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Spider plants (aka Chlorophytum, airplane plant or ribbon plants) are attractive tropical plants, nicknamed for their long, arched, narrow leaves and white stripe down its center. Their cascading nature looks great in hanging planters or placed on a sill or near a ledge to create a waterfall effect.
Although they bear a similar resemblance to Dracaenas, Dracaena plants tend to have wider leaves and a taller, more upright growing habit.
Spider plants are perfect for beginners and experienced plant owners. They are easy to care for, can handle moderate sunlight, and are great at purifying indoor air.
Follow this guide to learn more about caring for your Spider plants.
When placed indoors, Spider plants do best in bright to moderate indirect light. Make sure you acclimate your plant before exposing it to full or direct sunlight to prevent its leaves from burning and causing damage.
Spider plants prefer to have their soil kept moist but not overly saturated. Be sure not to overwater your spider plant as it can quickly lead to root rot. Avoid letting this plant fully dry between waterings but do not water it everyday. Striking the right balance of keeping its soil moist consistently is key to keeping your plant thriving.
These plants are also sensitive to excess fluoride and chlorine commonly found in tap water. Excess mineral salts can cause brown tips at the end of its leaves. Give your spider plant filtered water or rainwater if possible. Also make sure the water is room temperature to avoid harming your plant with water that is too cold or too hot. When watering into a pot without drainage holes, be sure to discard any excess watering sitting at the bottom of your pot to prevent root rot or pests.
Spider plants thrive best when they are provided with the temperature and humidity levels that mimic their natural habitat. Don’t expose them to cooler temperatures below 13-26ºC (55-80ºF). and try to keep them away from any cold or hot drafts. To prevent brown leaf tips, try misting or using a humidifier in the room to increase the humidity for your plant.
During their active growing season, spider plants can benefit from regular fertilization. Feed them once a month using an all-purpose liquid fertilizer that is formulated for indoor plants. Follow the directions on the bottle for best results.
Spider plants are quite easy to propagate, which make them a great plant for a beginner to grow and share with friends. Follow the below steps to ensure a successful propagation.
1. Once your plant has matured and grown pups, you can separate the pups from the mother plant and replant them. Using a sterile sharp knife or pruning tool, carefully cut off a small plantlet off the stem ensuring to keep its roots intact. Be sure that the roots are at least an inch or two long.
2. Place this new cutting into a pot with fresh new moist potting mix or into a jar with water to develop roots before planting. Ensure the soil stays moist but not overly saturated.
3. Once you start to see this new cutting start to grow. You can begin to water and care for it as you would a regular spider plant.
Spider plants will still grow well when slightly root-bound; however, once your plant’s root system and root ball start to overgrow your planter, it’s time to repot. Ensure that your new pot is about 1”-2” inches wider in diameter than the old pot and has good-sized drainage holes at the bottom.
Spider plants can grow in a variety of different soil types. However, they do best in loose soil with optimal drainage. Spider plants prefer a neutral pH Balance but can handle slightly acidic or higher alkaline mixed soil.
Generally, Spider plants will need to be repotted about once every 2 to 3 years. The best time to report is when your plant is in its active growth stage around the spring or early summertime.
To repot, fill your new pot halfway with fresh moist potting mix. Remove your Spider plant from its old container. Trim any damaged or decayed roots and fill in the rest of the space around the plant using loosely packed indoor potting mix.
If the soil is dry, you can water the plant after repotting, otherwise water as normal. If you see your plant wilting shortly after repotting, the soil may be too dry.
The length of time a spider plant can live is based on how well it is cared for and maintained. Spider plants are known for their longevity, and if cared for properly can live up to 20 or even 50 years(!). Keeping your plant’s soil lightly moist and ensuring it gets an adequate amount of indirect sunlight are the most important factors in maintaining a healthy plant.
According to the NASA clean air study, Spider plants are listed as one of the best natural home air purifying plants, capable of helping filter common household VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) including formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from indoor environments.
Spider plants can be grown outdoors in warm climate zones (i.e.: USDA zones 9 – 11) , and will not tolerate frost or freezing
Mature Spider plants also can produce many visible offspring, called “pups” or “spiderettes” which trail down from the mother plant. These can be propagated easily to share or expand your plant collection!
The main cause for a spider plant loosing its colour is due to lack of watering. Spider plants like to be kept moist so ensure that you water the soil frequently enough to keep its soil moist. Another reason why your spider plant may loose its color is due to too much light or not enough light. If your plant is receiving full sun but loosing its colour, adjust your plants location and monitor it. As well as if your plant is in too low of light this could cause it to loose its colour as well, you can bring your plant closer to a lighting source and adjust as needed.
Yes the Spider plant is considered pet safe!