Spider Plants are a classic in the houseplant world, and for good reason. They are very forgiving plants, which makes them an ideal houseplant for beginners. At the same time, they also bring a playful, bouncy aesthetic to your space that even expert houseplant growers will appreciate.

We'll go through the natural history of the infamous Spider Plant and provide tips on watering, light and soil needs, humidity, and temperature requirements. Furthermore, this guide will show you how to enhance your Spider Plant care to achieve beautiful blooms and an abundance of Spider Plant babies.

The Natural History of Spider Plants

Native to tropical and coastal areas of South Africa, but naturalized across tropical regions like Australia and South Asia, Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum) were introduced to Europe in the 18th century. In their native habitat, they grow along the understory of mountainous terrain and in areas with plentiful shrubbery and rivers.

The nickname "Spider Plant" comes from their ability to produce baby plants, known as pups, that look like tiny spiders. These baby offshoots are incredibly easy to propagate and grow new plants, which makes the Spider Plant perfect for sharing your love of plants with family and friends. This is also what makes Spider Plants a staple in homes and offices because not only are they easy to care for, but they are easy (and fun) to duplicate.

Light Needs for Spider Plants

Since they grow beneath the forest canopy in their natural habitat, these plants are renowned for their low light tolerance. Too little light, however, runs the risk of them getting root rot. If you want to see your spider plant thrive, give them bright, indirect light. Under these conditions, these plants will produce elegant white flowers and more pups. Spider Plants can even live outdoors in a shady location during the warm summer months and are sometimes used as shade-loving annuals in outdoor gardens. Too much sunlight can burn their foliage, so gradually introduce them to the outdoors and keep them in the shade. For a smooth transition to bringing your Spider Plants outdoors, check out this guide on How to Transition Houseplants Outdoors.

Watering Spider Plants

Generally, Spider Plants prefer to have evenly moist soil. Give them water when the soil is nearly dry but before they are completely parched. While they have delicate leaves, they also have large tuberous roots that help store excess water. If you accidentally let your Spider Plant dry out completely, It will often still forgive you. Chronically underwatering them, though, can result in the leaves turning brown along the edges. You can check if your Spider Plant needs water by sticking your finger into its soil. Only water your Spider Plant if it feels dry up to your second knuckle. They are also purported to be particularly sensitive to cold water, so make sure you only give them water at room temperature. They also tend to develop slightly brown tips if you use tap water heavily treated with minerals like fluoride or excessive sodium from a soft water system.

If you struggle with keeping your Spider Plants watered and find they are drying out too quickly for you to keep up with, check to see if they need to be repotted. Spider Plants can grow rapidly in optimal conditions, and your plant may have outgrown its pots.

Soil Requirements for Spider Plants

Spider Plants' tuberous roots prefer a soil mix that is more airy and well-draining. Many people will find success with a standard bagged potting mix since Spider Plants are generally considered easy care houseplants. But, I find many store-bought potting soils can make it unnecessarily difficult to maintain even watering. And, a chunky succulent or cactus soil can result in the soil drying out a little too quickly. The ideal balance would be a soil blend that retains moisture but won't deprive the roots of oxygen. An excellent soil choice for your Spider Plant would be James's Aroid Soil Mix Recipe.

Temperature and Humidity for Spider Plants

Spider Plants thrive in warm temperatures and moderate to higher humidity levels in their natural habitat. In household conditions, Spider Plants are not overly fussy about humidity and will happily tolerate levels from 30-50%. With that said, the more humidity, the better! Try clumping your plants together to boost humidity around yoru plants or consider adding a humidifier to watch it flourish, especially in the dryer winter months. Keep your Spider Plant away from drafty windows, vents, and air conditioning, and avoid leaving them outdoors in cold weather. Ideally, you will want to keep temperatures between 56 and 80°F (13–27°C).

Fertilizing Your Spider Plant

Spider Plants tend to be sensitive to strong chemicals, but they can benefit from being fertilized sparingly while actively growing. For these plants, it's best to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every 4-6 weeks only during the growing season. Avoid overfertilizing your Spider Plants, as this can result in burning the leaves and roots.

Pet Safety and Spider Plants

If you have beloved pets at home, you'll be thrilled to learn that spider plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs. These plants can be particularly enticing to cats due to their grass-like characteristics and slender, bouncy leaves. If your cat or dog has gotten ahold of your spider plant and given it a nibble, there is often no reason for concern as they are relatively safe. With that said, Spider Plants can have a mild hallucinogenic effect, similar to catnip. If your cat eats a substantial amount of your plant, it can certainly lead to an upset stomach. Not only that, but Spider Plants are high in fiber, so it can be more challenging for cats and dogs to digest in large amounts. It's best to keep these plants out of reach of your pets and speak to your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Check out our growing collection of Pet Friendly Plants available in our plant shop.

Conclusion

To help give your laidback Spider Plant the environment it needs to thrive, here are a few important takeaways:

• Lighting: While tolerant of low to medium light, give bright indirect light for best results.
• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist and water only when it is nearly completely dry.
• Soil: For evenly moist soil that does not become waterlogged and compact, try James's Aroid Soil Mix Recipe.
• Temperature and humidity: Spider Plants are not fussy about higher humidity levels, so giving them warm temperatures, preferably between 56 and 80°F (13–27°C) and moderate humidity levels will replicate their natural habitat.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, avoiding over-fertilizing.
• Pet safety: Spider Plants are famously non-toxic and considered pet safe, but it's always a good idea to keep them out of reach from your furry friends to avoid potential digestive issues.

With these tips, you can take your Spider Plant care to the next level, even if you consider yourself a houseplant beginner.

If you have any more questions about growing and caring for your Spider Plant, consider joining my online plant care community and reaching out for support.