Spider Plants are classic houseplants beloved for their arching, variegated leaves and prolific production of "spiderettes" — baby plants that dangle from long stems like spiders on a web. They're nearly indestructible and make excellent hanging basket plants.
Care Guide
Light
Bright indirect light is ideal, but tolerates low to medium light. Direct sun causes leaf scorch. Variegated varieties lose their stripes in very low light.
Water
Water when top inch of soil is dry — about every 7–10 days. Spider Plants are drought-tolerant thanks to their thick, tuberous roots that store water. Sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in tap water (causes brown tips).
Humidity
Average home humidity is fine. Not fussy about humidity levels.
Temperature
55–80°F (13–27°C). One of the more cold-tolerant houseplants but will not survive frost.
Soil
Standard potting mix with good drainage. Not particular about soil type.
Fertilizer
Monthly balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season. Light feeder — over-fertilizing causes brown tips.
⚠️ Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans. Mildly toxic to cats (may cause vomiting) but not dangerous. Cats are often attracted to the dangling leaves.
✂️ Propagation
The easiest plant to propagate. Root the spiderettes (baby plants) in water or directly in soil. They root in days. Also propagates by division.
Common Problems
Brown tips → fluoride in tap water, over-fertilizing, or low humidity
Pale/faded leaves → too much direct sun
No babies → plant may be too young, or needs more light
Root-bound → these plants get root-bound quickly; repot annually
Floppy leaves → overwatering or too little light
Spider Plants were included in NASA's Clean Air Study and found to remove 95% of formaldehyde from a sealed chamber in 24 hours. They're one of the most effective indoor air purifiers tested.