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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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
PERLITE