Spider plant care: watering, light and repotting
Also called chlorophytum, airplane plant, ribbon plant · Chlorophytum comosum · Asparagaceae family
10 d in winter
How often to water the spider plant?
Allow about 6 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 10 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Its babies root easily in water: perfect for giving cuttings away.
What light does it need?
The spider plant likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 1–2 ft (30–60 cm), trailing offsets.
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Brown tips
Cause: Hard water or dry air. What to do: Use rainwater or filtered water and trim the tips.
Pale leaves
Cause: Too much direct sun. What to do: Give it bright but indirect light.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the spider plant?
About every 6 days in spring and summer, and every 10 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the spider plant?
The spider plant likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the spider plant?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the spider plant?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the spider plant safe?
The spider plant is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the spider plant forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.