Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
A tough, fast-growing plant with arching ribbon leaves and dangling plantlets that look like little spiders. Ideal for hanging planters and shelves when you give bright indirect light and avoid fluoride-heavy water that browns tips.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Friendly
While non-toxic to cats and dogs, the plant contains compounds that may be mildly hallucinogenic to felines, causing them to play with or eat the leaves excessively.
Full care guide
Spider Plant Care
Grow Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant) with bright indirect light, a steady soak rhythm, and simple plantlet propagation for those arching leaves and spiderettes.
Read the guideCare Notes
Full guide →Light
Place in bright, indirect light. Midday direct sun can scorch foliage.
Water
Water thoroughly when the top half of the soil is dry. Filtered or distilled water helps if your tap water browns the tips with fluoride. Use a pot with drainage holes.
Soil
A well-draining general-purpose mix is enough. Pot up when roots pack the planter or lift the pot.
Humidity & Temperature
Moderate humidity suits it. In winter, water less and keep the plant away from cold drafts.
Common Issues
Brown tips often mean hard water, dry air, or inconsistent watering. You can root plantlets in water or moist soil for easy new pots.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer
Soil
Well-draining, general-purpose potting mix
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
1-2 feet tall and wide
Growth Rate
Fast
Propagation
Plantlets, division
Common Varieties
Vittatum
Slender arching leaves with a broad creamy-white central stripe and deep green margins.
Variegatum
Long arching ribbon leaves with a solid green center and creamy-white margins.
Bonnie
Compact spiraled leaves with a creamy-white central stripe and green margins.
Ocean Spider Plant
Compact hardy form with shorter, broader leaves that have green centers and creamy-white margins, and plenty of cascading spiderettes.