Spider Plant Plant Care

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Chlorophytum genus. Spider Plant is native to South Africa. Spider Plant is also known as Airplane Plant, St. Bernard's Lily, Calamagrostis.

Spider Plant displays a build rosettes growth habit, reaching up to 1.3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Spider Plant produces tiny white flowers on long stems.

Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spider Plant every 7–21 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Spider Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Spider Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Chlorophytum comosum tolerates temperatures of 65–77°F. Spider Plant prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Regular well-draining potting soil with added sand and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Spider Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spider Plant every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and regular well-draining potting soil with added sand and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spider Plant is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Spider Plant can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Spider Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Spider Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Spider Plant can be propagated through plantlets, root division.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Spider Plant is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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.

Spider Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Spider Plant is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Spider Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.