Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is one of the easiest plants for beginners. Arching green-and-white striped leaves with baby plantlets that dangle like spiders. Safe for homes with pets.
Buy spider plant online from our store, and use this guide for everything from light and watering to common problems and propagation.
Table of Contents
Why Choose This Plant?
Key benefits: pet-safe, air-purifying, produces free baby plants. Hang it near a window where the arching leaves and plantlets can cascade freely.
Spider plant is one of the easiest plants for beginners, and it stays a manageable size: a mature plant reaches about 30-45 cm, and it spreads over time. Good spots include: hanging basket, shelf.
Every plant we ship is healthy, well rooted and supplied in a nursery pot, so you can start growing it as soon as it arrives.
Plant Details at a Glance
- Botanical name: Chlorophytum comosum
- Also known as: Airplane Plant
- Care level: Very easy
- Mature size: 30-45 cm, spreads
- Best placement: Hanging basket, shelf
- Light: Bright indirect; tolerates medium
- Watering: Once a week; keep lightly moist
- Pet safety: Non-toxic
Spider Plant Care Guide
Light Requirements
Light requirement: bright indirect; tolerates medium. Place it about a metre from a bright window, away from harsh afternoon sun that can scorch the leaves. Rotate the pot every couple of weeks so every side gets even light and the plant grows straight.
Watering Schedule
Recommended watering: once a week; keep lightly moist. Always check the soil with a finger before watering: if the top 2-3 cm is still damp, wait a few more days. Water thoroughly until it drains from the holes, then empty the saucer. Reduce watering in winter, when growth slows.
Soil and Potting Mix
Recommended mix: Well-draining mix: 40% garden soil, 30% cocopeat, 20% vermicompost, 10% perlite. Choose a pot only 2-3 cm wider than the root ball, with drainage holes. Repot every one to two years in spring or early monsoon, when roots start circling the pot or growing out of the holes.
Fertilizer and Feeding
Diluted organic liquid feed or 1 tbsp vermicompost every 4-6 weeks in growing season (Mar-Sep); none in winter. Always water the plant before feeding, and never apply more than the recommended amount.
Temperature and Climate
Ideal temperature range: 18-32?C. Indoor plants enjoy the same temperatures we do. Keep it away from air-conditioner vents, heaters and cold drafts, and avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause leaf drop.
How to Propagate It at Home
Snip the baby plantlets from the long stems and root them in water or moist soil. You can also divide the clump when repotting.
Propagating is a simple, low-cost way to fill more pots or share plants with friends and family.
Common Spider Plant Problems and Solutions
The most common issue is brown tips from fluoride/salts in water. Our pro tip: use filtered or RO water.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks and check the undersides for mealybugs and spider mites. If you spot pests, spray a mild neem oil solution every 7-10 days until they are gone.
Where to Place It and Pet Safety
Best spots: hanging basket, shelf. It is generally considered safe for cats and dogs, but pets may still get an upset stomach if they chew plant material, so supervise curious pets.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one live, healthy plant in a nursery pot, packed securely to arrive in good condition. Plants are natural products, so leaf size, shape and pattern can vary slightly from the photos.
To keep it thriving, we suggest pairing it with: potting mix + vermicompost + perlite from our store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a spider plant safe for cats and dogs?
Spider plants are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. Pets may still nibble the leaves, so keep it out of reach if your pet likes to chew plants.
How often should I water this plant?
Our recommended schedule: once a week; keep lightly moist. Always adjust to the season and check the soil first.
Is this plant good for beginners?
Spider plant is one of the easiest plants for beginners. Follow the care guide above and you should see steady growth.
Want to learn more about the botany? Read the Chlorophytum comosum overview on Wikipedia.
Explore more indoor plants in our store, or pair spider plant with Peace Lily and Rubber Plant.
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