistent. Check the undersides of the leaves and the crevices where the leaf stem meets the main stalk.
Aphids
Signs: Small green or black insects clustering on new growth.
Treatment: Spray off with water and treat with insecticidal soap.
Root rot
Signs: Mushy brown roots and yellowing, limp leaves from overwatering.
Treatment: Remove from wet soil, trim rotten roots, and repot into fresh, dry mix.
FAQ
Why is my spider plant not producing babies?
Usually because it is fed too much or gets too many hours of light. Plantlets form when the plant has short days and long, dark nights for at least three weeks, and heavy feeding reduces them. A young plant also waits until it has filled its pot.
Are the brown tips on my spider plant a problem?
No, they are mostly cosmetic. Chlorine and fluoride in tap water, dry air and overfeeding cause them. Use rainwater or water left to stand, and trim the tips off.
Is the spider plant safe for cats and dogs?
Yes, the spider plant is not toxic to cats or dogs. Cats often like to chew the leaves, which spoils the plant more than it harms the cat.
How often should I water a spider plant?
About once a week, when the top 2-3cm of compost is dry. It likes lightly moist compost but tolerates a dry spell. Water less in winter.
How do I propagate a spider plant?
Root the plantlets that form on the runners. Peg one into a small pot of compost while it is still attached and cut it free once rooted, or cut it off and root it in water.
Can a spider plant grow in low light?
Yes, it tolerates deep shade, but it grows best in medium to bright indirect light. It does not tolerate direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
