Spider plant care
Spider plants are fast, generous and hard to kill. Mature plants send out arching runners with baby plantlets you can pot up and give away.
Light
Bright indirect light keeps the stripes strong. It tolerates medium light and some morning sun.
Watering
Water when the top inch or two is dry, roughly weekly in summer. Its thick roots store water, so it tolerates occasional neglect better than overwatering.
Soil, feeding and repotting
Soil: General-purpose potting mix with good drainage.
Feeding: Balanced fertiliser monthly in spring and summer; too much stops the plantlets forming.
Repotting: When the fleshy roots push the plant up out of the pot, usually every 1–2 years.
Propagation
Pot the baby spiderettes that hang from runners; they root in days in water or soil.
Problems and fixes
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Brown leaf tips | Fluoride and salts in tap water, or dry air. | Use filtered or rain water and flush the pot every few months; trim tips at an angle. |
| No babies | Plant too young, too little light, or too much fertiliser. | Give brighter light and let it get slightly pot-bound. |
| Pale, washed-out leaves | Too much direct sun. | Move to bright indirect light. |
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Ask about your spider plant
Questions gardeners ask
How often should I water a spider plant?
About once a week in summer and every two to three weeks in winter, whenever the top inch or two of soil is dry.
Why are the tips of my spider plant brown?
Usually minerals in tap water or low humidity. It is cosmetic; switch water and trim.