Spider plant care

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is an easy, fast-growing plant that is also safe for cats and dogs. Healthy plants send out long runners with small plantlets you can root to share.

Light

Bright, indirect light keeps the stripes crisp and encourages runners. It tolerates medium and low light, but grows slower and paler there. Hot direct sun can scorch the leaves.

Watering

Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry — usually every 5 to 7 days in summer and every 10 to 14 days in winter. Its thick roots store water, so it forgives the odd missed watering.

Soil and repotting

Any all-purpose potting soil works. Spider plants grow roots fast; repot in spring when roots push out of the pot. A slightly snug pot encourages more babies.

Humidity and temperature

Average humidity is fine. It tolerates cool rooms down to about 10 °C and is comfortable up to 27 °C.

Growing new plants

Once a plantlet has small roots, pin it onto a pot of soil while it's still attached, or cut it off and root it in water. Within a few weeks it's a plant of its own.

Common problems

• Brown leaf tips: the most common complaint. Usually fluoride or salts in tap water, dry air or irregular watering. Use filtered or rain water and trim the tips.
• Pale, washed-out leaves: too much direct sun or too little light.
• No babies: the plant is still young, or it needs more light.
• Mushy base: overwatering.

Is a spider plant safe for pets?

Yes. The spider plant is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Cats are often drawn to the leaves; eating a lot may upset the stomach, but it is not poisonous.