spider plant

Chlorophytum comosum

Popular, easy, and fun to grow. Every home could use a spider plant, and, they propagate themselves! Just pluck off the little “spiders” that grow from the mother plant, root in water or damp soil, and find them new homes, either at your place or give them away as gifts.

Light

The spider plants favorite kind of light is bright, indirect light. But, they’ll grow in slightly shadier and slightly sunnier locations, too.

Water

Regular watering is needed through the active growing season. As with most indoor, foliage plants, cut back on watering in winter as the plant is taking up and using less water during inactive growth periods.

Temperature

Spider plants prefer not to get too chilly, so don’t let them go below 50 degrees.

Fertilizing

General, all-purpose indoor plant fertilizer is fine for spider plants. Fertilize according to directions during active growth and cut back to half strength and half as often during inactive growth. 

For the Love of Plants

Spider plants can attract the usual pests, such as aphids, mealy bugs, and (ha ha) spider mites. Pop your plant in the shower, or if outside temps permit use a garden hose, and give the plant a thorough bath to know off pests, first. Follow up with insecticidal soap or Captain Jack’s Dead Bug to take care of any pests the water bath might have missed.

If you want baby spider plants, don’t repot your plant and give it some time. It will put all its energy into growing roots and trying to fill the pot, first. When it’s rootbound (and given it’s gone through seasonal light cycles) it will send out shoots and blooms and babies!