Spider Plant Care

Chlorophytum comosum, often called spider plant is a species of perennial flowering plant. It is native to tropical and southern Africa but has become naturalized in other parts of the world, including western Australia. Spider plants produce a rosette of long, thin, arched foliage that is solid green or variegated with white. These easy-to-grow houseplants look especially nice in a hanging basket and were a favorite in Victorian-era households. Here is how to grow spider plants in your home!

A spider plant likes bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it has the potential to scorch the leaves. Spider plants will grow in low light, but they will grow slowly and may not produce plantlets.

Spider plants prefer if their soil dries out a bit between watering. Check the soil every 4 or 5 days. If it is dry to the touch, water plants thoroughly until excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Fertilize spider plants monthly in spring and summer using a water-soluble fertilizer. Follow the label recommendations for application. Brown leaf tips are a sign of over-fertilization.

While spider plants are usually trouble-free, they are occasionally troubled by whiteflies, spider mites, scale, and aphids. Good air circulation, adequate water, and bright light prevent most insect pests from getting a toehold on the plants. If they do show up, wash them off with a strong spray of water in a shower or outside.

Multiplying Your Plant

Healthy, thriving spider plants send up long wiry stems with little plantlets at the end. The plantlets can be removed and placed on top of moist potting soil where they will quickly take root, forming a new plant. Another option is to tuck the plantlet into the soil around the mother spider plant and create a container full of spider plants.