Bushy spider plant with long, arching green leaves striped with white, isolated on a transparent background.

Spider Plant

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INDIRECT SUN

Keep in bright, indirect light

☀︎ Avoid harsh sun ☀︎

A little gentle sun is okay, but keep it away from harsh rays to avoid leaf scorch. It can also survive in lower light, but may not produce as many spiderettes.

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water when dry

Water when top inches of soil are dry

Not too soggy, not too dry. 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.

Spider plant does well in moderate humidity. Indoor humidity should be enough, but it also welcomes a humidity boost. Consider using a humidifier every so often if you have one!

To mist or not to mist? Before you reach for the spray bottle, read The Misting Myth.

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Groovy Root mascot. A cartoon red flower pot character happily planting a seedling with a trowel, surrounded by dirt, smiling flowers, bees, and a second small pot. Wearing blue sneakers.

soil needs

Spider plant digs a light, well-draining mix that holds a bit of moisture without getting soggy.

When choosing a potting mix for spider plant, look for mixes that include:

ᯓ Perlite ᯓ

Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

ᯓ Coco Coir ᯓ

Helps hold moisture without making the soil too wet.

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Common Issues

  • A possible sign of overwatering. Soil that has been overwatered can lead to root rot.

    Remove affected leaves. Cut back on waterings.

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

  • Likely caused by low humidity or tap water chemicals.

    Try boosting humidity levels with a humidifier and switch to a filtered or distilled water.

    Brown tips do not heal! You can totally snip them off for a cleaner and greener look. Use clean scissors to trim slightly past the crispy edge, following the natural leaf shape. 

    Snipping them off is primarily cosmetic, but also can help redirect energy to healthy growth. 

  • A sign of not enough sunlight.

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

  • Commonly due to soil kept too dry or rootbound 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.

Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Make sure to watch out for these creepy crawlers:

𖢥 Aphids

𖢥 Mealybugs

𖢥 Spider Mites

Pet Safe

Spider plant is a non-toxic plant that is considered a safe plant to grow indoors or outdoors in pet-friendly spaces.

Smiling cartoon daisy in a red flower pot with a buzzing bee flying nearby. To the right of the image it shows the text “Rooting For You” in a wavy line.