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Spider Plant Care: How to Grow and Propagate This Easy Houseplant

Chlorophytum comosum aka spider plant, airplane plant, St Bernard lily, spider ivy or ribbon plant in a terracotta pot
Image Credit:
t50/Shutterstock
Botanical Name
Chlorophytum comosum
Sun Exposure
Partial Sun
Shade
Soil pH
Neutral
Bloom Time
Spring
Summer
Fall
Flower Color
White
Plant Type
Houseplants
Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Looking for a low-maintenance, high-style houseplant? The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is your go-to green buddy. With its ribbon-like leaves and adorable baby “spiderettes” dangling like plant jewelry, this Victorian-era favorite brings a touch of charm to any room, especially when cascading from a hanging basket. 

From watering do’s and don’ts to multiplying your plant family with easy propagation, here’s everything you need to know to keep your spider plant thriving year-round!

During the summer, spider plants may produce tiny white flowers on long stems, as well as baby spider plants (offsets) called pups. The pups look like tiny spiders, hence the plant’s name!

NASA once highlighted spider plants for their reported air-purifying ability, though a large number of plants would be required to reap any benefits in the home. Nonetheless, they are a classic and attractive plant to add to your space, and every little bit helps! Learn more about air-purifying houseplants.

Planting

  • Grow in a soil-based, well-draining potting mix. Spider plants like even moisture; they don’t like to be too dry or too wet.
  • Keep plants in bright to moderate indirect sunlight. Spider plants do not appreciate direct, hot sunlight, which can burn their leaves, causing brown tips and spots.
  • Spider plants grow fairly quickly and can easily become pot-bound. Plan to repot a spider plant about every other year.
  • Spider plants can be grown outdoors as annuals during the summer. They look especially good along the edge of a container or bed, as long as they are kept out of direct sunlight.

Growing

  • During initial growth, water occasionally; once fully developed (within one year), water moderately.
  • In the spring and summer months, keep the soil moist to encourage growth. Do not let the soil dry out too much.
  • Maintain average room temperature and humidity. Spider plants prefer temperatures between 55° and 80°F (13° to 27°C), which makes them a great indoor houseplant.
  • Fertilize twice a month in the spring and summer; however, avoid overfertilization.
  • See more Houseplant Growing Tips.
Spider plant hanging in a window
Photo by Olga Prava/Shutterstock

Harvesting

  • Healthy spider plants may eventually produce pups, offshoots from the adult plant that can be removed and replanted to start new plants. For the best results, allow pups to reach approximately 2 inches in diameter before removing them from the mother plant.

    Alternatively, set the still-attached pups into pots of soil placed next to the mother plant. Once the pups have rooted themselves into the soil, they can be cut loose from the mother plant.

    Learn more about propagating spider plants and other houseplants to share with your friends.

Pests and Problems

  • Spider plants are prone to tip burn, which can be caused by dry soil, low humidity, or a buildup of salt and chemicals found in some public tap water. Keep the soil slightly moist. Avoid watering with fluoridated or chlorinated water, and cut off brown tips if they do occur.
  • To get rid of the brown discs on the leaves, use your fingernail to scrape off the brown residue every few days.
  • Mealybugs and Scale

Types

  • The most common varieties are the variegated forms:
    • ‘Vittatum’ has green foliage with a single off-white stripe down the center of each leaf.
    • ‘Variegatum’ is the inverse of ‘Vittatum’, with an off-white stripe running along the edge of each green leaf.
  • Solid green varieties are also available.

Wit and Wisdom

Houseplant Guides

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening, so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana.

Read more from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Shirley Bailey</span> Thu, 05/13/2021 - 23:48
My spider plant is 1 yr old and only has 1 spider! What do I need to do to encourage more spiders? This plant is indoors and hangs in front of a tinted patio door.
<span>Barb</span> Fri, 04/29/2022 - 09:17
They won’t usually produce babies until they are somewhat pot bound. Give it some more time
<span>Lynn Bamford</span> Sat, 05/01/2021 - 16:30
In your article about caring for spider plants you published a photo of a plant with not usual 'pups' but no information on why this happened or how to propagate from this kind of off-shoot. My one plant has 7 off-shoots like your photo and I am clueless as to how to deal with it. Thank you
<span>Marilyn Brewer</span> Sat, 03/26/2022 - 13:34
I have the same question I have 3 long skinny shot that are growing out of my spider plant. And at the end there are very little leafs. I don't think they look like they would have roots or grow anything? What should I do with them. And it seems to be very root tight in the pot, should I put it in a larger one? I looks good other wise. Thank You Marilyn
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Tue, 03/29/2022 - 16:44

The little leaves at the end of the shoots will eventually turn into small air plants—just give them time! When they develop leaves that are at least 3 inches in length, they can be snipped off the mother plant and planted themselves in soil or water (water helps to get them rooting). If the mother plant seems very tightly squeezed in her pot, it wouldn't hurt to move her to a bigger one!

 <span>Diane Friesen</span> Fri, 03/19/2021 - 18:08
I left my airplane plant outside during the winter and needless to say, the leaves froze. I was planning to use the same pot for another plant but found all the roots from the frozen plant. They still looked viable. Will the roots produce more airplane plants if I just leave them in the same pot?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 03/22/2021 - 13:33

If the roots still look viable, then there's a chance the plant will send up new foliage. Put it in a warm, bright spot and keep the soil moist (but not too wet—roots will rot if overwatered). You should see signs of life within a couple months, if not sooner.

 <span>Beryl</span> Thu, 02/11/2021 - 08:58
My spider plant dont flower dont have small spidders have not had any for nearly 2 years its in the bathroom it has been reported but still no good just wondering what we can do thanks
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 03/22/2021 - 13:42

Your plant might not be getting enough light! Spider plants are tolerant of low light, but flowering takes more energy than just growing leaves.

Try moving it to a brighter location and see if that does the trick!

 <span>Jan</span> Wed, 01/06/2021 - 18:28
Is it possible to have a spider plant that has dark green as well as green and while babies.??