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Plant Profiles / Spider plant
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Spider plant
Chlorophytum comosum · Spider plant, airplane plant, ribbon plant
A fountain of arching striped leaves that sends out baby plantlets on long stems. Tough, pet safe and quick to propagate.
Medium to bright indirectLight
WeeklyWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Medium to bright indirect
ShadeFull sun
Bright, indirect light gives the best striping. Tolerates lower light.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Water when the top 3 cm is dry. Brown tips can mean fluoride or salts in tap water.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Normal household humidity is fine.
Temperature
13–27°C (55–80°F)
CoolWarm
Keep above 7°C (45°F).
Growth
Fast, clumping
SlowFast
Forms a clump 30–60 cm across, with runners trailing up to 60 cm.
Soil
General potting mix
LeanRich
Any well-draining potting mix works.
Fertiliser
Monthly, spring–summer
RarelyOften
Light liquid feed. Too much fertiliser causes brown tips.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to cats and dogs, though cats love to chew it.
About this plant
Native to southern Africa, spider plants store water in their thick roots, so they forgive missed waterings. Mature plants produce runners with small white flowers and baby 'spiderettes' that can be potted up to make new plants.
Best spots
Hanging baskets, shelves, bathrooms, kitchens and bright offices.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Chlorophytum comosum |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Origin | Southern Africa |
| Plant type | Evergreen perennial |
| Mature size | 30–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Foliage | Arching green-and-white striped leaves |
| Flowers | Small white star-shaped flowers on runners |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Plantlets (spiderettes) or division |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Fertilise
Propagate
Repot
Active growthFertilisePropagateRepot
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Brown leaf tips | Fluoride or salt buildup. Use rainwater or filtered water and trim the tips. |
| Pale, washed-out leaves | Too much direct sun. Move to bright indirect light. |
| No babies | Plant needs to mature and be slightly root-bound, with bright light. |
| Mushy base | Overwatering. Let the soil dry more. |
| Roots pushing out of pot | Time to repot or divide. |
Common questions
How do I propagate the babies?
Pin a plantlet onto moist soil while still attached, or snip it and root it in water.
Is it safe for cats?
Yes, it's non-toxic, but chewing can cause mild tummy upset.
Why are the tips brown?
Usually tap water minerals or inconsistent watering.
Can it go outside?
Yes, in shade in frost-free climates.
