The spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum, is a popular and resilient houseplant prized for its ease of care and unique appearance. Native to tropical and southern Africa, it features long, arching leaves that grow from a central rosette, often displaying attractive green and white variegation. It is also known by common names like ribbon plant or airplane plant. The plant’s distinctive appeal comes from the tiny plantlets, or “spiderettes,” that dangle from long stems, which are easily propagated to create new plants.
Retail and Online Sources
A wide range of options exists for acquiring a spider plant, each offering different advantages. Local nurseries and independent garden centers typically offer the highest quality plants and a knowledgeable staff who can provide specialized advice on care and cultivar selection. Their prices are generally higher than larger retailers.
Big box stores and large chain retailers are accessible and usually offer lower prices. However, the plants at these locations may receive less specialized attention, which can sometimes lead to issues like inconsistent watering or pest presence.
Online plant shops and marketplaces offer the greatest variety, including less common cultivars such as ‘Bonnie,’ which features curly leaves, or ‘Vittatum,’ which has a central white stripe. When ordering online, you benefit from convenience and diverse selection, but you must consider shipping logistics, especially during extreme weather, to ensure the plant is packaged safely.
One of the most cost-effective ways to obtain a spider plant is through community sources like plant swaps, farmers’ markets, or asking friends and neighbors for a “pup.” Since the mother plant naturally produces dozens of these small offsets, people are often happy to share them, allowing you to start a new plant for free.
Checklist for Selecting a Healthy Plant
When selecting a spider plant, a physical inspection is necessary to ensure you are choosing a robust specimen free from existing issues. Begin by examining the foliage for any signs of distress, looking for a uniform, vibrant color without excessive browning on the leaf tips. While minor brown tipping can be a common occurrence in spider plants due to mineral sensitivity, widespread yellowing or limp, mushy leaves indicate overwatering or root issues.
Next, conduct a thorough check for pests, paying attention to the underside of the leaves and where the foliage meets the soil. Look for fine webbing, which suggests spider mites, or sticky residue, which can be a sign of scale or mealybugs. You should also inspect the potting mix to ensure it is not completely waterlogged or bone dry, as both extremes indicate a lack of consistent care.
If possible, gently slide the plant out of its container to inspect the roots, which should be firm and white or tan, not dark brown or mushy. A healthy root ball should not have a foul odor, which is a sign of root rot. Roots emerging from the drainage holes are an indication that the plant is root-bound, which means it will require repotting soon after purchase.
Essential Care for New Spider Plants
Once your spider plant is home, acclimatization and establishing a suitable care routine are important. Place the new plant in an area that receives bright, indirect light, as this encourages the best color and growth without risking leaf scorch. Variegated cultivars in particular need adequate light to maintain their striping; otherwise, they may revert to a solid green color.
Allow the plant a week or two to adjust to its new environment before considering repotting. For the initial watering, check the soil moisture and only water when the top one to two inches of the potting mix feel dry to the touch. The fleshy roots of Chlorophytum comosum are adapted to store water, making the plant drought-tolerant and susceptible to root rot if overwatered.
A common post-purchase issue is the development of brown tips on the leaves, which is often caused by the accumulation of salts or fluoride found in tap water. To mitigate this, consider using distilled water, collected rainwater, or leaving tap water out overnight to allow chlorine to dissipate before watering. A consistent watering schedule and proper light placement will help your new spider plant settle in and begin its long life as an indoor companion.