Photo: Paúl GonzálesCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Hawaiian spider plant Plant Care
Aa matthewsii (Rchb.f.) Schltr.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This succulent plant features small, cylindrical leaves densely packed together in a unique rosette formation. Originating from the arid regions of South Africa, Aa matthewsii is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking symmetrical pattern and its ability to thrive in hot, dry climates.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hawaiian spider plant?
Water Hawaiian spider plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Hawaiian spider plant?
Hawaiian spider plant (Aa matthewsii) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Aa genus. Hawaiian spider plant is native to Peru and western Bolivia. Hawaiian spider plant is also known as Wandering Jew.
Hawaiian spider plant displays an epiphytic, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Hawaiian spider plant produces colorful, fragrant blooms in various shapes and sizes.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hawaiian spider plant?
Aa matthewsii requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hawaiian spider plant Need?
Hawaiian spider plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Hawaiian spider plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hawaiian spider plant Prefer?
Aa matthewsii grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Hawaiian spider plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hawaiian spider plant?
Well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Hawaiian spider plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hawaiian spider plant?
Feed Hawaiian spider plant every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Hawaiian spider plant?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Hawaiian spider plant?
Hawaiian spider plant can be propagated through division, back bulbs. Similar propagation techniques also apply to achala aa plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hawaiian spider plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hawaiian spider plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Hawaiian spider plant?
Hawaiian spider plant is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Hawaiian spider plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aa genus — compare its care with other Aa species on PlantoScan.
Aa is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Hawaiian spider plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Aa Species
Other Aa species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aa matthewsii (Rchb.f.) Schltr., family Orchidaceae (first published in Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 11: 150 (1912)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hawaiian spider plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Paúl Gonzáles, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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