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 try to 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.
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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OUR PICK
We recommend an east-facing window for a spider plant. North also works if the room is bright enough, but you may notice slow growth.
⚠︎ Avoid direct sun from south-facing windows. Or simply move the plant further away from these windows for softer light.
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!
SOIL
Spider plant needs soil that stay lightly moist but never soggy.
The best store-bought option is a standard indoor potting mix since it is already formulated for plants like a spider plant.
If you'd like to add something to help balance drainage and moisture-retention, mix in a bit of perlite and coco coir.
PERLITE
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. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering. 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.
You can also "flush the soil" occasionally with the filtered or distilled water. Pour the water slowly through the soil until it drains out of the bottom. This can help clear our mineral buildup.
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
