Spider Plant
Arching striped leaves, baby plantlets dangling on runners, and a constitution that shrugs off neglect. Safe for pets, quick to propagate, and the classic first plant for good reason.
The spider plant is the plant people inherit: a cutting from a friend, a plantlet snipped off a grandmother's hanging basket. It roots in a glass of water in a week and then produces babies of its own.
It is nearly impossible to kill and it looks best when slightly ignored, spilling over the edge of a shelf or basket.
Light
Bright indirect light for the strongest stripes and the most plantlets. It copes with medium light and even a bright north window, just more slowly. Direct sun bleaches and browns the leaves.
Water
Water when the top inch feels dry, roughly weekly in summer. The thick roots store water, so a missed week is fine. Brown leaf tips are usually fluoride or salts in tap water rather than thirst; filtered or rainwater helps.
Soil and potting
Standard potting mix. It grows fast and fills a pot within a year, at which point the roots push the plant up out of the soil. Repot in spring, one size up, or split it into two.
Feeding
Half-strength feed monthly in spring and summer. Too much fertiliser causes brown tips as surely as bad water does.
Propagation
The easiest of all. Snip a plantlet with a few root nubs and sit it in water or damp soil. Roots in a week or two. Or pin a plantlet to a pot of soil while still attached and cut the runner once it takes.
In a hot, dry home
Happy here. Dry air only shows as brown tips, which you can trim. It does mind hot glass; a west window in July will scorch it, so keep it a few feet back or hang it where the sun cannot reach directly.
Spider Plant varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Vittatum
Green leaves with a white central stripe. The classic.
- Variegatum (Reverse)
Green centre with white margins.
- Bonnie
Curly, twisting leaves on a compact plant.
- Hawaiian
Green leaves with a champagne-gold stripe that fades as leaves age.
- Fire Flash
Chlorophytum amaniense: broad green leaves on bright orange stems. Wants more humidity.
Problems and fixes
Brown leaf tips
Likely cause: Fluoride or salts in tap water, or too much fertiliser
Fix: Switch to filtered or rain water, flush the pot every few months, and feed less. Trim tips with clean scissors.
Pale, faded stripes
Likely cause: Too little light
Fix: Move closer to a window.
No plantlets
Likely cause: Plant too young, pot too large, or not enough light
Fix: Give it a year, keep it a little root-bound, and brighten the light. Plantlets follow flowering, which follows shorter autumn days.
Spider Plant questions
Is the spider plant safe for cats?
Yes, it is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Cats are drawn to chewing it, which does no lasting harm but can upset their stomach and shred your plant. Hang it out of reach.
Why does my spider plant have brown tips?
Almost always tap water or over-feeding, not underwatering. Use filtered water, ease off the fertiliser, and trim the tips.
How do I get a spider plant to make babies?
Bright light, a slightly snug pot, and patience. Plantlets appear after the tiny white flowers, which are triggered by the shorter days of autumn.
