SPIDER PLANT

Hanging spider plant in a black pot on a white background

DIG THIS

Despite its name, a Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) has no affiliation with spiders at all. It gets its name from the baby plantlets that dangle from the mother plant like little spiderlings on a web.

These plantlets typically stay small, but you may want to remove them over time since they can drain energy from the main plant. Just snip one off and place it in water or moist soil to instantly start growing a new spider plant!

Pretty Chill

Indirect Sunlight

Water When Dry

Pet Safe

INDIRECT SUNLIGHT

AVOID HARSH SUN

A little gentle sun is okay, but keep a Spider Plant away from harsh rays to avoid leaf scorch.

It can also survive in lower light, but may not produce as many spiderettes.

Cartoon sun character holding a flower and a potted plant with a cloud in the background.

FIND YOUR LIGHT

Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.

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SOUTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹

EAST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants

WEST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹

⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants

NORTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹

⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!

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KEEP SOIL MOIST

Not too soggy, not too dry. A Spider Plant wants that sweet spot. It is, however, more forgiving if you forget to water.

Overwatering can lead to root rot. Make sure its pot has good drainage.

MODERATE HUMIDITY

Indoor humidity is typically enough, but it also welcomes a humidity boost. Consider using a humidifier every so often if you have one!

Cartoon water droplet character with a watering can and flowers on a white background

SOIL

SPIDER PLANT DIGS A LIGHT, WELL-DRAINING MIX

When choosing a potting mix for this houseplant, look for mixes that include:

PERLITE

Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

Small white pot filled with soil and small white stones on a wooden surface
COCO COIR

Looks like fluffy, light brown fibers like shredded coconut husk (what it's made from). Helps hold moisture without making the soil too wet.

Seedling trays with soil and small green seedlings
Cartoon pot with face holding a trowel, surrounded by plants and flowers on a white background

COMMON ISSUES

YELLOW and LIMP

A sign of overwatering or poor drainage of the pot. Soil that remains soggy can lead to root rot.

Remove affected leaves. Dry out soil completely (1-5 days). Adjust your watering schedule for this plant.

If problem persists and/or you suspect root rot: remove from pot, trim away dead mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.

BROWNING / CRISPING

Likely caused by low humidity or tap water chemicals.

Try boosting humidity levels with a humidifier (or place in the bathroom while you shower) and switch to a filtered or distilled water.

Snipping Brown Tips

FADED/DULL

A sign of not enough sunlight.

For a stronger color (+ a higher chance of spiderette growth) move to a brighter spot.

DROOPING

Commonly due to soil kept too dry or root bound conditions.

Regularly check the soil moisture and water when the top few inches feels dry. Also be mindful if it’s time to repot into a slightly larger container.

PESTS

Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Watch out for these creepy crawlers:

Aphids
Mealybugs
Spider Mites

YELLOW and LIMP

BROWNING / CRISPING

FADED/DULL

DROOPING

PESTS