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Spider plant

Chlorophytum comosum

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Spider plant · Chlorophytum comosum

Fine arching leaves offer inspiration for a compact green corner.

Care and placement

Prefers medium indirect light, tolerates shade but not direct sun; keep the mix lightly moist and use filtered or rain water to avoid tip burn; keep above about 7 °C (45 °F).

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 50 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 60 cm

Things to consider

ASPCA lists spider plant as non-toxic to dogs and cats. Still discourage pets from chewing large amounts, which can upset the stomach.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in a draining pot with a loose, well-drained mix. The thick roots like a slightly snug pot; move up when roots fill it. A hanging pot lets the plantlets cascade.

  2. Light

    Medium indirect light is enough and it tolerates deep shade. Direct sun burns leaves; too little light dims the variegation.

  3. Watering

    Keep the mix lightly moist in warm months: water when the top 2–3 cm is dry, drench, then empty the saucer. Let it dry a little longer when cool. Brown tips often come from chlorine/fluoride in tap water; use filtered, rain or settled water.

  4. Feeding

    Feed lightly: balanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4–1/2 strength about monthly from spring to autumn. Too much burns tips and reduces plantlets.

  5. Pruning

    Trim brown tips at an angle with clean scissors; remove old leaves and spent flower stalks at the base.

  6. Propagation

    Plantlets form on trailing stems: once a plantlet has 2–3 cm aerial roots, cut it off and pot it in moist mix (or root it in water first). You can also pin it into a small pot while still attached. Spring to early summer works best.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Brown tips come from tap water, dry air, drought or fertilizer salts; flush the mix every 2–3 months. Occasional spider mites and mealybugs; rot if waterlogged.

  8. For plentiful, healthy leaves

    For more plantlets: give enough bright indirect light, let roots get slightly crowded, feed lightly (excess reduces plantlets) and keep moisture steady; an oversized pot or lack of seasonal day/night change also reduces them.