- How to choose a healthy spider plant
- The best light, temperature, and soil conditions for spider plant growth
- Watering and fertilizer dos and don’ts
- Managing spiderettes and how to propagate them
- Common pests and problems—and how to fix them
Introduction
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a favorite among plant lovers and office decorators for good reason. It’s easy to grow, great at purifying the air, and produces charming offshoots known as spiderettes. Whether you’re a seasoned indoor gardener or just starting out, spider plants are incredibly forgiving and beginner-friendly.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right spider plant, create the perfect growing environment, and keep it thriving with easy-care techniques. If you’re thinking of adding to your plant collection or unsure which indoor plant fits your lifestyle, be sure to check our guide on houseplant types and selection.
Growing Conditions
Light
- Best light: Spider plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight.
- Low light tolerant: Can grow in low-light environments, but growth will be slower.
- Avoid: Direct sun exposure, as it can scorch the leaves and lead to brown tips.
Temperature and Humidity
- Ideal temperature: Between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
- Cold sensitivity: Avoid frost and cold drafts—keep them away from windows in winter.
- Humidity: Moderate levels preferred. If your environment is dry, mist the plant occasionally or use a pebble tray.
Soil
- Use a standard potting mix that includes perlite or coarse sand for drainage.
- Always plant spider plants in a container with proper drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Choosing Your Spider Plant
When shopping for a spider plant at the nursery, look for the following indicators of a healthy specimen:
- Foliage: Lush and green, with no brown tips or drooping leaves.
- Variety: Choose between solid green or variegated versions depending on your aesthetic preference.
Need help deciding which houseplant suits your workspace or home best? Check out our guide on choosing the right houseplant.
Water & Fertilizer Needs
Watering Best Practices
- Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Use room-temperature water; cold water can shock the roots.
- During winter, reduce watering frequency to prevent over-saturation.
- Watch for signs of overwatering: yellow leaves, soggy soil, and root rot.
Fertilization
- Feed monthly during the growing season (spring to early fall) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
- Too much fertilizer may cause leaf tip browning. Less is more when it comes to feeding spider plants.
Managing Spiderettes (Baby Spider Plants)
What are Spiderettes?
Spiderettes are baby plants that grow from long arching stems on mature spider plants. They’re both a sign of a healthy plant and a built-in propagation method.
Pruning and Display Tips
- Trim stems and spiderettes to shape the plant or to encourage denser foliage.
- Spiderettes can be left hanging for a cascading effect or clipped and rooted to grow new plants.
Encouraging Spiderettes
- Ensure your plant is mature and receives adequate light and nutrients.
- Spiderettes most commonly appear in mature, well-fed plants with good indoor light exposure.
Pests & Common Problems
Common Pests
The spider plant is relatively pest-resistant but may occasionally attract:
- Spider mites: Look for fine webbing on leaves.
- Mealybugs and aphids: Check stems and leaf joints for small white or green dots.
Solutions: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. For minor infestations, a strong water spray can help dislodge pests.
Common Issues
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Brown leaf tips | Over-fertilization, dry air, or fluoride in tap water | Use distilled water, increase humidity, or reduce feeding |
| Yellowing leaves | Overwatering or poor drainage | Allow soil to dry before rewatering and improve pot drainage |
| Soggy soil | Lack of drainage holes or too much water | Repot using a container with drainage; reduce watering schedule |
Propagation
How to Propagate Using Spiderettes
Propagating spider plants is simple and rewarding. Here are the steps:
- Select a healthy spiderette with several visible roots.
- Clip the spiderette from the mother plant using clean scissors.
- You can root it in water:
- Place in a jar of water with roots submerged but leaves above water line.
- Within 1–2 weeks, roots will grow stronger and longer.
- Alternatively, plant it directly in a small pot with moist potting soil.
- Keep it in indirect light and mist to maintain humidity until it’s established.
Benefits of Propagation
- Excellent for creating new plants for your home or office.
- Propagate to gift coworkers or friends—thoughtful and easy!
- A sustainable way to expand your plant collection without replacing starters.
Final Tips & Wrap-Up
- Place your spider plant in bright, indirect light for best results.
- Water moderately and let the soil partially dry out between sessions.
- Feed lightly and control humidity to avoid tip burn.
- Keep an eye out for spiderettes—they’re a good sign your plant is thriving!
If you’re just starting your indoor plant journey, don’t be intimidated. Spider plants are incredibly resilient and will reward even minimal care with fresh growth and mini plants you can share or pot up.
Explore more low-maintenance green options in our houseplant selection guide.
If you found this article helpful, share it with your fellow plant lovers or subscribe to our newsletter for more plant care tips!
Quick Troubleshooting Table
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf tips browning | High fluoride in tap water | Use filtered or distilled water |
| Leaves turning yellow | Too much water | Let soil dry, check drainage |
| Spiderettes not forming | Insufficient light or nutrients | Provide more light and fertilize during spring/summer |
Downloadable Care Checklist
Click here to download a printable Spider Plant Care Checklist (PDF)
How to Build This in Make.com
Want to automate spider plant care reminders or track new spiderettes? Try setting up a workflow in Make.com:
- Trigger Module: Google Calendar – set recurring reminders for watering and fertilizing.
- Data Store Module: Create a “Spider Plant Tracker” to log when you clip or propagate spiderettes.
- Notification Module: Send email or Slack messages when reminders hit.
- Optional Image Module: Google Drive – connect your phone to upload plant progress photos to a shared folder.
- Final Router Module: Route data to update a Notion plant log automatically.
This automated workflow helps you stay consistent with spider plant care—even on your busiest workdays.
