The spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum, is a popular and adaptable houseplant appreciated for its arching foliage and prolific production of “spiderettes.” Many gardeners move these plants outside during warmer months to encourage accelerated growth and robust plantlet production. Transitioning a spider plant to an outdoor environment requires adjusting care routines, as the plant will be exposed to intense light, fluctuating temperatures, and new pests. Successfully managing this transition ensures the plant remains healthy and vigorous throughout the growing season.
Climate Tolerance and Seasonal Timing
The decision to move a spider plant outdoors is governed entirely by temperature, as the plant is native to the warm, tropical regions of Africa. The ideal temperature range for active growth is between 60°F and 75°F. Exposure to temperatures below 50°F can induce cold stress, leading to foliar damage and stunted growth. The plant should only be moved outside after the last predicted spring frost has passed and night temperatures consistently remain above 50°F.
Spider plants are not frost-tolerant; temperatures dropping to 32°F or lower will cause severe, irreversible damage, resulting in mushy or black leaves. The plant must be brought back inside before the first expected autumn frost, ideally when evening temperatures begin to drop consistently below 50°F. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90°F can also cause heat stress, so plants may need temporary shade or relocation during extreme summer heat waves. Monitoring local weather forecasts is the most reliable way to safely time the seasonal transition.
Optimizing Light Exposure and Location
Outdoor light intensity is far greater than indoor light, necessitating careful placement to prevent foliage damage. Spider plants thrive in bright, indirect light, but direct sun exposure, especially the intense afternoon sun, will cause leaf scorch. Scorch presents as pale, bleached, or faded areas on the leaves that eventually turn brown and brittle. The best location offers deep or filtered shade, such as under a covered porch, a dense tree canopy, or on the north- or east-facing side of a structure. The location should also offer protection from strong winds, which rapidly increase water loss and can physically tear the delicate leaves.
Adjusting Watering and Nutrient Needs
Watering Needs
The combination of higher outdoor temperatures, increased light, and wind exposure drastically accelerates water evaporation from the soil. This means the spider plant requires significantly more frequent watering outdoors than it did indoors. During periods of peak heat and wind, container plants may need water once or twice a day to maintain adequate soil moisture. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, allowing the top inch or two of the potting mix to dry out completely between waterings. A container with excellent drainage holes is necessary, as standing water quickly leads to root rot.
Nutrient Needs
The accelerated growth cycle outdoors also increases the plant’s nutrient demands. During the active growing season, from spring through summer, feeding the plant becomes necessary to support the lush new growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formulation. This fertilizer must be diluted to half the strength recommended on the product label to prevent chemical burn to the sensitive roots and foliage. Apply this diluted fertilizer every two to four weeks while the plant is actively growing.
Protecting Against Outdoor Pests and Stressors
Pest and Weather Protection
The outdoor environment introduces a new array of pests and environmental stressors. Slugs and snails are common outdoor pests that will leave ragged holes in the foliage, and soft-bodied insects like aphids and scale may also target the plant. Protection from heavy rainfall is necessary, as prolonged saturation can lead to root damage. Potted spider plants should be placed where they can be moved quickly, such as under the eaves of a house or beneath a porch, to prevent the soil from becoming soggy during torrential rain or hailstorms. Covering the plant with an overturned bucket or tarp is an effective temporary defense against damaging hail.
Seasonal Transition and Inspection
Before the seasonal transition back indoors, a thorough inspection is necessary to prevent introducing outdoor pests to the houseplant collection. Closely examine the undersides of leaves, stems, and the soil surface for any signs of insects, webbing, or sticky residue. Wiping down the foliage or treating the plant with an insecticidal soap formulated for houseplants is a final, preventative step. After treatment, keep the plant isolated from other indoor plants for a few weeks to ensure no pests emerge.