How often should I water my spider plant?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on conditions.

What kind of light do spider plants prefer?

Bright, indirect light is ideal, but they can tolerate lower light conditions.

Why are my spider plant's leaves turning brown at the tips?

This is often due to minerals or fluoride in tap water, or inconsistent watering.

Can I propagate spider plants?

Yes, you can easily propagate them from the 'spiderettes' or by dividing the root ball.

Do spider plants need to be repotted often?

They prefer to be slightly root-bound and only need repotting every 2 to 3 years.

Plant guide

Spider Plant.

Chlorophytum comosum

Pronounced KLO-roh-fit-um KOH-moh-sum

Also known as Bracket plant, Green Hen And Chickens, Hen And Chickens, Hen-And-Chickens, Hen-and-Chicks, Ribbon Plant, Spider Ivy, Spider Plant

The Spider Plant is a popular houseplant known for its air-purifying qualities and its charming, arching leaves. It produces small white flowers and 'spiderettes' or baby plants that dangle from the mother plant, making it easy to propagate.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Light: Bright indirect light
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 1-2 feet tall and wide
Growth rate: fast
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Spring to summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide bright, indirect light. Brown leaf tips can indicate dry air or mineral buildup from tap water, so consider using filtered water and misting occasionally.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim off brown or yellowing leaves as needed to maintain appearance. Remove spent flower stalks.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root-bound, typically every 1-2 years. Use a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Temperature: 13 to 27°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Perennial houseplant, can live for many years with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: high

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Plant dries out very quickly after watering.
Water runs straight through the pot without soaking in.
Plant appears stunted or growth has significantly slowed.

Safety

People: Spider plants are generally considered non-toxic to humans, though ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
Pets: Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: While not toxic, ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in children.
Contact allergens: No significant contact allergens are typically associated with this plant.
Airborne allergens: Pollen is not a significant respiratory allergen.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

Long, arching, grass-like leaves
Leaves often have a white or yellow stripe
Produces small white, star-shaped flowers
Develops plantlets (spiderettes) on long stems
Air-purifying capabilities

Height: 0.3 to 0.6m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: Green, White, Yellow, evergreen
Flowers: White, 1 to 2cm

Common problems

Brown leaf tips — Often caused by fluoride in tap water, inconsistent watering, or low humidity.
Root rot — Occurs from overwatering and poorly draining soil, leading to mushy, dark roots.
Spider mites — Tiny pests that cause stippling on leaves and can be found on undersides.

Growing it

Propagation: Division, Offsets
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Overwintering: As houseplants, spider plants do not require special overwintering care beyond maintaining appropriate indoor temperatures and light conditions. Reduce watering slightly in winter if growth slows.
In containers: Spider plants do very well in containers and prefer to be slightly root-bound; a 6 to 8 inch pot is a good starting size.

Plantlets

Gently remove a plantlet from the mother plant, ensuring it has some small roots attached.
You can place the plantlet directly into moist potting soil.
Alternatively, root the plantlet in a glass of water until roots are about an inch long, then plant in soil.
Keep the soil consistently moist until the new plant is established.
Provide bright, indirect light.

Division

Carefully remove the plant from its pot.
Gently tease apart the root ball to separate it into smaller sections, each with roots and leaves.
Repot each section into its own container with fresh potting mix.
Water thoroughly after repotting.
Keep in bright, indirect light and water as needed.

Pair spider plants with other low-maintenance houseplants that prefer bright, indirect light and don't mind drying out slightly between waterings.

Grows well with

Snake Plant — Both plants thrive in similar low-maintenance conditions and indirect light, making them easy companions.
ZZ Plant — These plants share a tolerance for neglect and can handle similar watering schedules.
Pothos — Both are forgiving houseplants that do well in bright, indirect light and don't require constant attention.

Keep away from

Direct Sunlight — Intense, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing brown spots and crispy edges.
Overwatering — Consistently soggy soil can lead to root rot, which is often fatal.

Similar species

Ribbon Plant — Similar in its strap-like leaves, but typically has a more upright growth habit and less pronounced variegation.
Airplane Plant — Also produces plantlets, but generally has broader leaves and a more compact form.

Science

Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Chlorophytum
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Tropical and southern Africa.
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

In its native habitat, Chlorophytum comosum grows in shady, moist areas, often on rocks or in tree crevices.

Uses: Ornamental houseplant, Air purification

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How often should I water my spider plant?: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on conditions.
What kind of light do spider plants prefer?: Bright, indirect light is ideal, but they can tolerate lower light conditions.
Why are my spider plant's leaves turning brown at the tips?: This is often due to minerals or fluoride in tap water, or inconsistent watering.
Can I propagate spider plants?: Yes, you can easily propagate them from the 'spiderettes' or by dividing the root ball.
Do spider plants need to be repotted often?: They prefer to be slightly root-bound and only need repotting every 2 to 3 years.

Where the name comes from

The common name 'Spider Plant' comes from the plantlets that dangle from the mother plant, resembling spiders. The scientific name 'Chlorophytum' derives from Greek words meaning 'green plant'.

Good to know

Spider plants produce small plantlets, often called 'spiderettes', on long stems.
They are native to tropical and southern Africa.
They can tolerate a wide range of indoor conditions.
Overwatering is a more common problem than underwatering.

Is your spider plant looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.