The Chlorophytum comosum, commonly known as the spider plant, is one of the most recognizable and resilient houseplants, celebrated for its arching, variegated foliage. This herbaceous perennial is native to the tropical and southern regions of Africa, meaning it can thrive outdoors under specific, protective conditions. Transitioning the plant outside often results in more robust growth and prolific production of “spiderettes.” For most gardeners, moving the plant outside is a seasonal endeavor, not a permanent relocation.
Temperature Tolerance and Hardiness Zones
The primary constraint for a spider plant living outdoors is its low tolerance for cold temperatures, as it is fundamentally a tender perennial. The plant is not frost-hardy, and exposure to freezing temperatures (32°F or 0°C) will cause severe, often fatal, damage to its tissues, leading to mushy or blackened leaves. The absolute lowest temperature the plant can tolerate is around 35°F, but approaching this limit causes significant stress.
Optimal growth occurs within a range of 65°F to 80°F. Temperatures consistently dropping below 50°F will slow growth, cause wilting, and lead to brown leaf tips. Because of this sensitivity, the spider plant is only capable of surviving outdoors year-round in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11, where frost is rare or absent.
In Zone 9, the plant may still require protection, such as mulching, during an unusually cold winter. In Zones 10 and 11, it can typically be left undisturbed. For those living in climates below Zone 9, the spider plant must be treated as a seasonal annual or a container plant moved indoors before the first cold snap.
Optimizing Outdoor Placement and Soil
Assuming the temperature is appropriate, the next consideration for outdoor success is providing the right light and soil conditions. While spider plants tolerate lower light indoors, outdoor environments require specific placement to prevent sun damage. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light or partial shade, which mimics the dappled light of its native habitat.
Direct, intense sunlight, especially the harsh afternoon sun, must be avoided, as it can quickly scorch the leaves, causing them to bleach or develop brown tips. A location that receives only morning sun or filtered light, such as beneath a patio cover or a large tree, is ideal for maintaining the plant’s health and vibrant variegation. Too much shade, however, can lead to a loss of variegation and stunted growth.
The soil must be well-draining to prevent the roots from sitting in excess moisture, a condition more likely with exposure to outdoor rain. If the plant is kept in a container outside, the pot must have excellent drainage holes. A light, airy potting mix, often containing perlite or vermiculite, is recommended to prevent root rot.
Seasonal Transition and Pest Management
Moving a spider plant from a consistent indoor environment to the fluctuating outdoors requires a gradual adjustment period to prevent shock. This process, known as hardening off, involves slowly acclimating the plant to stronger light, wind, and temperature changes over one to two weeks. Initially, the plant should be placed in a fully shaded, protected spot for a few hours daily and then progressively exposed to more light and longer periods outdoors.
The safest time to move a containerized plant outdoors is after all danger of frost is past and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Conversely, the plant should be brought back inside well before the first expected frost, ideally when nighttime temperatures begin to drop consistently below 60°F. The risk of stunted growth or injury increases significantly below this temperature threshold.
Outdoor exposure can introduce new pest concerns that are typically not an issue indoors. Common outdoor pests that may infest spider plants include:
Aphids
Spider mites
Mealybugs
Scale insects
Before bringing the plant back inside for the cooler months, a thorough inspection is necessary to avoid transferring these pests to other houseplants. Treating the plant with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil while it is still outside can be an effective preventative measure.