Spider plant (also called airplane plant)
Chlorophytum comosum
Easy, adaptable perennial houseplant with arching green or variegated leaves; produces cascading plantlets on long stems and tolerates a range of light and watering conditions.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: mildly toxic
Mildly toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion may cause vomiting, drooling, or gastrointestinal upset. Keep plantlets out of pet reach.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Place near an east- or west-facing window or several feet back from a south window. Avoid direct midday sun which can scorch leaves; it tolerates lower light but growth slows and variegation may fade.
Water
Water thoroughly then allow the top 2–3 cm (¾–1¼ in) of potting mix to dry before watering again. Reduce frequency in winter. Use room-temperature water and ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot.
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity (about 40–60%). Typical indoor humidity is usually adequate; increase humidity with pebble trays, grouping, or occasional misting if air is very dry.
Temperature
Best at 15–24°C (59–75°F); tolerates 10–30°C (50–86°F). Avoid sustained cold below 10°C (50°F) and protect from drafts.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Brown leaf tips
Cause: Salt buildup, low humidity, fluoride in water, or inconsistent watering.
Solution: Trim tips, flush soil periodically, use filtered or rain water, maintain steady watering and moderate humidity.
Yellowing leaves
Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or aging lower leaves.
Solution: Check roots for rot, improve drainage, reduce watering frequency, remove dead foliage.
Slow growth or loss of variegation
Cause: Insufficient light (too dim) or nutrient deficiency.
Solution: Move to brighter indirect light, feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth, and repot if rootbound.
Pests: spider mites, aphids, scale
Cause: Dry conditions or stressed plants attract pests.
Solution: Isolate plant, wipe leaves, spray with insecticidal soap or neem, increase humidity and repeat treatments until gone.
✂️How to Propagate Spider plant (also called airplane plant)
Propagate easily from plantlets (spiderettes): snip a baby with a short stem and either plant directly into moist, well-draining potting mix or root it in water until roots form, then pot. For mature, crowded pots, lift the plant and divide the root ball in spring. Ensure each division has healthy roots and several leaves; water after repotting and keep in bright, indirect light until established.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Asparagaceae
Native to: Native to tropical and southern Africa, including South Africa and Lesotho.
Natural Habitat: Occurs in shaded forest margins, grassland edges and rocky outcrops in warm, seasonally moist regions; often grows as an understorey or on disturbed ground with filtered light.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Reduce watering and stop fertilizing; keep in bright, indirect light and away from cold drafts or heaters. Maintain moderate humidity and avoid overwatering.
Spring
Resume regular watering and begin light fertilization. Repot or divide if rootbound; remove any spent or damaged foliage to encourage fresh growth.
Summer
Provide bright, indirect light and more frequent watering as potting mix dries faster. Rotate plant for even growth and consider light misting in hot, dry conditions.
Fall
Slow feeding and reduce water slightly as growth slows. Clean dust from leaves and prepare for lower light levels; divide or repot if needed before winter.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water a spider plant?
Water when the top 2–3 cm (¾–1¼ in) of soil is dry, typically every 7–14 days; reduce frequency in winter.
Can spider plants grow in low light?
They tolerate low light but grow more slowly and variegation may fade. Bright, indirect light gives best results.
How do I propagate a spider plant?
Root plantlets (offsets) in water or potting mix, or divide the root ball in spring. Both methods are quick and reliable.
Are spider plants safe for pets?
They are mildly toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion can cause vomiting and drooling. Keep plants out of reach of pets.
Why are the leaf tips turning brown?
Common causes include fluoride/salts in water, low humidity, inconsistent watering, or root-bound conditions; flush soil and adjust care.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025