The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a popular and resilient houseplant native to the tropical and southern regions of Africa. This perennial herb is widely grown indoors across the globe due to its adaptability. Spider plants can grow outdoors, but their success depends entirely on the local climate and seasonal temperature fluctuations. For most locations, outdoor placement is temporary and seasonal, while only specific warm regions can support year-round outdoor growth.
Geographic Limits and Temperature Tolerance
The primary factor determining whether a spider plant can survive outdoors is its sensitivity to cold. As a tropical perennial, Chlorophytum comosum lacks the natural defenses to withstand freezing temperatures. Exposure to frost is lethal to the plant’s foliage and its water-storing root tubers. Year-round outdoor growth is generally limited to the warmer regions corresponding to USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11, where temperatures rarely drop to freezing. Sustained temperatures below 50°F (10°C) will cause significant stress, leading to foliar damage and cessation of growth. While they can tolerate brief exposures down to approximately 35°F (-1.7°C), any prolonged period near this temperature will cause permanent damage, necessitating they be brought indoors well before the first expected frost.
Essential Outdoor Care Requirements
Once a spider plant is placed outside in a suitable climate, its care requirements shift. The plant thrives best in bright, indirect light. Direct afternoon sun, especially in hot climates, will quickly scorch the leaves, causing white or brown burn marks. The ideal outdoor location receives morning sun followed by afternoon shade, such as under a covered porch or a large tree. Outdoor spider plants demand a more frequent watering schedule than their indoor counterparts due to increased heat and air movement. The soil should be consistently moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot, requiring a well-draining potting mix. Furthermore, the plant’s foliage is sensitive to mineral salts and chemicals like chlorine and fluoride often found in tap water, which can cause the characteristic browning of leaf tips. Using collected rainwater or distilled water, particularly for potted plants, can help minimize this cosmetic damage.
Safe Seasonal Transitioning
Moving a spider plant from a sheltered indoor environment requires a gradual adjustment period known as “hardening off.” Moving it directly outside exposes it to stronger ultraviolet light, lower humidity, and greater wind, which can lead to leaf scorch and shock. The hardening off process should take approximately 7 to 14 days to complete. Start by placing the potted plant in a sheltered, shady outdoor location for just one to two hours per day. Each subsequent day, increase the duration of its time outside and gradually introduce it to slightly brighter light conditions. This slow acclimation allows the plant’s cells to adjust and thicken, preparing it for the full outdoor season. In the fall, the transition back inside must begin when nighttime temperatures are forecast to consistently drop below 50°F (10°C) to prevent cold damage. Before bringing it back inside, a thorough inspection for pests is recommended to avoid introducing unwelcome insects into the home environment.