A spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) asks for very little, which is half its charm. But July is the month it pays to give your plants a bit of attention. Warm rooms and bright summer light have spider plants growing fast, throwing out new leaves, and long stems that end in baby plantlets. Give your plant what it wants now and, by late summer, you'll be looking at a full, cascading plant with spiderettes to spare.

Good spider plant care functions on the same handful of principles year-round, but July shuffles the order of priorities. Heat puts water and light near the top of the to-do list and it opens up the best stretch of the year for multiplying your spider plant into a fuller flush of spiderettes.

A few small jobs over the coming weeks and the results turn up in the leaves and lots of new spider babies. Here’s what your spider plant needs this month to keep it thriving for the rest of the year.

1. Water Steadily

A spider plant that took a week to dry out in spring can go dry in a few days once July heat sets in. So check more often. Sticking a finger into the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil will help you tell if soil is dry enough for another watering. Or use a soil moisture meter, like this one from Amazon.

Water your spider plants so that the soil is evenly moist, but never soggy and never bone dry. Let it swing between those extremes and the plant sulks, pouring what energy it has into hanging on rather than making spiderettes.

The water itself is worth a thought here, too, since spider plants are unusually touchy about water quality. Fluoride and chlorine in tap water build up over time and show up as crispy brown leaf tips on spider plants. Rainwater, distilled water, or tap water that you left out overnight avoids the problem. It's an easy swap to make once the tips start browning.

2. Feed Lightly

All that summer growth runs on nutrients. But spider plants are light feeders, so treating one like a hungry tomato can actually do more harm than good.

Applying a half-strength liquid houseplant food, every two to four weeks while it's actively growing, keeps the foliage deep green and the plantlets coming. Something gentle, like this Grow Queen Organic Liquid Indoor Plant Food from Amazon, does the job at a reduced dose.

Pour on more than that and it backfires. Excess fertilizer leaves salts behind in the soil and those salts can burn the leaf tips the same way hard tap water does. A plant that’s busy coping with that won't have spare energy for producing spiderettes.

If you've already overdone it and given your plant too much fertilizer, run plain water through the pot for a minute to flush out the mineral buildup, then dial back fertilizing your spider plant.

3. Give It Bright, Indirect Light

Light is the lever that most affects whether you get spider plantlets at all. A spider plant in a dim corner survives, but it stays sparse and rarely bothers with producing babies.

Set your plant where it get plenty of bright, indirect light – a little back from a sunny window, or right up against a north or east one. A mature plant answers by sending out more of the arching stems that become spiderettes.

Direct summer sun is the one thing to steer clear of. Midday rays through glass can scorch foliage, bleaching it pale and leaving burnt patches, especially on variegated types of spider plants.

If the leaves look washed out, move the pot back from the glass. A quarter turn each week keeps growth even, rather than the whole plant leaning toward the window.

4. Provide Plenty of Humidity

Crank the air conditioning and your indoor air goes bone-dry, which spider plants feel keenly. Those same brown tips trace partly back to dry air. Dry, warm rooms are exactly what spider mites look for, too. They're ready to settle onto a plant that's already stressed. Nudging the humidity up a little shuts down both problems at once.

There are a couple other low-effort fixes that work well, too. Cluster a few plants together or stand the pot on a tray of pebbles and water and the air right around your spider plant stays moister.

Misting adds to the humidity as well, and a Fiskars plant mister from Amazon is just a thirty-second job on a hot morning. But one caution: don't leave foliage damp into the night because moisture sitting on the leaves invites fungal spots.

5. Pot Up Spiderettes

Those dangling plantlets on your spider plant are one of the big benefits of growing this houseplant and July is a good time to turn them into new plants. Once a spiderette has grown a few small nub-like roots of its own, it's ready to pot up to propagate more spider plants for free.

Here's the method that gives the best result: set 4-inch (10 cm) nursery pots, like these ones from Walmart, filled with damp potting mix right next to the parent plant, and peg the still-attached spiderette into the soil. It roots in place while the parent keeps feeding it.

A couple of weeks later, once it has taken hold in the fresh soil, snip the runner that joins it to the parent. Rooting spiderettes in a glass of water works as well, if you cut them off first, though the soil-and-peg method tends to produce a stronger plant.

Whichever route you take, the potted babies can fill out thin spots in your existing display and leave you extras to hand off to anyone who admires the original.

6. Repot If It's Crowded

Here's something a little counterintuitive: spider plants flower and set plantlets best when they're root bound, so hold off on repotting in July unless absolutely necessary. A snug pot encourages your plants to produce more babies.

Repot spider plants only when they genuinely need it. Signs your plant needs repotting are thick white roots shoving above the soil line and coiling out the drainage holes or a pot that dries within a day of watering.

When it really is time to repot, move up a single pot size and use fresh, well-draining potting mix, like this houseplant potting soil from Miracle-Gro. Jumping to a huge container can backfire, since all that extra wet soil around the roots invites rot and stalls the plant's growth while it tries to fill the space.

July's active growth means a spider plant bounces back from repotting fast, so it's a fine month for the job – as long as the plant actually needs it.

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is an enduring favorite among houseplants for many reasons. It has a unique look, with its long, arching bi-colored leaves and adorable little plantlets (also known as spiderettes). It’s also very easy to grow, even for beginners.

Although generally low-maintenance, spider plants do benefit from some care. Thoughtful spider plant care in May is important because this is when the active growing season begins. Your spider plant is about to start putting out new growth, and even pups, and good support will ensure that the growth is vigorous and healthy.

1. Clean Up Your Plant with a Light Trim

Most plants can benefit from occasional pruning, and a spider plant is no exception. Although they don’t need much maintenance, a light prune now or in spring will encourage new growth, manage size, and improve the plant's overall appearance.

Use sharp, clean shears or scissors to prune spider plant leaves that are damaged or have yellowed or developed crispy brown tips. You can also trim off or shorten long runners to keep your plant a smaller size and to give it a tidier appearance.

2. Increase Watering Frequency

One of the factors that makes growing a spider plant so easy is that it tolerates a decent amount of neglect. If you forget to water it, it will bounce back pretty readily once you do. Still, it’s best to water your plant regularly to keep it healthy.

As active growth begins this May, prepare to up the watering frequency a little. Your plant needs more water now to support new growth and plantlets. As temperatures rise, the soil in the pot will also dry out more quickly.

Water your spider plant whenever you can feel with your finger that the top inch or two of soil is dry. Water thoroughly, letting excess moisture drain out of the bottom of the pot. Ideally, water your plant with distilled water or rainwater, as chemicals in tap water can cause the tips of the leaves to brown.

3. Start a Summer Fertilizing Routine

As with water, your spider plant needs more nutrients as it enters the active growing season. To support healthy, attractive new foliage, start a routine now for regular spider plant fertilizing. Plan to keep feeding your spider plant every two to four weeks throughout the growing season.

Choose a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, like this one from Amazon. Follow instructions on the fertilizer, but also take care not to feed too much. Spider plants need less feeding than some other houseplants, and over-fertilizing can cause leaf tip burn.

4. Repot if Needed

Your spider plant might not need repotting every year. In fact, it will do best when slightly rootbound. Some signs that you need to repot a spider plant include roots growing out of drainage holes or over the top of the soil, compacted soil, and soil that dries out very quickly.

Choose a new container that is one to two inches (2.5 to 5.0 cm) larger than the current pot. Since spider plants like to be a little rootbound, don’t go too big with the container. Get fresh soil for the new pot. A light potting mix that drains well is best.

5. Propagate Plantlets

One of the most fun aspects of growing spider plants is the appearance of little plantlets. These offspring look just like baby spider plants, and they spring up quite readily, making spider plant propagation easy. Also known as pups, babies, or spiderettes, plantlets will begin to grow in earnest this time of year, especially if you’re supporting the parent plant with good care.

Removing plantlets now will help you get new plants through propagation, but it also makes the parent healthier by redirecting energy back to the main plant. If you don’t need new plants, simply snip off the babies.

If you do want to propagate them, look for plantlets that have already developed some roots. Snip them off the main plant, keeping their roots intact. You can repot the plantlet in a small container with potting mix. You can also put the plantlet in water and let the roots grow more before potting.

6. Check for Pests

Spider plants are usually healthy and disease-free, but like any houseplant, they are susceptible to pests. Spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs are typical pests you might see on a spider plant in your home. May is a good time to get ahead of and manage any infestations before they become severe.

The presence of pests might be obvious if you can see them, but there are also subtle signs of an early issue: webbing on leaves, a sticky residue, and speckled or distorted leaves. If you catch pests early, you can usually manage them by giving your plant’s leaves a good rinse in a sink or outside. If this isn’t enough to get rid of them, use a natural product like neem oil to kill pests.

May kicks off the growing season for spider plants, making care now essential for future growth. Taking these small, simple care steps now will lead to full, healthy growth later and all season long.

Spider Plant Care Essentials

If you’re a houseplant enthusiast, you probably have at least one spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum). These popular plants are simple to grow and care for and reward you with elegant, arching leaves in green or green and white. They do well in standard pots as well as hanging planters and are among the easiest plants to propagate.

Whether you’re an experienced houseplant parent or just getting started, good spring spider plant care ensures abundant, healthy growth in the months to come.

Here are three things to do for your spider plants now, as the growing season begins.

1. Start Feeding Your Spider Plant

Early spring is when spider plants awaken from winter and begin putting energy into new growth. The growing season carries on from spring, through summer, and even into fall. Now is the time to be sure your plant has enough nutrients to produce lush new growth and plantlets, also known as spider plant babies, the small offshoots that can be used to create new plants.

Spider plants are moderate feeders overall, but the growing season is when they can really benefit from being fertilized. Use a balanced, general liquid or water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to about half the recommended strength. Apply this solution once a month starting in April. Miracle-Gro indoor plant food is available from Amazon and a great general houseplant fertilizer.

Full-strength fertilizer application can be too much for a spider plant, which doesn’t tolerate overfeeding well. Brown tips on the leaves are a typical sign of overfeeding. If you see this, dilute the solution even more or fertilize only every six to eight weeks.

2. Increase Watering Frequency

Water also becomes increasingly important for spider plants as they enter the growing season. During the dormant season, your plant doesn’t need much water and will even tolerate some neglect. As it wakes up for spring, your spider plant needs more water to support new growth.

The goal of watering in spring and summer is to keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Your plant won’t tolerate being overwatered or having soggy roots. Be sure the pot drains well and water frequently enough to prevent the soil from becoming totally dry. A good general rule is to let the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil dry out before watering again. Still not sure? A simple moisture meter, available from Amazon, can help you check soil moisture easily.

Spider plants can be sensitive to minerals and salts in water, which leads to browning of the foliage. Ideally, you should use distilled water, but you can also leave tap water out in an open container overnight to let some of the chlorine and fluoride evaporate before using it to water your spider plant. Another good option is to use rainwater.

3. Repot Your Spider Plant

Spider plants don’t need to be repotted every year, but if they do need a new, larger container, spring is the best time to make the move. If your plant is root-bound, it will benefit from getting a roomier pot. Gently lift the plant out of its container to check if it needs a new pot. It is root-bound if the root ball is tight and dense and nearly as large as the container.

Choose a new pot that is a little larger than the old pot. It should be about one-third larger than the root ball. While being cramped in a pot isn’t ideal, spider plants also don’t grow well in containers that are very large. Set the spider plant to the same depth as it was in the smaller pot and fill in the new container with fresh, high-quality potting mix. Rosy Soil's houseplant potting mix, which can be found at Amazon, has biochar and worm castings mixed in for ultimate houseplant nutrition.

This is also a good time to propagate your spider plant. Cut off and place plantlets in new containers. If you don’t have any yet, you can propagate the plant by dividing the root ball. Gently pull it apart into two or more divisions. Be sure each division has several intact roots and repot them in new containers.

April care for your beloved spider plant is all about water, fertilizer, and keeping roots healthy. These simple chores will ensure your plant develops healthy new growth this summer.

Shop Spider Plant Essentials

Are you allowed to have favorite houseplants? If it were ok to rank indoor plants in my heart, spider plants would be near the top of the list. They are lovely and resilient, with their gracefully arching leaves, they are easy care, and they are flexible about sunlight and irrigation. However, if you have a spider that is looking a little thin, limp or leggy, you may well be wondering. how to make a spider plant bushier.

I’ve had spider plants for years without having to deal with any major pest or disease issues. But every now and then, one starts to look a little thin or unhealthy. If that’s your situation, you’ll be pleased to know there are easy ways to make a bushy spider plant in just a few weeks. Here, we reveal a few insider secrets to super bushy spiders.

Best Ways to Make a Spider Plant Bushier

A healthy spider plant has plenty of slender leaves that arch from a central rosette. These houseplants look lovely in a tall container, placed in a high plant stand, or dangling from a hanging basket, where the leaves can extend beyond the edges of the pot. Different types of spider plants, from variegated to curly, look gorgeous with a defined, bushy shape.

To appreciate the charms of a spider plant at its fullest, you don’t necessarily need the plant to be excessively voluminous. I personally prefer my plants with air space between the leaves, and I think it might be healthier for them. But I don’t like them either leggy or thin. The following tips give you quick and easy ways of helping maintain good houseplant health, as well as boosting the shape and volume of your spiders.

1. Adjust Light Levels for Leggy Spiders

It’s hard to tell stems from leaves on a spider plant – that is, unless they get leggy. In a healthy plant, leaves seem to emerge from other leaves, but those nearest the soil are the stems. A leggy plant is one where the stems grow for several inches without producing any new leaves. In short, when stems are easy to spot, your plant is leggy.

Leggy plants are almost always plants that need more light. They are reaching up to search for sunlight, like plants do in the wild. While spiders can do well in indirect light, you should take steps to boost light levels if you spot signs of legginess.

Solve this issue with your spider plant by placing it in a site with more sun. So if, for example, your plants are in a north-facing window, try moving them to an indirect light site in a west-facing kitchen or living room window. You will likely see an improvement in a matter of weeks.

2. Water Your Thin Spider Plants

While leggy spider plants lack leaves near the soil, thin plants look sparsely leafed throughout. If I am dealing with a thin plant and am wondering how to make my spider plant fuller, the issue tends to be inadequate water. Knowing how often to water a spider plant – and in which way – can help to give plant shape a genuine boost.

Spider plants do just fine on twice a month watering – mine do! But if you forget one of those irrigation sessions, it’s not ok. The plant may start to look withered, drop leaves, and become leggy. To help your spider plant, give it a shower, watering down the leaves and dousing the soil, then put it in an indirect light area to drain.

If you're worried about overwatering or poor draining, make sure your pot has good drainage. Keep up a regular watering schedule and you will quickly see improvements.

3. Repot Thin Spiders for Extra Space

Another cause of thinning plants is lack of root space. Spiders don’t need annual repotting, but if you see roots coming out of the drain holes or filling up the pot, it is definitely time to repot your spider plants. The likelihood is that the roots are taking up so much of the pot that there isn’t enough soil to feed them all.

You need to get a slightly larger pot and some new potting soil. Choose something lightweight and reliable for your spider plant. If you like, this could be a good opportunity to adapt your pot with a self-watering insert to cut down on future plant maintenance time.

When you remove the plant from its old pot, make sure you trim off any damaged or dying roots, then pot it up in the new container. Once the plant settles and its root system has started to grow again, you should see an improvement in overall shape and bushiness.

4. Use Interplanting for Bushier Spiders

If you are still wondering ‘how do I make my spider plant bushier?’ then there is one more thing you can try. It involves interplanting – adding new, young plants to the same pot to fill out the leaves. The least expensive way to do this is to clip off baby spiders or spiderettes from your plant.

Wait until they develop healthy roots, then snip them from the parent stem. Soak the roots in water overnight, then plant the babies in areas of the container where you spy spaces. Water regularly until the younger plants have established. Job done!

Other Great Houseplant Ideas

• Keen to ensure your spider plant stays in the peak of fitness as it grows? Follow our guide on how to fertilize indoor plants to give your favorite houseplants the best chance of growing to their fullest potential.
• Want to make a dramatic feature of your spider? Elevate your favorite houseplant by learning how to grow a hanging spider plant and make the most of its shape, growing habit and spider babies.
• Stuck for houseplant ideas to fill a particular room in your home? Grab some inspiration from our perfect houseplant combinations to fill bathrooms, bedrooms and low-light areas with gorgeous foliage.

Spider plant soil is one of the crucial components to keeping these popular houseplants happy and thriving. Spider plants are a member of the lily family and closely related to asparagus. They are native to tropical West and South Africa and were introduced in the 18th century to Europe. Their native soil is coastal, slightly sandy, and well draining.

Spider plant have tuberous roots which have the capacity to store moisture in times of drought. Spider plant care is pretty straight forward, but selecting the right soil is important for spider plant growth. Proper soil will ensure excess moisture doesn’t collect and encourage fungal diseases that could rot the roots.

Spider Plant Soil Needs

Houseplants need a medium that will support the plant roots, hold nutrients, and allow the free passage of moisture. Spider plants like consistent conditions and don’t fare well when their environment changes abruptly. The best soil for spider plant health will percolate well but hold a bit of moisture. It should have some inherent nutrients unless you are prepared to fertilize more frequently. Overfertilization of houseplants can cause foliar issues and spider plants are no different.

The best soil for spider plants may be a commercial blend containing coconut coir or a soilless mixture. Soilless potting mix will not contain many nutrients but it will provide superior drainage. Spider plants prefer a moderate pH around 6.0-7.0. Some soilless media contain organic elements that are acidic and not appropriate for spider plant growth.

Best Types Of Soil For Spider Plants

Potting soil ingredients vary, but a purchased houseplant potting mixture is usually made up of organic material, peat moss, and sometimes fertilizer. The organic material may be sphagnum moss, compost, coir, bark, and vermiculite. Occasionally, perlite is a component. Such a composition will provide the basic needs for a spider plant but if there is too much peat present the pH will be incorrect for these plants. I also recommend against using peat moss if possible. Peat it is a non-renewable resource and peat harvesting is destroying diverse peatland habitats.

A soilless mixture that contains coir may be used, but supplemental nutrients will need to be added frequently. Standard potting soil is generally sufficient soil for spider plants. Many growers also use African Violet soil. This will have a bit of dolomite lime to adjust the soil pH, perlite, and vermiculite. Other growers use orchid mixture to grow their spider plants. To make a custom mixture, mix potting soil with equal parts perlite and coconut coir and some bark and coarse sand.

Soil For Spider Plantlets

One of the fun things about spider plants are the plantlets or babies at the ends of the stems. You can propagate spiderettes by cutting them away from the parent plant and potting them up as new plants. Leave the babies attached to the mother plant until they have rooted in the soil and then cut them away. Plant the rooted end in either regular potting mix, or cactus, or other soilless mixture. Moisten the media and let the little plants settle in.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Houseplant Ideas

• Ever heard of a curly spider plant? Up your houseplant game with this fun variety!
• Looking to add more greenery to your room design? Explore these perfect houseplant combinations for every room of your house.
• Add even more variety to your plant collection and check out these 8 unique types of spider plants you may have never heard of.
• Get more inspiration, tips, and advice delivered straight to your inbox when you sign up for our free Gardening Know How Newsletter.

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are fun, easy to care for, and altogether charming plants. Their grass-like leaves have a mounding habit and grow long enough to arch down to form very attractive hanging plants. In fact, a hanging basket spider plant can change an ordinary living room into a cool and casually elegant space. To top off the accolades, the plant develops baby plants – truly miniature spider plants - on long, flexible stalks that hang down from all sides of the plant. In short, a hanging spider plant is a great houseplant.

Are Spider Plants Good Hanging Plants?

If there’s a better species than a spider plant for a hanging basket plant then I have yet to discover it. Spider plants make beautiful hanging plants and are extremely easy to maintain in top condition. They are not prima donnas in terms of care and tolerate different levels of light exposure and irrigation.

There is a variety of spider plant cultivars, including an all-green variety, but I’ve always preferred a variegated spider plant variety like 'Vittatum', with long, strappy bright green leaves with a white stripe down the middle. The cultivar 'Variegatum' has green leaves with white edging, while 'Mandaianum' has green leaves with yellow striping. The leaves can get quite long – to 36 inches (1m) – and arch down on either side of the container.

What truly makes spider plants exceptional houseplants, however, are the babies. These plants are unique in that spider plants propagate by growing miniature plants – tiny spider plants with strappy green and white leaves and roots – from long, pale drooping stems. These baby spiders arch down on all different sides of the plant. Planted outdoors, the baby roots will establish once they touch the ground, planting themselves. In a hanging houseplant, you can snip off the babies once the roots are large enough and plant them as new houseplants in their own containers.

Where Is the Best Place To Hang a Spider Plant?

Spider plants don’t do well in direct sun or even too much heat. They tolerate shade but grow best in dappled sunshine or indirect light.

Hang spider plants well away from heaters, but also away from air conditioning vents. They like even, mild to warm temperatures. Don’t subject them to temperatures less than 55 degrees F. This means that you should keep them away from windows on cold nights.

How to Care for a Hanging Spider Plant

Plant your hanging spider plant in average potting soil. You’ll need to use a hanging basket with drain holes for spider plants. Although the plant is known to be very tolerant, it will not grow well – or live long – in wet soil.

Spider plants tolerate some drought. On the other hand, it is important to water the plants when the top inches of soil dry out. The plants are sensitive to fluoridated water, so rainwater or distilled water works best. Ideally, take the plants outside and hang them up, then water your spider plants until the excess runs out of the drain holes.

Don’t fertilize spider plants very often, if at all. (I never fertilize mine at all and they thrive.) Too much fertilizer can burn the roots. Generous fertilizer also seems to limit the number of babies a spider plant has.

Don’t repot your plant unless you see roots coming out of the soil. Spider plants like to be a little pot-bound and have more babies when they are tight in their containers. If the plants do grow too big for their containers, you can divide spider plants into two. Cut the root ball with a sharp garden knife, then replant each section in its own container.

You might expect a houseplant named the variegated spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum 'Vittatum') to be somewhat rare and harder to find than other spider plants, but that is not the case at all. In fact, the variegated variety – also called the “variegated airplane plant” - is the most common spider plant around. It's a stunner, with arching, strappy green leaves that have ivory stripes down the center.

Variegated Spider Plant Care

Like all spider plants, 'Vittatum' has a mounding habit and grows miniature baby spider plants on long, pale, arching stems. It's as easy to care for as a houseplant can be and really dresses up a hanging basket.

Light

Variegated spider plant care is not difficult since these tolerant plants accept varying degrees of light exposure. For tip-top results, locate your houseplant where it gets bright indirect light. Direct sun will burn the leaves.

Water

The 'Vittatum' cultivar is a moderate drinker. Provide water every week or 10 days – ideally water without fluoride! - and be sure the container has drain holes. If you use a saucer under it to catch the water, be sure to empty it out after watering the spider plant. The plant does not like wet soil.

Temperature & Humidity

If you are comfortable with the temperature inside your home, your spider plant will likely be as well. Spiders appreciate temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees F at night and between 60 and 70 degrees F during the day. Medium air humidity is best, but these tough houseplants accept dry air as well. You can sit the pot on a pebble tray to increase the humidity if you like.

Soil

Spider plants are not picky about soil. Any average potting soil will do fine as long as it drains well. Remember, these plants will tolerate many conditions but wet soil is not among them. If you pot them up in clay soil that holds water, the roots will likely rot.

Fertilizer

You can offer your plant a light dose of fertilizer during the growing season if you like, but better none at all than too much. Variegated spider plants are sensitive to excess fertilizer. In addition, too much fertilizer will limit baby production.

Problems, Pests & Diseases

This spider plant will not be happy if you fail to meet its essential cultural needs – and it will demonstrate its frustration clearly. If you accidentally expose it to direct sun, the leaf tips will burn. If you plant it in clay soil, the roots will rot and the plant will die. Too much fertilizer will burn the plant. In addition, the spider plant is subject to the usual suspects when it comes to insect pests, including whiteflies, spider mites, scales, and aphids.

Pruning

Pruning is not an essential part of spider plant care. When it comes to 'Vittatum', you should snip off brown or burned leaves, but, otherwise, no trimming is necessary.

Propagation

Baby spider plants are so cute and fun that to many people, they are the best part of growing a variegated spider plant. They grow in as true miniature spider plants, dangling on long, arching steps. Over time, each baby gets larger and develops a root system. You can allow them to root in the parent plant's soil or in the soil on the ground if grown outdoors. I like to clip them off and propagate the spiderettes in their own little pots, then offer them to my neighbors.

You can also propagate a spider plant by division. This is a good solution when the fleshy roots fill the container to bursting. Remove the plant from its pot, slice it into two or three sections, then plant each one in its own pot.

Repotting

Instead of dividing a spider plant variegated version when the roots fill up the pot, you can repot the spider plant. Remove the plant from its container, prune back the roots a little and separate them, then repot it into a larger container with fresh potting soil. You want to give the roots a little more space while keeping them somewhat rootbound. You can repot at any point throughout the year when it is needed.

Variegated Spider Plant Varieties

The classic variegated spider plant is the 'Vittatum' cultivar. Its long, thin leaves grow in bright green with a creamy white stripe down the middle.

A similar plant is the so-called reverse variegated spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum'. It offers the same colors but a slightly different arrangement. The leaves are bright green in the center with cream colored borders.

A third variegated “cousin” is the curly leaf spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum 'Bonnie.' Its color scheme is like 'Vittatum' – with a little more yellow in the cream color – but the leaves look like someone rolled them up in curlers the night before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spider plants are great beginner houseplants with minimal nutrient and water needs but, even so, the question of how often to water a spider plant comes up. So how often do you water a spider plant? As with all houseplants, their environment, type of container and soil as well as growth season matter when it comes to how often you should water a spider plant.

While spider plants are fairly drought tolerant, that doesn't mean they need no water. They do prefer moist soil and should be watered every 7-10 days during their growing season of spring through early fall. Do allow the upper inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry out before watering.

About Spider Plants

Spider plants are low-maintenance herbaceous perennials native to the coastal regions of South America. These clump-forming beauties have strappy leaves that may be solid green to variegated.

The leaves form out from the central point of the plant and cascade outward. As the plant grows, it produces long wiry stems that can be up to 2 feet (61 cm) in length. At the end of these stems, small, white spider plant flowers appear. After the flowers fade, leaves are formed at the end of the stems becoming plantlets or “spiderettes." It is fun and easy to propagate spiderettes to add more spider plants to your collection. This asexual propagation produces carbon copies of the parent plant.

Spider Plant Care Affects Water Requirements

As mentioned, spider plants are low-maintenance houseplants and as such require little water or fertilizer, but “little” doesn’t mean “none”. Even this easy-going plant requires some care from its caretaker. While spider plants seem to thrive on neglect, they do prefer moderate indirect light, average home temps, and occasional fertilization during their growing season.

Spider plants have thick, fleshy rhizomes that store water which is why it is a great plant for those whose forte isn’t remembering to water! Additionally, spider plants are sensitive to fluoridated water. If your water has been fluoridated, plan on watering your spider plant with either distilled or rainwater. Water at the base of the plant thoroughly and allow excess water to drain.

Light

These seemingly impervious plants do need moderate, indirect light. Direct light from a window can burn the sensitive foliage and will dry out the soil faster. This will lead to dry, burnt foliage which makes for a sad looking spider plant.

Temperature & Humidity

Spider plants thrive in average home temperatures. If temps drop below 55 F or rise above 80 F, the plant will suffer.

Humidity levels of 50-60% are a spider plant's preference and most houses are around 40-50%. To add a little more humidity, you can use a sprayer to mist the plant or set its container atop a saucer of pebbles and water. A humidifier used in the room near the plant can also raise the humidity level or grow the plant in the bathroom provided the room has some diffuse light.

Soil & Watering Needs

Spider plants require a well-draining potting medium. Watering too often or having poor-draining soil can lead to problems like root rot and set up a breeding ground for fungus gnats.

Spider Plant Nutrient Needs & Watering

Fertilize spider plants with diluted all-purpose houseplant food twice a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing when the plant is dormant during the late fall into winter months. Your spider plant might not need to be watered as frequently in the dormant season, but check the soil regularly to ensure it doesn’t dry out too much.

Problems & Disease

These hardy indoor plants generally have few diseases, however they can get tip burn from too much direct light, overwatering, or mineral buildup from using tap water. Overwatering can also result in root rot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spider plants are popular, low-maintenance houseplants, notable for their long narrow leaves and offspring pups. Curly spider plant varieties share a lot of the same characteristics, just with leaves that curve elegantly along their lengths. Some examples of this twisty-shaped houseplant type include the ‘Atlantic’ and ‘Bonnie’ curly spider plant. The curly-leafed breeds may be a little harder to find, but they are just as easy to care for as regular spider plants.

Here, we outline the best spider plant care, outline some of the key problems to avoid, and also explain how to carry out propagation – so you can cultivate happy curly-leaved houseplants with real character and staying power.

Curly Spider Plant Care

As with most varieties of spider plant, the curly leaf spider plant is relatively easy to care for. You just need to adhere to these conditions to help yours grow and thrive:

• Lighting Conditions: For the best curly spider plant care, grow in indirect light or partial shade. These plants can be damaged by too much bright, direct light.
• Temperature & Humidity: Curly-leaf spider plants need warmth and humidity. It will not tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10°C). Keep it away from cold drafts and use a pebble tray to raise humidity levels in the air to 50% or 60% humidity.
• Watering Needs: Keep your spider plant's soil evenly and consistently moist but not soggy. Fluoride and chlorine in water can discolor the leaves. Use distilled water or rainwater.
• Fertilizing: Use an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer. Do not fertilize in winter.
• Soil & Compost: Spider plants tolerate many conditions but they prefer soil loose and loamy with very good drainage. A neutral pH is ideal.

Where to Grow Curly Spider Plants

To best mimic its native conditions of subtropical and tropical Africa, the curly spider plant should be kept in warm conditions with humid air and indirect light. It grows naturally under other plants and does not do well with direct sunlight.

Choose a spot in your home with indirect light, such as a few feet from a window. Or use a bright window but with light filtered through other plants or a sheer curtain. The spot should be free of cold drafts and have adequate humidity. You can grow spider plants outside in zone 9 or higher or in summer in colder climates. Make sure it has shade in an outdoor spot.

How to Plant Curly Spider Plant

When potting spider plants, make sure the container has drainage holes. Good drainage is essential for all types of spider plants. It should be about one-third larger than the root ball. A hanging curly spider plant pot is a good option for showcasing the leaves and encouraging good spread and air flow. Use a loose, good-quality potting mix and repot spider plants to a slightly larger container every two to three years.

Pruning Your Curly Spider Plants

Spider plants don't need much pruning. Trim off any dead or browning leaves or brown tips on spider plants as they appear. Remove plantlets if the overall plant is getting leggy. This will redirect energy to the main plant. You can do this at any time of year.

Curly Spider Plant Problems, Pests & Diseases

The main issues that people tend to see with spider plants are overwatering and too much bright light. Soggy roots will cause the plant to wilt and ultimately die. If you see yellowing on spider plant leaves, it could be a sign of a disease like root rot. Ensure good drainage and keep the soil lightly moist. If you have eliminated this as a possibility, it could be a nutrient deficiency, so be sure to fertilize accordingly.

Bright light will cause the leaves to scorch. Brown leaves may also indicate the presence of fluoride and chlorine in the water. Try switching to distilled water. Spider plants are not particularly prone to pests, but keep an eye out for scale or mealybugs.

Propagating Curly Spider Plants

Spider plants are very easy to propagate by plantlet. Look for curly spider plant babies, because you can propagate these spiderettes (also known as pups). These are miniature offshoots that are easy to identify. Remove them with clean, sharp shears, being sure to keep their small roots intact. Simply pot these babies to get a new plant. Spring is the best time to repot pups, but you can do it any time of year.

You can also propagate curly spider plants by division. Uproot the plant and divide it into sections to repot. It is possible to propagate spider plants by seed, but this is difficult and requires pollination.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Bold and Inventive Plant Ideas

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The spider plant is one of the most popular of all houseplants. For this reason, it may have come to feel a little common, possibly even boring. But thanks to its popularity, there are now many different types of spider plants available, many with unique traits. From green to striped to solid green and even curly, you’re sure to find a special spider plant variety to liven up your collection. So for anyone looking to grow a spider that thrives and delights, it’s well worth getting wise to some of the coolest and most resilient houseplants around.

Choosing the Best Spider Plant Varieties

Amongst the different types of spider plants, there are three main categories. Variegated types are the most common, and these are distinguishable for their striped leaves. Green types have solid green foliage. The least common types of spider plants are curly-leaved.

All the more unusual-looking spider plant varieties are as easy to grow as the original. They need some warmth and humidity, indirect light, and consistent moisture in well-drained soil. In order to avoid some of the more common winter houseplant mistakes, you will also need to make sure they are well cared for during the colder months. But the more challenging with new varieties is sourcing them. Some of these spider types are harder to find – but they are worth the search! Happy hunting.

1. Variegatum

All spider plants are from the species Chlorophytum comosum. Variegatum is the traditional variety that you probably picture when you think of a spider plant. It has long, slender leaves that arch from a central rosette. These leaves are green with thin white margins. They are a mainstay of hanging baskets as well as containers, and make great plants for living rooms. As the most common type, variegatum is easy to find where houseplants are sold.

2. Vittatum

For something just a little different, look for vittatum. This variegated type has the opposite pattern from variegatum. The center of each leaf is white and has green margins. With more white on the leaves than green, this variety grows a little more weakly, which is something to bear in mind if you are looking for houseplants that like sun. Less green means less chlorophyll for harnessing the energy from sunlight. However, all spider plants are tough and grow quickly, so this isn't a major problem.

3. Bonnie

Lovers of plants that twist and turn will adore this curly type of spider plant. Although it is less common than other varieties, it is increasingly popular and getting easier to find. Bonnie is smaller and more compact than other spider plant types and has unique, curling leaves. It will only grow up to about eight inches (20cm) tall, so it’s got a natural advantage of plant lovers who are short on space.

4. Shamrock

Shamrock is one of the solid green varieties of spider plants. Its growth habit is the same as variegatum and vittatum. It has the same rosette of slender, arching leaves. What makes it different is that each leaf is green with no variegation. This will be a little harder to find than the common variegated types, but it’s a cool choice for growers looking for something a little different.

5. Hawaiian

Hawaiian, also called Golden Glow for its yellow-green coloring, is one of the brighter types of spider plant you can grow. This variegated type includes dark green, yellow-green and cream for a unique cultivar. Its growth habit is similar to traditional variegated types with long, slender leaves and trailing pups – so it’s a fine and novel choice for anyone hoping to propagate spider babies.

6. Ocean

This is a newer variegated type of spider plant. The leaves are green with white margins but are wider than other types. The leaves are also shorter. These alterations give Ocean a spikier appearance. It's also fairly compact and small, growing up to eight inches tall and only a little wider. You can grow this spider plant outside in warm weather, but remember to bring it back indoors overwinter before the first frost.

7. Bichetii

This plant is often referred to simply as a spider plant, but it's actually a related species called Chlorophytum laxum or Chlorophytum bichetii. It looks a lot like a variegated spider plant, but it has a more compact and upright growth habit. It doesn't have the same sprawling shape, so if you're looking for something a little tidier, try this plant, which is also called Saint Bernard's lily or bichetii grass.

8. Fire Flash

For something truly unique, look for Fire Flash. This variety grows up to two feet (60cm) wide and tall, and has much wider leaves than other types of spider plant. The name comes from the orange center of the plant, which makes it look like a glowing fire. The orange fades into green along each leaf, which is held on a hairy orange stem. An alternative name for this type is the orange spider plant.

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If you are used to seeing spider plants in hanging baskets indoors, the idea of spider plants as groundcover may surprise you. However, spider plants in the wild grow in the ground. Those who live in warm climates have been using spider plants for groundcover for years. If you are considering spider plant groundcover, read on for all the information you’ll need about caring for spider plants in gardens.

Spider Plant Groundcover

Spider plants, with their long, slender, trailing leaves, look a bit like green spiders. These are great plants for beginning gardeners since they are surprisingly easy going and very tolerant of less-than-perfect cultural care. Many people have a few spider plants indoors as potted or hanging-basket plants. Those who live in warmer climates though, like USDA plant hardiness zones 9b to 11, can grow these lush beauties in outdoor garden beds or as spider plant groundcover.

Using Spider Plant for Groundcover

If you’ve ever owned a spider plant, you already know how fast they grow. In time, a plant often develops “babies” – plantlets that grow on the end of long stolons. Once these tiny spider plants touch the soil, they develop roots. Spider plant babies can be snipped off the stolons and will grow as independent plants. In an outdoor setting, the babies can stay attached to the parent plant. They simply root, spreading the lush foliage into new territory.

Caring for Spider Plants in Gardens

If you’ve decided to use spider plants as groundcover, be sure you plant them in soil that drains well. They are very forgiving of many gardener sins, but they can’t thrive if their roots are in the mud. On the other hand, you can plant them in the sun or partial shade. The ideal outdoor location in hot climates is filtered sunshine. Irrigation is important, although precision is not necessary. Water when the surface of the soil is dry, but if you forget one week, the plants won’t die because of it. Their thick roots are made to survive varying amounts of available water. If you want to fertilize the plants, you can do so in spring and summer. If you don’t, spider plants will probably grow well anyway.

WHY YOUR SPIDER PLANT TIPS ARE BROWN & HOW TO FIX THEM

When your spider plant has brown tips it is trying to tell you something. One of the most classic houseplants, spider plants are relatively trouble-free with few special needs. So when spider plant tips are brown, the most likely causes are cultural and environmental. Spider plants are native to South Africa where the climate is subtropical to temperate and heavily influenced by the ocean. They require conditions similar to those they would enjoy in their wild environment. 

Common Causes of a Spider Plant with Brown Tips

Spider plants are popular for their ease of care and for their delightful plantlets, which cascade down from the core plant. Many owners of the plant have asked us, “Why are the tips of my spider plant brown? “ So we know brown spider plant leaves are a very common occurrence and can be the result of several issues. The type of water used, the amount of humidity, scorching sun exposure, and other items can contribute when spider plant tips turn brown. 

Too Much Water

The thick rhizomes will store water for the plant’s use in its home range. Overall, they have medium water needs but every plant will be different as dictated by the home conditions. The general rule of thumb is to water the plant when the top 2 inches ( 5 cm.) of soil are dry to the touch. Water the plant until the moisture comes out the drainage holes. This thorough saturation will allow excess salts to leach out. 

Not Enough Water

While too much water can cause brown spider plant leaves, it can also occur due to insufficient water. Spider plant leaves turning brown could be a response to excessively dry soil and rhizomes which are not sufficiently full. If the plant is kept on the dry side consistently, it will protest by having the terminal ends dry and discolor. If you are in doubt about the amount of water, use a soil meter to monitor the plant’s moisture levels. 

Too Much Fertilizer

The rhizomes not only store moisture but carbohydrates. In the case of most plants that are housed in good potting soil and that is changed every year or 2, the plant will not need much fertilizer. In fact, too much feeding and it will fail to form plantlets. Only feed the plant during active growth, spring to early fall. Use a balanced liquid food that is diluted by half just once every 3-4 months. If a time release formula is used, apply half the recommended amount once per season. 

Too Much Sun

These plants often grow as understory plants where the canopy will provide protection from hot, bright sunlight. In the home, situate the plant away from bright windows. Plants in southern or western windows may see the leaf ends brown as they scorch. The best light will be partial to full shade with diluted light. Spider plants are ideal for sites with only artificial light such as office buildings. 

Low Humidity

Chlorophytum comosum thrives in higher humidity. In the winter, when heaters are turned on, they may need supplemental ambient moisture. Mist the plant daily or place the container on a saucer filled with small stones and water. This will evaporate around the plant, enhancing the humidity. 

Chemical Buildup

Spider plants are very sensitive to chemicals. They are also very good at cleaning the air. Houseplants that are watered with tap water can suffer from certain chemicals. Every municipality has a different water composition. Fluoride is a very common tap water additive and can cause leaf burning in many types of plants. If you are in doubt about yours, water the plant with rainwater or purchased water. It can also help to let the water sit out for several hours or overnight to offgas. 

Diseases

Root rot is the most common problem in spider plants. Insufficient drainage, heavy soil, and overwatering can contribute to unhappy rhizomes and roots. If they are sitting in constant moisture, fungal diseases may flourish. Allow the plant to dry a bit before watering and make sure the drainage holes are open and operational.

How to Fix a Spider Plant With Brown Tips

While spider plants don’t ask a lot of us, they do need indirect light, moderate water, at least one annual feeding, and medium humidity. Many growers simply cut the unsightly tips off the plant, but since the browning is a symptom of something, consider the cultivation techniques you are using. Assess the plant’s environment and consider changing it, or even repotting the plant if there are root or rhizome problems. Overwatering, excess light, and overfeeding are easy to fix. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Should I Cut the Brown Tips Off My Spider Plant?

As mentioned, it is very common to simply cut off the leaf tips. This improves the appearance of the plant and won’t hurt it, provided only a bit is removed. 

How Often Should You Water a Spider Plant?

Plants that grow in different regions will have different water needs. Additionally, home interiors will vary greatly by type of heat, duration, and intensity of the seasons, average light, and many more factors. The simple hand test will tell you when the plant is thirsty. Check the soil every few days to get an average gauge. 

Spider plants are very popular houseplants, and for good reason. They’re very hardy, growing best in indirect light with soil that’s allowed to dry out between waterings. In other words, they work well indoors with only moderate watering. In exchange for little maintenance, they produce long green fronds and small plantlets or “babies,” little versions of themselves that hang down like spiders on silk. Since they require so little care and have such an interesting look, spider plant problems can be a real blow. Keep reading to learn more about caring for sick spider plants.

How to Treat Diseases of Spider Plant

Caring for sick spider plants shouldn’t be too difficult once you know what to look for. There really aren’t many common spider plant diseases. It is possible for them to suffer from fungal leaf rot and fungal root rot. Root rot can usually be traced to too much watering and/or soil that doesn’t drain freely enough. In fact, most spider plant problems can be traced to environmental issues rather than disease. You may notice the tips of your spider plant’s leaves browning and drying. This is called leaf tip burn, and it is most likely caused by too much fertilizer or too little water. It may also be due to water that has too many minerals or salts in it. Try switching to bottled water and see if you notice a change. When caring for sick spider plants, the best course of action is usually repotting. If the source of your problem is soil that is too dense or a root bound plant, this should help to clear things up. If your plant does happen to be suffering from a pathogen or bacteria in the soil, repotting it (with a new, clean, sterile potting medium) should do the trick.

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are popular houseplants. Flexible about the level of care they receive and tolerant of abuse, they are perfect for gardening beginners. When should you repot a spider plant? These plants grow fast and the tuberous roots can crack open a flower pot. It’s important to start spider plant repotting before this happens. Read on for information on moving spider plants to larger pots.

Spider Plant Repotting

Repotting spider plants simply means moving spider plants to larger pots. It is often necessary to repot houseplants as they outgrow their pots, and spider plants tend to grow faster than most. Spider plants are native to the coastal areas of South Africa. The plant’s tuberous roots allows the species to thrive despite varying levels of precipitation in the wild. These same water-storing tuberous roots assist your spider houseplant to survive when you forget to water it for a few weeks. The roots grow fast, however. At some point before the roots crack open the pot, it’s time to think about spider plant repotting.

When Should You Repot a Spider Plant?

Spider plants grow best when they are slightly pot bound. However, the plants, roots included, grow fast. You’ll want to think about repotting spider plants before the plants crack their pots. Plants get different cultural care, so their growth rates vary. You just have to keep an eye on your spider plant. When you see roots showing above the soil, it is time to start moving spider plants to larger pots.

How Do You Repot a Spider Plant?

How do you repot a spider plant? Repotting a spider plant is fairly easy. You gently remove the plant from its current pot, rinse and trim its roots, then replant it in a larger pot. When you are moving spider plants to larger pots, make sure the new pots have good drainage holes. Spider plants don’t tolerate wet soil for very long. Use a general-purpose potting soil or soilless medium for spider plant repotting. Fill the bottom of the pot with soil, then place the plant’s roots in the soil. Keep adding soil and tucking it around the roots until all the roots are covered. Water the plant well and care as usual.

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are very popular houseplants. They are great for beginners since they are tolerant and very difficult to kill. After you’ve had your plant for a few years, you may find that it has grown very large and isn’t doing well. If that happens, it’s time to start dividing spider plants. Can you split a spider plant? Yes, you can. Read on for information about when and how to divide a spider plant.

Spider Plant Division

Spider plants have tubular roots that grow rapidly. That’s why spider plants outgrow their pots so quickly— the roots just need more room to grow. If you’ve moved your spider into new, bigger pots several times, it should be thriving. If it is struggling, it may be time to think about spider plant division. If you want to know when to split a spider plant, dividing spider plants is appropriate when the roots are crowded. Tightly packed roots may kill off some central root sections. When this happens, the plant’s leaves may die and brown even though you haven’t moved it or changed its care. That’s because some of the roots are not able to do their job. Dividing spider plants pushes the plant’s “restart” button and gives it a new chance to grow happily.

How to Divide a Spider Plant

If you want to know how to divide a spider plant, it isn’t very difficult if you have an overview of the procedure. When you are dividing spider plants, you’ll need a sharp garden knife, additional containers with good drainage holes, and potting soil. The idea is to slice off and throw away the damaged roots, then divide the healthy roots into several pieces. Remove the plant from its pot and take a look at the roots. You may need to wash the soil from the roots with the hose in order to see them well. Identify the damaged roots and cut them off. Decide how many plants can be started from the remaining roots. After that, cut the roots into several sections, one for each new plant. Repot each section of the plant into its own pot. Plant each one in well-draining potting soil, then water each pot well.

Ever noticed tiny, star-shaped white blossoms pop up on your favorite houseplant? For many houseplant enthusiasts, the appearance of spider plant flowers prompts a mixture of delight and a bit of plant-parent anxiety. It’s not always clear if the plant is really happy, or a bit stressed. You might have heard that flowering can sometimes be the last gasp of a plant in trouble. Well, let’s settle those nerves right now. In the world of the spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), flowers are generally a lovely sign of a mature, settled plant that is feeling at home.

They can be a little unexpected, though. Your spider plant may have been happily growing for years, possibly without much ongoing maintenance. Spider plants are known for being resilient, unfussy, and forgiving. But they are also full of surprises. While we grow them for their fountain-like variegated foliage, the appearance of spider plant flowering adds a whole new layer of beauty. If you’ve been worried that your plant is acting out, take a breath. These blooms are a natural part of the life cycle, though they do require a specific set of cues to make their debut.

Here, we’re going to demystify this spider plant bloom, what you need to do once they appear, how to keep them coming, and why they can often lead to new plants. Whether you are a first-time owner or a long-term collector, seeing those flowers is a lovely chance to look a little closer at one of our favorite houseplants…

Why Do Spider Plants Flower?

So let’s get straight into this. If you see a spider plant flower (or more likely a few), the most common reason is a certain maturity. Most spider plants won't flower until they are mature – but it has to be a slightly pot-bound kind of maturity. Scientifically, this is often linked to the plant's root system reaching a state of “comfortable” restriction. Unlike many plants that panic when their roots touch the edge of the pot, spider plants prefer feeling snug in their pots. This restricted root space signals to the plant that it has conquered its territory, and makes it know that it is time to focus energy on reproduction, either through seeds (flowers) or clones (spiderettes).

Flowers in spider plant fountains of green appear as very small and white, with three to six petals, and they often grow in clusters along those iconic arching stems. For the average home grower, the appearance of these flowers is a sign that the plant has officially reached its adult stage. That said, there are other contributing factors. Spider plants are sensitive to photoperiodism, which is basically the length of daylight. They are often triggered to bloom as the days get significantly longer or shorter (either extreme), or if they experience a consistent cycle of bright indirect light followed by true darkness.

And sometimes, a bloom can be a response to mild stress. If a plant feels it is in a declining environment, it might push out flowers as a survival mechanism to ensure that its genetics live on. But don't worry, if your spider’s leaves are still a vibrant green and generally looking perky, your plant isn't in any danger. It’s just prioritizing the next generation.

When Do Spider Plants Flower

While we might want our plants to follow a strict calendar, spider plants are a bit more whimsical in their timings. Spider plants also need lighting that changes with the seasons, such as more light in summer and less light in winter. Because of this, spider plants are most likely to flower in the late spring and early summer, when light levels are at their peak and days are longest (and again in fall, when light changes go the other way).

You can boost light levels for spiders that aren’t in windows with a full spectrum LED grow light, like the Spider Farmer SF1000 Grow Light from Amazon. These full-spectrum LEDs can mimic the bright indirect light spider plants need to trigger their flowering cycle.

The flowering process usually begins with the emergence of a long, yellowish-green stalk called a raceme. These stalks can grow quite long, often trailing down past the leaves. You’ll notice small, white flowers opening along these stalks. Sometimes these flowers are so short-lived and inconspicuous that they can go unnoticed, but you will notice the stalks. Because the plant produces many flower buds along a single stalk, you could get a staggered display of white stars over several weeks, even if each individual blossom only lasts a day.

If your plant is young, don't expect flowers just yet. Typically, a spider plant needs a robust crown before it has the energy to divert away from foliage and into floral production. To ensure even flowering, rotate hanging spider plants occasionally to give them even light for even growth. If you’ve recently moved your plant to a brighter window, don't be surprised if it celebrates its new view with a sudden burst of blooms once it has adjusted to the higher energy levels! As you can see, spider plant flower times do follow a certain pattern, though not tied to a particular month.

Encourage Spider Plant Flowering

To get your spider plant into a blooming mood, you need to play the role of a gentle environmental conductor. Because spider plants prefer bright, but indirect light, it’s worth thinking about location. As an alternative to using grow lights, find a good spot near a window. An east or west-facing window (with a sheer curtain to prevent leaf scorch) is ideal for prompting flower production. A north-facing window might be enough for plant survival, but is less likely to inspire that burst of star flowers.

Spider plant flowers also may not develop if the spider plant is over-fertilized. You may get very bushy green plants from too much fertilizer, but it’s highly unlikely you’ll see flowers or plantlets. If you want blooms, avoid high-nitrogen feeds. Instead, use a low-dose fertilizer on spider plants, like a 4-4-4 or 2-4-4 feed. You can also try a bloom-boosting fertilizer in spring which is higher in phosphorus. A cheeky diluted splash of a fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bloom from Amazon can work wonders. This organic feed encourages your spider plant to shift its focus from green leaves to dainty white flowers. Just don’t be tempted to add too much!

Finally, resist the urge to repot every year. As mentioned, spider plants flower best when they are slightly pot-bound. If you see roots peeking out of the drainage holes, your plant is likely in its prime flowering state. Instead of moving it to a bigger home, simply top-dress the soil with some fresh compost to provide a nutrient boost without giving the roots too much room to get lazy.

Which Varieties Tend to Flower?

Several varieties are capable of flowering, although the nature of the displays themselves can vary. Flowers on spider plants can grow in a cluster or can be single, depending on the variety. Chlorophytum comosum 'Vittatum' (which has a white stripe down the center of the leaf), is a reliable variegated spider plant for blooming. This classic heirloom variety is well-known for its long, arching flower stalks. The 'Variegatum' variety, with green centers and white edges, is also a prolific flowerer.

However, if you are looking for a showstopper, keep an eye out for the 'Bonnie' variety. This curly spider cultivar is famous for its curly leaves – and its flower stalks follow suit, arching in whimsical loops that make the flowers look like they are dancing. You can buy August Breeze ‘Bonnie’ Spider Plants from Walmart (just bear in mind that they will need a year or so to establish and reach that happy zone of pot-bound maturity).

If you find that your solid green spider plant (the non-variegated species) isn't flowering as much, don't fret. Solid green varieties often put more energy into massive root systems and fast leaf growth. While they do flower, they are often a bit more shy than their striped cousins. Regardless of the variety, ensure it has been in its current pot for at least a year to maximize your chances of a floral show.

What to Do After Flowering

If you're lucky enough to have a blooming spider plant, then enjoy them. You can even collect seeds from the spent flowers once the green pods have turned brown. This is a rare treat for houseplant owners. If the flowers were pollinated, small green heart-shaped pods will form. Wait until these pods dry out and turn a papery brown before opening them to find tiny black seeds. Growing spider plants from seed is a slow but rewarding process, and a lovely way to extend your plant family.

In many cases, once the delicate white flowers fade, the spot where a flower sat will transform into a tiny spiderette or baby plantlet. These spiderettes eventually grow their own air roots, allowing you to expand your collection for free. You can pot them or place these spider babies in propagation vases, such as the East Urban Home Hydroponic Propagation Vases from Wayfair.

If the stalks start to turn brown and brittle after flowering and you don't want plantlets, simply prune them away to keep the plant looking tidy. This tells the plant to put its energy back into the main foliage. Always remember that a post-flowering plant has worked hard! Give your spider a gentle watering and ensure it stays away from cold drafts to help it recover and prepare for its next flush of growth.

Spider Plant Care Essentials

Give your spider plant a little boost, whether you see those flowers or not! These nourishing plant care essentials will inspire bushier growth and more gorgeous shape to your spiders – even if you don't catch a glimpse of those tiny white stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

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One of the easiest and most common plants to grow is the spider plant. Spider plants have relatively few problems but occasionally cultural, pest, or disease issues may arise. Yellow leaves on spider plants are a classic complaint but the cause can take some serious sleuthing to uncover. A close look at your plant and its growing conditions can start to unravel why you may see leaves turning yellow on a spider plant.

Causes of Yellow Leaves on Spider Plants

Spider plants are charming houseplants that are often in the family for generations. The babies they produce will live on for years and produce spiderettes of their own. It is not unusual for many copies of an original spider plant to exist within a family or group due to these spiderettes. If you have the mama spider plant, it can be quite precious since it is the source of so many copies of itself. Yellowing spider plant leaves are, therefore, concerning and the cause needs to be identified and dealt with swiftly.

Environmental issues

One of the more common reasons you may see yellowing spider plant leaves is cultural. The plant doesn't mind a cramped pot, but you should change the soil annually. If you fertilize monthly, the soil can build up toxic levels of salt. Leach the pot after fertilizing to prevent the salts from burning the roots. These houseplants thrive in many types of light but excess light can cause the leaves to burn and no light will gradually weaken the plant with signs showing up first as leaves turning yellow on the spider plant. Plants can also get yellow leaves if they are moved to a new environment. It is simply a symptom of shock and will clear up once the plant adapts to its new surroundings. Excess minerals in the tap water can also cause discolored leaves. Use rainwater or distilled water when irrigating spider plants.

Disease

A spider plant with yellow leaves may also be suffering a nutritional deficiency, but if you fertilize and change the soil annually, it is more likely a disease. Check to see if the container the plant is in drains freely. Setting the pot on a saucer and keeping the roots wet can cause mold issues and possible root rot. Water your plant when the top half-inch (1.5 cm.) feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering but don't let the plant dry out. Spider plants have few disease issues other than rust and root rot, but root rot can be serious. When you see spider plant leaves turning yellow and are an enthusiastic waterer, remove the plant from its container, rinse the roots, cut away any soft or moldy parts, and repot in a sterile potting medium.

Pests

Indoor plants don't get many pest issues unless they came from the nursery with bugs or you introduce a new houseplant that has hitchhikers. If you put your plant outside in summer, it will be exposed to many insect pests. Most common are sucking insects whose feeding behavior reduces the sap in the plant and can introduce diseases. Watch for mealybugs, aphids, scale, whiteflies, and mites. Combat these with a good horticultural soap and by rinsing the leaves to remove the pests. Place the plant where air circulation is good after rinsing the leaves so that foliage can dry off quickly. Neem oil is also effective.

Spider plants are very popular and easy to grow houseplants. They’re known best for their spiderettes, little miniature versions of themselves that sprout from long stalks and hang down just like spiders on silk. The interesting spiderettes often overshadow the fact that spider plants bloom, producing delicate white flowers along these stalks. When pollinated, these flowers make seeds that can be harvested and grown into new plants. Keep reading to learn more about how to grow a spider plant from seed.

Harvesting Spider Plant Seeds

Do spider plants have seeds? Yes. Your spider plant should bloom naturally, but it will need to be pollinated in order to produce seeds. You can do this yourself by gently brushing a cotton swab against one flower after the other, or you can simply put your plant outside to allow insects to pollinate it naturally. After the flowers have faded, you should see bumpy green seed pods appear in their place. Harvesting spider plant seeds is easy, and mostly involves waiting. Allow the seed pods to dry on the stalk. Once they’re dry, they should split open naturally and drop their seeds. You can place a piece of paper under the plant to collect the seeds when they fall, or you can break the dry pods off by hand and put them in a paper bag, where they should split open.

How to Grow a Spider Plant from Seed

When growing a spider plant from seed, you should plant the seeds right away, as they don’t store well. Sow the seeds about ½ inch (1.25 cm.) deep in good potting mix and keep them warm and moist. Spider plant seed germination usually takes a couple of weeks, so be patient. Allow your seedlings to grow many true leaves before transplanting them - growing spider plants from seed produces delicate seedlings that don’t like to be moved too soon.

Spider plants form from thick tubers with a tangled root mass. They are native to tropical South Africa where they thrive in hot conditions. A spider plant with swollen roots may be pot bound, require more soil, or show evidence of a strange adaptation found in these and many other plants. 

A quick repotting should determine which the case is. As long as the tubers and roots are healthy, the plant is in no danger and will thrive.

Yes, a Spider Plant has Tubers

Spider plants are old-fashioned indoor plants in the lily family, Liliaceae. These plants have been handed down from generation to generation and are important heritage plants to many families. 

The spiderettes that form on the ends of the spider plant stolons can be divided away and started as new plants. Thick roots will form quickly on the spiderettes, even if they are taken from the mother. However, a mature spider plant with swollen roots may also indicate a unique storage organ has formed on your plant.

Spider plants form dense, fleshy clusters of tubers. These are the source of the shoots and leaves and are companions of the root system. Tubers are white, smooth, twisting masses that may push to the surface of the soil. If most of the tuber mass is under the soil, one or two visible tubers shouldn't cause the plant any harm.

When a spider plant has tubers in numbers that are highly visible, it may be time for a new pot or simply a topping of good soil. Over time, watering can flush some of the soil from the container making the level low. When repotting, wash the thick spider plant roots gently before nestling them into the soil.

The spiderettes on the ends of spider plant stolons will form fat roots. This is natural and, in the wild, the babies would simply root a bit away from the mother. In this way, the plant spreads vegetatively. Sometimes, stressed plants can form tuber-like water storage organs. This is a natural adaptation and useful in their native region.

Other organs which appear to be tubers are the fruit. It is very unusual for a spider plant to flower and even more unusual for them to produce fruit, as it is usually aborted. If the plant produces fruit, it will appear as leather, three-lobed capsules.

Are Spider Plant Roots Edible?

Spider plants are in the lily family and are closely related to daylilies, whose roots are edible. Are spider plant roots edible? There seems to be some evidence that the tubers are not toxic but can cause problems in small animals in large doses. Of course, almost anything can be toxic in huge amounts as compared to body size.

It's probably wise to leave the tubers untouched and enjoy the plant, but if you are wildly curious, check with your local poison control center to verify that the plant is not on the list of concerns.

The beauty of the plant will endure more surely if you leave those thick spider plant roots and tubers alone.

Spider plants are very popular houseplants and for good reason. They have a very unique look, with small little plantlets dangling on the ends of long stalks like spiders. They’re also extremely forgiving and easy to take care of - they don’t require much at all in the way of special care. Sometimes, however, you may encounter spider plant problems. Wilting spider plants are not uncommon, though they’re usually easy to cure. Keep reading to learn more about what to do when your spider plant looks wilted.

Why a Spider Plant Looks Wilted

So if you’re asking, “Why is my spider plant wilting?”, you’ll need to do a bit of troubleshooting. When spider plant leaves look droopy, it can mean one of several things.

Water – One obvious problem is improper watering. Spider plants need a good amount of watering during the summer - the soil should not be allowed to dry out.

Overwatering can also cause problems, however, with wilting and yellowing plants. Don’t let the soil get soggy in the summer, and in the winter let it dry out between light waterings.

Light – The wrong amount of light or heat can also result in wilting spider plants. Spider plants do best in bright but indirect sunlight, like in a south-facing window or a space outside that receives less than 6 hours of sunlight.

Overheating, a problem that often comes with too much sun, can also cause wilting spider plants. If your spider plant has been drooping in bright, direct sunlight, give it a good soak in a bucket of water for 15 minutes, then move it to a shadier, cooler spot.

Of course, spider plants do need some sunlight. If your plant is wilting in full shade or far from a window indoors, move it to a sunnier spot and see if it perks up.

Fertilizer – If your spider plant leaves look droopy, it may also be a problem with soil quality. You should feed your spider plant with a balanced fertilizer every other week in the summer and less frequently in winter.

Repotting – If your spider plant looks wilted and you can see roots coming out of the drainage holes, your plant is outgrowing its pot. Transplant it to a bigger pot, and water and feed it well.

Spider plants can be a little fussy about water and light requirements, but they’re also very durable. If you notice your plant wilting and act to fix it, it should bounce back with no problem.

Fungus gnats on spider plants are definitely an annoyance, but the pests, also known as soil gnats or dark winged fungus gnats, typically cause little damage to indoor plants. However, if you’re tired of spider plant fungus gnats terrorizing your prized plant, help is on the way.

Do Fungus Gnats Harm Spider Plants?

Fungus gnats are attracted to spider plants and other indoor plants because they like organic soil and warm, humid conditions. Fungus gnats are nuisances, but they generally don’t harm plants. However, certain species of fungus gnats lay eggs in the soil where the larvae feed on the roots or, in some cases, may even burrow into the leaves and stems. This is when some type of fungus gnat control is needed, as the larvae can be harmful in large numbers, and may damage plants or stunt plant growth. Young plants, as well as seedlings or newly propagated cuttings, are most susceptible. An adult fungus gnat lives only a few days, but a female can lay up to 200 eggs during her short lifespan. Larvae hatch in about four days and feed for a couple of weeks before pupating. After another three or four days, they emerge as the next generation of flying spider plant gnats.

Fungus Gnat Control on Spider Plants

If you are looking for ways to control annoying soil gnats in your spider plants, the following tips should help:

• Move infested plants away from healthy plants.
• Be careful not to overwater, as fungal gnats like to lay eggs in damp potting mix. If your spider plant is infested, allow the top 2 to 3 inches (5-8 cm.) to dry. Always pour out any standing water remaining in the drainage tray.
• Repot a severely infested spider plant into a clean container with fresh potting soil. Be sure the container has a drainage hole.
• Yellow sticky traps are an effective way to catch adult fungus gnats before they have an opportunity to lay eggs. Cut the traps into small squares and attach the squares to wooden or plastic sticks, then insert the sticks into the soil. Change the traps every few days.
• Apply B-ti (bacillus thuringiensis israelensis). The bacterial insecticide, which is different from regular Bt, is available in products such as Gnatrol or Mosquito Bits. Control is temporary and you may need to reapply B-ti every five days or so.
• Some people find that homemade solutions are effective for fungus gnats on spider plants. For example, fill small jars halfway with vinegar and a drop or two of liquid dish soap, then poke several holes in the lid (large enough for adult flies to enter). The flies, attracted to the vinegar, fly into the trap and drown.
• You can also place several slices of raw potatoes on the soil surface. Lift the slices after about four hours to check for larvae. This solution is probably most effective when used in conjunction with other fungus gnat control techniques.
• If all else fails, apply a pyrethrin insecticide to the soil surface. Although pyrethrin is a lower toxicity product, it’s still important to use and store the insecticide strictly according to label recommendations. It’s a good idea to apply the insecticide outdoors, then wait a day before bringing the spider plant back inside.

Chlorophytum comosum may be lurking in your house. What is Chlorophytum comosum? Only one of the most popular houseplants. You may recognize its common name as spider plant, AKA airplane plant, St. Bernard’s lily, spider ivy, or ribbon plant. Spider plants are one of the most popular houseplants because they are so resilient and easy to grow, but do spider plants need fertilizer? If so, what type of fertilizer is best for spider plants and how do you fertilize spider plants?

Spider Plant Fertilizer

Spider plants are hardy plants that thrive in less-than-optimal conditions. Plants form tight rosettes of leaves with dangling plantlets hanging from long stems of up to 3 feet (1 m.). While they prefer bright light, they tend to scorch in direct sunlight and are perfect for lower-lit abodes and offices. They do not like temperatures below 50 degrees F. (10 C.) or cold drafts. To care for your spider plant, be sure it is planted in a well-draining, well-aerating potting medium. Water throughout the growing season on a regular basis and mist the plant occasionally, as they enjoy the humidity. If your water is from city sources, it is most likely chlorinated and probably fluoridated as well. Both of these chemicals can result in tip burn. Allow tap water to sit at room temperature for at least 24 hours or use rainwater or distilled water to irrigate spider plants. Spider plants are native to South Africa and are prolific growers and producers of a multitude of plantlets. The plantlets are basically a spider plant baby and can be easily snipped from the parent and rooted in water or damp potting soil to become yet another spider plant. All that aside, do spider plants need fertilizer as well?

How to Fertilize Spider Plants

Fertilizing a spider plant must be done in moderation. Fertilizer for spider plants should be applied sparingly, as overfertilization will result in brown leaf tips just as with chemically laden water. There is no specific spider plant fertilizer. Any all-purpose, complete, water-soluble or granular time-release fertilizer suitable for houseplants is acceptable. There is some discrepancy in the number of times you should feed your spider plant during the growing season. Some sources say once a week, while others say every two to four weeks. The common trend seems to be that overfertilizing will cause more damage than underfeeding. I would go for a happy medium of every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer. If the tips of the spider plant begin to brown, I would back off the amount of fertilizer by half of the manufacturer’s recommended amount. Remember that brown tips may also be caused by chemically laden water, drought stress, drafts, or temperature fluxes. A little experimentation might be in order to get your plant back in tip-top shape, but these plants are known for rebounding and will almost certainly be in the flush of health with a little TLC.

Who doesn't love a spider plant? These charming little plants are easy to grow and produce "spiderettes" off the ends of their stems. These babies can be divided from the parent plant and grown as separate plants. Can you grow spider plants in water? Plants need certain nutrients to grow and thrive, and can't be sustained in water long term unless you are using a hydroponic solution. However, you can root the little plantlets and transfer them to soil once the root system is vigorous.

Can You Grow Spider Plants in Water?

Many houseplants are easy to grow in water for a period of time, such as Pothos and spider plants. Taking cuttings or offsets is an easy way to propagate a favorite plant. These cuttings root quickly in just a glass of water. Once rooting is established, the new plant needs nutrients for future development. Plain old water is unlikely to sustain the cutting for very long. 

Key nutrients can be derived from fertilizer, however, a risk of root burn from built up salts is a potential result. Growing a spider plant in water is a first step to starting a new plant but not a sustainable system. Spider plants produce little tufted growths at the end of their stems. These can be taken off the main plant and allowed to grow roots as separate plants. 

The best way to propagate the plant is to cut the plantlet from the stolon with clean, sharp scissors. Use demineralized water or let your tap water sit for a day before placing the plantlet in the liquid. Fill a jar or glass with this non-chlorinated water and set the cutting into the container with the bulk of its leaves outside the liquid. 

Place the cutting in indirect light until it has developed roots. This is a fairly quick process. Frequent water changes are essential to good spider plant water cultivation.

Spider Plant Water Cultivation

No fertilizer will be necessary as the little plant develops roots. However, once a good network of roots have formed, the plant will have needs. You may choose to use a liquid fertilizer such as fish food or diluted houseplant food. Feed the cutting every month, but be careful to change the water every week to prevent salt build up.

 Leaving rooted spider plants in water can be capricious. Without support, the leaves may be submerged in the water, which can rot them. Additionally, the stems will be limp and may not produce more growth. A better option than growing a spider plant in water is to transplant the plantlet into a growing medium of soil. Leaving rooted spider plants in water limits their growth potential. If you are bound and determined to keep your plants suspended in water, use a pair of chopsticks or skewers to help keep the foliage from dangling in the liquid. 

The only part you want in the water is the root system. Change the water frequently and avoid tap water. Rainwater is a good option to protect sensitive roots from overly acidic or mineralized solutions. Remove the rooted plants and place a thick layer of washed pebbles at the bottom of your container. This will give the roots something to hang onto after you reintroduce the plant to the glass. 

Continue to fertilize monthly, but flush the system weekly to prevent the water from going stagnant and building up salt. If you see any yellowing, remove the plant, rinse the root system, and put the roots into good planting soil. Your plant will be happy you did, and the resulting maintenance will be greatly reduced.

There are many reasons a spider plant may become discolored. If your spider plant is losing green color or you discover that part of a usually variegated spider plant is solid green, continue reading to learn some reasons and solutions.

Why is Spider Plant Losing Green Color?

In variegated plants, the white colored parts lack chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. If your spider plant is losing its green color, it is not able to absorb enough energy from the sun to keep it healthy and vigorous. Most commonly this bleaching of the leaves is caused by too much sunlight. With too much sun, our skin tans or burns, but sunburn in plants causes leaves to bleach and blanch. For a spider plant that is turning white, first, try putting it in an area with less direct light. Spider plants especially don't like direct afternoon sun. If your spider plant is losing its green color and a change of lighting doesn't help, it could be iron deficient. Try a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen level like 12-5-7. Fluoride in tap water can also cause spider plants to discolor. You can leach the fluoride out by deep watering with distilled water.

Solid Green Spider Plant

Solid green spider plants occur naturally when plants revert to a parent plant. Variegation in plants is usually a genetic mutation. These mutations are propagated by breeders to create new plant varieties. Sometimes, the original genes can resurface. All green spiderettes can be snipped off and planted as new, all green plants. Occasionally, when a spider plant is turning green, it can be an indication of a serious problem. Turning solid green is a survival strategy for plants that are struggling. It may be reverting back to a more successful form. It could be creating more food producing cells because it is lacking sunlight or nutrients or is trying to fight pests or disease. If your spider plant is turning green, repot it into fresh soil and give it a dose of rooting fertilizer. Be sure to clean the rhizomes when you take the plant out of its pot, look for pest damage, and treat it immediately. Set the plant in a location with different lighting and water only with distilled water. In most cases, with just a few changes in watering, location, and growing medium, your spider plant may quickly recover from whatever is stressing it and causing it to discolor.

Most people are familiar with spider plants as houseplants because they are so tolerant and easy to grow. They tolerate low light, infrequent watering, and help clean indoor air, making them very popular. They also propagate easily from the little plantlets (spiders) that grow from their flower stalks. 

One small spider plant can very quickly lead to many more. You may have wondered at one time or another, “can spider plants be outdoors?”. Well, in the right conditions, growing spider plants outdoors is possible. Read more to learn how to grow a spider plant outside.

How to Grow a Spider Plant Outside

The easiest way to grow spider plants outside is just to move your potted spider plant outdoors when weather permits and indoors when it is too cold. Spider plants make excellent plants for hanging baskets, with small white, star-shaped flowers arching down on long flower stalks. 

After flowering, grass-like new little plantlets form on these flower stalks. These little spider-like hanging plantlets are why Chlorophytum comosun is commonly called spider plant. The plantlets are like the runners on strawberry plants and will root wherever they touch soil, creating new spider plants. To propagate, simply snip the “spiders” off and stick them in soil. 

Native to South Africa, spider plants need a warm, tropical climate to survive outside. They can be grown like a perennial in zones 9-11 and as an annual in cooler climates. Spider plants outside cannot tolerate any frost.

If planting them as annuals in cooler climates, be sure to wait until there’s no danger of frost. Spider plants prefer filtered sunlight but can grow in part-shade to shade. They tend to get sunburnt in full sun or afternoon sun. Spider plants outside make excellent spreading groundcovers and border plants around trees. In zones 10-11, they can grow and spread aggressively.

Spider plants have thick rhizomes that store water, making them tolerate some drought. Spider plants can also make excellent trailing plants for large container arrangements.

Care of Spider Plants Outdoors

Growing spider plants outdoors can be as easy as growing them inside. Start them early indoors, giving the roots time to develop. Spider plants need well-draining, slightly acidic soil. They prefer dappled shade and cannot handle direct afternoon sun. 

When young, they need moist soil. Spider plants are sensitive to the fluoride and chlorine in city water, so they perform best with rainwater or distilled water. They also don't like too much fertilizer, use a basic 10-10-10 fertilizer only once a month or bi-monthly. Spider plants outside are especially susceptible to aphids, scale, whiteflies, and spider mites. 

Use an insecticidal soap, especially if they are being brought inside for the winter. I use a homemade dish soap dip, made from ¼ cup (60 ml.) Dawn dish soap, ½ cup (120 ml.) mouth wash, and a gallon (3785 ml.) of water. If growing spider plants outdoors as an annual, you can dig them up and overwinter them in pots inside. 

If you have too many, give them away to friends. I have planted them in Halloween cups and handed them out at Halloween parties, telling kids they can grow their own creepy spider plants.

Most interior gardeners are familiar with the charismatic spider plant. This classic houseplant produces numerous dangling clusters of leaves, resembling parachuting baby spiders. If you find your spider plant not producing babies like these, it might simply be due to the young age of the plant or cultural issues such as lighting. 

Don't despair, as these types of spider plant problems won't affect the overall health of the plant and can often be corrected with some simple tips. Chlorophytum comosum is one of the most shared houseplants due to the offsets it produces, which can be culled from the parent plant and started as separate spider plants. 

The attractive hanging offsets, or babies, occur when a mature plant is in the right conditions. The comment that "my spider plant has no babies" is a common theme in garden blogs. 

We will investigate possible reasons for this condition and some easy solutions to get your plant producing these aerial growths with whimsical appeal.

Age and No Babies on Spider Plants

It's awkward to use the tale of the birds and the bees in mammalian relations to describe plant life cycles, but useful at the same time. Spider plants need to be old enough to have these spider-like growths. 

What age is appropriate for getting spiderettes on plants? Just as a mammal needs to be mature enough for reproduction, so too, must a plant. A newly sprouted seed of any type cannot be expected to produce fruit, seeds, reproductive vegetative growth or flowers. 

An offset that you have recently potted up should be considered a baby plant. It needs time to send out a rich network of roots and establish itself in its environment. 

That being said, there is no definitive time for getting spiderettes on plants. It can take years even in the best conditions and the best advice is patience.

Why is a Mature Spider Plant Not Producing Babies?

In the absence of an age issue, if it is several years old and you still see no babies on spider plant, you may want to examine the conditions in which it is growing. 

Spider plants produce those offsets from runners. These are aerial in a hanging basket which then suspend from the parent. Many plants reproduce vegetatively in this manner. Vinca is one plant that comes to mind. It sends out stolons, or runners, which root at the internodes and create carbon copies of the parent. 

Each can be divided away from the mature plant and become stand alone representatives of the species. If no runners are present, then the foliar spiderettes cannot develop. 

It seems to be the opinion in many online forums that a spider plant needs to be root bound to form these offsets. 

A tightly planted container may be the key to a spider plant not producing babies. Make sure you ensure good drainage too, or root rot may become a problem.

Other Spider Plant Problems That Prevent Babies

Just as humans and other animals need appropriate food, water and living conditions to grow and flourish, spider plants have their own specialized environmental needs. Should my spider plant have no babies, I would first turn my attention to these circumstances.

• Chlorophytum comosum is an herbaceous flowering perennial native to parts of Africa. It requires light but should not receive bright direct sunlight.
• Spider plants need to be evenly moist and do not tolerate dry conditions. They may be offended by high concentrations of fluoride and other chemicals in drinking water, so try rain or distilled water to irrigate your plant.
• Temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-23 C.) will promote flowering and enhance the chance of runners and babies forming.
• Spider plants are heavy feeders. Use a good liquid houseplant food from spring to summer every two weeks.

Spider plants are one of the easiest indoor plants to care for and should thrive with proper light, food and water.

If you’re looking to increase your collection of houseplants without spending any money, learning how to propagate a spider plant from an existing plant is as easy as it gets. Even kids or brand new gardeners can easily propagate spider plants.

Spider plants are very popular, low maintenance houseplants notable for their often prolific production of spider plant babies, also known as spiderettes. These mini spider plants that form at the end of the plant’s arching branches are easy to propagate into new plants.

I’ll share the best methods for propagating spider plants, then walk you through how to do each one. Get ready to share tons of new spider plants with all your friends and family and grow your own indoor plant collection!

Plant Propagation Essentials

What Is the Best Way to Propagate a Spider Plant?

Wondering how to propagate a spider plant? The good news is that it is quite simple and there are two main ways of propagating a spider plant.

Remember the “spiderettes” or offsets mentioned above? In their natural habitat, these dangling mini spider plantlets touch the soil and then root into new plants. In your home or office, they are usually left dangling in mid-air and don’t have the ability to root on their own, but you can help them with the process.

Simply cut spiderettes from the parent plant and use them to propagate new plants. This is the most common way to propagate spider plants.

The other way you can propagate spider plants is by division. That is, taking a portion of a mature plant to create a new plant. I’ll walk you through both methods in further detail.

When Should You Propagate a Spider Plant?

The best time to propagate a spider plant is in the spring or summer. This is when spider plants do most of their growing, so they are able to form new roots and foliage quickly.

However, because this plant is so easy to grow, you can propagate it year-round without much fuss. It may take a little longer to root during the fall or winter, but as long as you follow the proper propagation guidelines, you will have more plants to share in no time.

How Do You Propagate a Spider Plant?

Many spider plants produce baby plants off their flowering stems after 3-4 weeks of low light levels in the fall. As mentioned, in their native habitat, these baby spider plants come into contact with the soil and form their own root systems after a few weeks.

To propagate spider plant babies from a houseplant, you have the option of either rooting the plantlets directly in soil or you can root them in water.

Plantlets grown directly in soil will have a bit of a head start and will form a stronger root system faster. But both spider plant propagation methods are very simple and yield great results with little effort.

How Do You Root Spider Plant Babies in Soil?

Look closely at the spiderettes dangling from your adult plant and you’ll see little knob-like protrusions and tiny roots on the bottom of each spiderette. To replicate Mother Nature, prepare a pot filled with a lightweight potting mix, like this organic option from Amazon. Be sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom.

Set the plantlets on the surface of the soil to root. If you want a thick, bushy spider plant, start several spider plant babies in the same pot. Water your spider plant babies as needed to keep the soil slightly moist, but never saturated. Healthy new growth will indicate when the plant has rooted. Then your new spider plant is well on its way and you can resume normal care.

You can leave the baby attached to the parent plant until the new plant takes root then separate it from the parent by snipping the runner. Once the plantlet has rooted (give it a gentle tug to check), cut it from the parent plant.

Alternatively, you can separate the baby from the parent plant by snipping the runner immediately. Spiderettes will root easily either way, but if you have a hanging spider plant, the latter is the best way to go.

No matter what method you use to propagate your spider plant babies, keep the new propagations in a warm room in indirect light and make sure soil remains consistently moist.

How Do You Root Spider Plant Babies in Water?

Planting spiderettes in potting soil is the easiest and quickest way to propagate spider plant babies. However, if you like, you can stick the baby spider plant in a glass of water for a week or two, then plant the rooted spiderette in a pot of soil.

Though this is an unnecessary step, some people enjoy rooting a new plant the old-fashioned way – in a jar on the kitchen windowsill or in a cute houseplant propagation station like this one from Amazon. It is fun to see the progress of the roots growing in a glass of water.

To propagate a plant in water, first select a plantlet that has the beginning of a root system and at least a handful of leaves. Then cut it from the parent plant.

Next, cut the lowest leaves from the offset and place the roots in the water. Don’t put the entire plant in the water, just the roots, or you risk letting the leaves rot.

Once the spiderette has an inch (2.5 cm) or more of roots, remove it from the water, and plant it into a pot of good quality, well-draining potting soil.

If the plantlet has no roots, dip the cutting in rooting hormone, which you can get on Amazon. Insert that end into a damp potting mix and wait for roots to develop. It may take up to two months for roots to form, depending on the time of year you are propagating.

How Do You Divide a Spider Plant?

Not all types of spider plants are prone to producing offsets. In these cases, divide your spider plant to propagate it. Plants propagated by division should be mature, healthy specimens.

Remove the plant from its pot and shake loose the soil from the roots. Untangle the roots, then take a sterile knife and cut through the plant, down through the rootball.

As gently as you can, pull the two pieces apart. You now have two spider plants. You can further divide larger plants but be sure to leave plenty of roots and leaves attached to each segment.

Repot your spider plant divisions into individual containers with moist, well-draining potting soil. Keep the new plants in a warm area of at least 60°F (15°C) or above in bright indirect light.

Frequently Asked Questions

My mother has a number of cats, and by this I mean well over 10. They are all well cared for, and even spoiled, with plenty of room to roam about indoors and out (they have an enclosed ‘cat palace'). What's the point to this? She also enjoys growing plants, many of them, and we all know that cats and houseplants may not always work well together. 

Some plants are toxic to cats and others are simply overly attractive to these curious fur-balls, especially when it comes to the spider plant. Why are cats so attracted by these plants, and will spider plants hurt cats? Read on to learn more.

Spider Plants and Cats

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a popular houseplant and a common fixture in hanging baskets. When it comes to the nature of spider plants and cats, there's no denying that cats seem to be weirdly attracted by this houseplant. So what's the deal here? Does the spider plant give off a scent that attracts cats? Why on earth are your cats eating spider plant foliage? While the plant does give of a subtle scent, barely noticeable to us, this is not what attracts the animals. 

Perhaps, it's because cats just naturally like all things dangly and your cat is simply attracted to the hanging spiderettes on the plant, or maybe cats have an affinity for spider plants out of boredom. 

Both are viable explanations, and even true to some extent, but NOT the sole reasons for this uncanny attraction. Nope. Cats mainly like spider plants because they are mildly hallucinogenic. Yes, it's true. Similar in nature to the effects of catnip, spider plants produce chemicals that induce your cat's obsessive behavior and fascination.

Spider Plant Toxicity

You may have heard about the so-called hallucinogenic properties found in spider plants. Maybe not. But, according to some resources, studies have found that this plant does, indeed, cause a mild hallucinogenic effect to felines, though this is said to be harmless. 

In fact, the spider plant is listed as non toxic to cats and other pets on the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website along with many other educational sites. Nonetheless, it is still advised that cats eating spider plant leaves may pose a potential risk. 

Spider plants contain chemical compounds that are said to be related to opium. While considered non toxic, these compounds can still result in an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

For this reason, it is recommended that you keep cats away from the plants to avoid any spider plant toxicity, regardless of its mild effects. Like people, all cats are different and what affects one mildly may affect another quite differently.

Keeping Cats from Spider Plants

If your cat has a penchant for eating plants, there are steps you can take for keeping cats from spider plants.

• Since spider plants are often found in hanging baskets, simply keep them (and any other potentially threatening plant) up high and out of reach from your cats. This means keeping them away from areas where cats are prone to climb, like windowsills or furniture.
• If you do not have anywhere to hang your plant or a suitable location out of reach, try spraying the leaves with a bitter-tasting repellent. While not foolproof, it could help in that cats tend to avoid plants that taste bad.
• If you have an abundance of foliage growth on your spider plants, so much so that the spiderettes hang down within reach of the cat, it may be necessary to prune the spider plants back or divide the plants.
• Finally, if your cats feel the need to munch on some greenery, try planting some indoor grass for their own personal enjoyment.

Cat Friendly Alternatives

• Ferns like the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis), available from Costa Farms on Amazon, are a great pet-friendly option
• Chinese Money Plants (Pilea peperomioides), available in a set of 2 from Amazon, are so easy to propagate that in no time, you'll have several of them!
• Your kitty will love munching on this Cat Grass Growing Kit from Amazon - and, it comes in a ceramic planter, perfect for any space

In the likelihood that it's too late and you find your cat eating spider plant foliage, monitor the animal's behavior (as only you know what's normal for your pet), and take a trip to the veterinarian if any symptoms seem to linger or are particularly severe. Sources for information: https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/columns/hortiscope/hortiscope-46/?searchterm=None (question 3) http://www.news.wisc.edu/16820 https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/styles/iidc/defiles/ECC/CCR-Poisonous-SafePlants.pdf https://ucanr.edu/sites/poisonous_safe_plants/files/154528.pdf (p 10)

An indication that there's a problem with your beloved houseplant may be when a spider plant is sticky. Normally pest free, your first thought will likely be, “Why is my spider plant sticky?”. Before you start blaming the kids for spilling something, take a look at the underside of the leaves.

Sticky Residue on Spider Plants

Sticky spider plant leaves are a signal that the piercing, sucking insect known as scale has come to live on your spider plant, making it sticky. There are different kinds of scale, and all are invisible to the naked eye until they form colonies of many. When colonies form on spider plant leaves, a sticky residue remains. Colonies will be visible as small brown patches, usually underneath the leaves of the sticky spider plant. Sometimes scale insects appear as a white, cottony blob-- mealybugs. The substance causing sticky leaves on spider plants is called honeydew. Sticky spider plant leaves may also be caused by aphids or spider mites. What you see when you check the underneath of leaves with sticky residue on spider plants may give you an indication of which pest you're dealing with.

Treating Sticky Leaves on Spider Plant

There are various ways to get rid of the scale and other insects that cause sticky leaves on spider plants. Swabbing the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol is one way to treat them. This is a time-consuming process, but effective when treatments are applied weekly. Drenching applications of insecticidal soap can also control the problem. You can make your own concoction of insecticidal soap to use when controlling pests that cause sticky spider plant leaves. Neem oil is also effective. Cover all parts of the plant, paying special attention to the underside of the leaves and the center of the spider plant. Fresh potting soil can sometimes help ease the pest problem when combined with treatment. Aphids and other pests are often attracted to the succulent new growth that comes from a regular routine of watering and fertilization. Withhold plant food and reduce watering to a minimum until you've cleared up the problem that is causing sticky spider plant leaves. Now that you've learned the answer to, “Why is my spider plant sticky?”, take the necessary steps to control the pests. Spider plants are resilient and will likely recover from this infestation. In the meantime, root the little plantlets that cascade from the container, so you'll always have great spider plants in your home or outdoor basket.

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are another commonly grown houseplant. They make excellent additions to hanging baskets with their long, ribbon-like foliage and arching stems of spiderettes spilling over the edges. To keep these plants looking their best, it is occasionally necessary to trim spider plant leaves and spiderettes.

Trimming Spider Plant Leaves

When given the proper growing conditions, spider plants can reach 2 ½ to 3 feet (up to 1 m.) in both diameter and length. As a result, spider plants benefit from an occasional pruning. This is normally done during spring, or in most cases, summer. 

Pruning spider plants keeps them at a more desirable and manageable size and rejuvenates their overall health and vigor. In addition, the more babies it produces, the more the plant needs fertilizer and water as this uses up much of its energy. 

Therefore, the spiderettes should be removed as well. These can then be placed in moist soil or water to make additional plants, which root within a few weeks.

How to Prune Spider Plant

Any foliage being pruned should be cut at the base of the plant. Always use sharp pruners or scissors when pruning spider plants. Remove all discolored, diseased, or dead foliage as needed. 

To remove the spiderettes, cut the long stems back to the base from both the mother plant and the baby. For overgrown or pot bound plants, repotting in addition to pruning may be necessary. After pruning, repot the spider plant, giving it a good root pruning as well prior to returning it to the pot of fresh soil. 

Generally, it's a good idea to include root pruning at least once every year or two.

Spider Plants Brown Tips

Occasionally, you may notice brown tips on your spider plants. Oftentimes this is due to the type of water being used during irrigation. For example, city water often contains chemicals such as chlorine or fluoride that can be hard on plants. 

Over time these chemicals will build up in the foliage, eventually burning the tips and subsequently turning them brown. For this reason, it's better to use distilled water (or rainwater) whenever possible. 

You could also choose to leave some water sitting out overnight to lessen the chemical effects. Brown tips can also occur from too much sunlight and low humidity. 

Keep spider plants out of direct light and mist the plants when the humidity is low. Remove any leaves that have brown tips as well as any that may be yellowing.

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is considered one of the most adaptable houseplants. In fact, few indoor plants are easier to care for. Though these leafy beauties are most commonly raised as houseplants, you can grow them as perennials outdoors in warmer growing zones as well.

Spider plants produce clusters of ribbony leaves – in solid green or variegated with stripes of white or yellow – that emerge from a crown of fleshy roots. Their flowers are tiny and white. The spider plant is so named because of its spider-like offsets, or spiderettes, which dangle down from the mother plant like spiders on a web once blooming is finished. You can use these to propagate plants to share with friends.

Spider plants can grow in a wide range of conditions and suffer few problems, other than the occasional brown tips. Their care needs are basic enough for even the greenest beginners to raise thriving plants. Let’s dig into how to grow these low-maintenance houseplants for lush foliage all year.

Quick Spider Plant Facts

Spider Plant Care Essentials

Spider Plant Care

Are you wondering how to take care of a spider plant? These excellent houseplants are far from delicate and will thrive indoors or out with minimal care. They need a few basic elements to thrive, but will tolerate a certain degree of neglect. Here’s everything you need to know to grow thriving spider plants.

Soil Requirements

The best soil for spider plants is a good indoor potting soil mix, like this one from Miracle-Gro. They need a loamy, well-draining soil with a neutral pH. But they can also thrive in a soilless medium, like lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA). Experiment with this beginner-friendly type of hydroponic growing using LECA pebbles from Amazon.

Light Requirements

The spider plant prefers indirect light. In its native range it thrives in the tropical undergrowth. There they thrive under the dappled canopy light afforded by the trees. In the home, provide similar light by placing the plant in an eastern or northern window.

Direct sunlight will burn a spider plant’s foliage. If your plant is in a southern or western window, use a gauze curtain to shield the plant from the direct rays of the sun. However, placing your spider plant in an overtly shady spot may cause the variegation of its leaves to disappear.

Temperature & Humidity

Spider plants are native to tropical parts of coastal western and southern Africa, so they like warmth. The optimum temperature range is 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and a little cooler at night. The ideal nighttime temperatures range from 50-55°F (10-13°C).

If you are in a warmer USDA hardiness zone and leave the plant outdoors, make sure nighttime temperatures don’t dip below the recommended range. Any colder and your spider plant could experience cold damage. If you live in a colder climate, bring your houseplants indoors in fall to keep growing them inside in the warmth during the winter.

The humidity should be average, around 40 to 50 percent. If your home tends to be dry, place your spider plant on a saucer filled with pebbles and water to evaporate and increase ambient humidity. Or use a humidifier, like this one from Levoit on Amazon, to raise the humidity in your home.

Transplanting & Repotting

Like many tropical houseplants, spider plants like to be a bit crowded and root bound. You can repot spider plants every two years to freshen the soil, but it isn’t necessary to increase container size unless the plant has outgrown its pot.

You’ll know if they need repotting when your spider plant's fleshy roots push the plant out of the pot – which can sometimes even crack the container. When these roots are visible and watering becomes difficult, it’s time to repot your spider plant.

If you are repotting an established plant, select a container an inch (2.5 cm) or so wider than the current one. If you are potting up an offset, start with a small container then transplant to a larger one as the plant grows. Consider using an unglazed terracotta pot that will allow excess moisture to evaporate. Because of their arching nature, spider plants are excellent in hanging baskets.

It's very important to provide a newly planted or transplanted spider plant ample water for the first few months in its new container. The roots need to develop into the new soil. Keep the plant in a low-light area as well. Once new growth appears, the roots are established.

Watering

Spider plants don’t like to be overwatered. In fact, these plants are fairly indestructible and can sometimes go for several weeks without water. But they do need regular irrigation, especially during the growing season. It is best to let the soil dry out by 50 to 75 percent before watering your spider plant again. Allow the soil to dry for a few days before adding more water.

Spider plants are sensitive to the chemicals, like fluoride, that are present in many municipal water supplies. If you begin to notice spider plant tips turning brown, there's no need to worry. This is often the result of fluoride found in water, which causes salt buildup in the soil.

It helps to periodically leach the salt from your plant's soil by giving them a thorough watering to flush out excess salts. Be sure to allow the water to drain out and repeat as needed. To prevent problems, you can also let your tap water sit out overnight to off-gas or, better yet, use rainwater or distilled water to water your spider plants.

Fertilizing

Fertilize spider plants every three to four months with a balanced liquid plant fertilizer. Use a formula such as 20-20-20 and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application. This indoor plant food from Miracle-Gro is a great basic option to give spider plants an instant boost.

Pruning

You do not need to prune spider plants. Remove dead or damaged leaves at any time. If you wish, you can cut off the plantlets at the end of the leaves. Or you can leave these until they mature, divide them away from the parent plant and let them root.

Spider Plant Varieties

There are over 200 different types of spider plants. Of these, many are common foliage houseplants. There is a variegated variety with white center strips and the reverse with foliage that has green stripes on white. Spider plants also come in several sizes and there are even dwarf varieties. Here are a few of my favorites:

• 'Vittatum' - This variegated variety won’t surprise you with its beauty since it is very common, but it's gorgeous nonetheless. The leaves are pale green with a central stripe that is white. It's a slower grower than the all-green varieties.
• 'Variegatum' - If you want longer leaves – to 16 inches (40.6 cm) long – try a variegated spider plant. The inch-wide (2.5 cm) leaves are trimmed in white. But don't pick this one if you want lots of offsets because it doesn't produce as many plantlets.
• 'Milky Way' - This cultivar has the opposite color design of Variegatum. It has bands of green on either side of each leaf and a broad white center.
• 'White Stripe' - Here's a variety that has a thin pale line down the leaf center while the plant is young. The white disappears as the leaf matures. Flower stalks can be yellow or a pale cream color.
• 'Mandaianum' - If you want a dwarf spider plant, this is one to consider. The dark green leaves only reach 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) long and have a canary yellow stripe.

There are lots of other popular spider plant cultivars you can find at your local nursery or you can find more unique spider plant cultivars online from Etsy.

‘Green Shamrock’ is a smaller spider plant with solid green foliage, while ‘Bonnie’ is variegated spider plant with curly leaves. The ‘Hawaiian’ spider plant has gold and green striped leaves, whereas ‘Fire Flash’ has wide leaves with an orange center and stems.

Propagation

Spider plants produce tiny spiderettes on the ends of long, arching stems. These baby spiders are known as plantlets or offsets. The offsets are complete plants in miniature that usually appear in the fall after blooms fade.

When grown indoors, though, you may see them at other times of the year as well. The offsets develop roots and can, in time, be clipped off of the stems and planted as separate plants to propagate spider plants and expand your collection.

As daylight increases in spring, spider plants may begin producing flowers that will eventually develop into offsets or spiderettes. This may not always occur, however, as only mature plants with enough stored energy will produce offset. You can root spiderettes in water or soil, but they will generally grow a stronger root system when planted in soil.

Ideally, the best method for propagating spiderettes is allowing the plantlet to remain attached to the mother plant. Choose a spiderette and place it in a pot of soil near the mother plant. Keep this new offshoot well watered and once it roots in the new soil, cut it from the mother plant and care for it as you would any spider plant.

Alternatively, you can cut off one of the plantlets, place it in a pot of soil, and water it generously. Place the pot in a ventilated plastic bag and put this in a bright location. Once the spiderette is well rooted, remove it from the bag and care for it as usual.

You can also divide spider plants during repotting to propagate another mature plant quickly or try your hand at propagating spider plant seeds from faded blooms. Growing a new plant from seed is the most difficult and time-consuming method, though, so it's not viable for most amateur growers.

Common Problems

Spider plants have a reputation for being hard-to-kill houseplants. They are tough plants, so spider plant diseases and pests are few and far between. Poor cultural care can damage and even kill them, however.

Too much bright light and water sources laden with chemicals are the two biggest problems. While spider plants can tolerate bright light, they must have a bit of a filter to prevent sunburn. As mentioned above, spider plants are very sensitive to fluoride which is in many local water supplies. Too much fluoride in water can turn spider plant tips brown.

Improper soil conditions can also cause spider plant problems. If your plants are potted up in clay soil that doesn't drain well, spider plants may start drooping as root rot develops. Or if the container doesn’t have enough drainage holes, root rot can also develop from excess water buildup.

Like other houseplants, spider plants can host insect pests like fungus gnats, whiteflies, spider mites, scale, and aphids. When you move spider plants outdoors for the summer, they may also pick up mealyworms, thrips, and scale. Use a horticultural oil spray, like this one from Bonide, to combat problem insects.

Frequently Asked Questions