The spider plant is one of the most popular and forgiving houseplants, making it an excellent choice for new plant owners. This resilient species is recognized for its arching, strap-like leaves and its ability to produce small plantlets, or “spiderettes,” that dangle from the mother plant. The spider plant has been noted for its air-purifying qualities, effectively removing indoor toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from the air. Its general hardiness and adaptability ensure that a beginner can easily keep this plant thriving.
Setting Up Your Spider Plant
Spider plants thrive best in bright, indirect light, such as near an east or north-facing window. Direct, intense sunlight, especially during the afternoon, can quickly scorch the leaves, causing them to turn brown and dry. While the plant can survive in lower light conditions, insufficient light will cause the growth to become leggy and may lead to the loss of variegation in striped varieties.
A standard, well-draining houseplant mix is suitable. Good drainage is mandatory; the container must have drainage holes to prevent root rot. Spider plants prefer consistent indoor temperatures, ideally ranging between 65 and 75°F (18–24°C). Avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or heat vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations can stress the foliage.
Ongoing Maintenance Requirements
Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely before watering thoroughly until water runs from the drainage holes. The plant’s thick, fleshy roots store water, helping it tolerate occasional inconsistent watering. However, constantly saturated soil will lead to root rot.
Spider plants are not heavy feeders, so feeding should be done sparingly to prevent salt buildup that burns the leaf tips. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during the active growing season of spring and summer. Stop fertilizing during the winter months when growth slows down. Repotting is generally only necessary every one to two years, or when the roots start to completely fill the container.
Multiplying Your Plants
Healthy spider plants produce “spiderettes,” which are small, fully formed baby plants growing on long, arching stems (stolons). These plantlets often develop tiny aerial roots while still attached to the mother plant, making propagation simple. There are two effective methods for multiplying your collection using these pups.
Water Propagation
The first method is to root the spiderette in water after trimming it from the mother plant. Place the cutting in a jar of water so the root-forming base is submerged, but the leaves remain above the surface. New roots typically develop quickly; once they are about one to two inches long, the new plant can be potted into soil.
Direct Soil Planting
The second method involves planting the spiderette directly into a small pot of moist soil. You can either cut the baby off first or leave it attached to the mother plant while the base of the pup is buried in the new pot. Leaving the pup attached ensures it continues to receive nutrients from the parent while it establishes its own root system. Once the plantlet is securely rooted, the connecting stolon can be snipped away.
Addressing Specific Problems
The browning of the leaf tips (tip burn) is a frequent issue. This is often caused by a buildup of chemicals, such as chlorine or fluoride, in tap water, or from salt accumulation due to over-fertilization. To mitigate this, consider using distilled or rainwater, or let tap water sit out for 24 hours to allow chemicals to dissipate before watering. Low humidity and inconsistent watering can also contribute to dry, crispy leaf tips.
Spider plants can occasionally attract mealybugs or spider mites. Regularly inspecting the leaves and wiping them down with a damp cloth helps prevent infestations. If the leaves appear pale, yellow, or limp, it indicates a care issue; pale leaves often signal insufficient light, while limp foliage can be a symptom of persistent overwatering and subsequent root problems.