Spider Plants
This will be your new favorite house plant. It is highly adaptable and easy to grow. Wherever you go, the Spider Plant can come too! It is named for its spider-like appearance. It has a mounded growing habit and, on its ends, spiderettes hang from the mother plant. Also known as airplane plant, St. Bernard's lily, spider ivy and ribbon plant. It is Native to South Africa.
Best Locations For Growing Spider Plants
This is one of the most versatile house plants. You can place it wherever your heart desires. It is a favorite for family rooms, kitchens, and offices.
Spider Plant Sunlight Requirements
Bright indirect sunlight is optimal for the Spider Plant to flourish. Near any window is tolerable.
Spider Plant Care
Plant in a pot that is one to two inches larger than the plant. Repot every other year to a pot that is one to two sizes larger than the current pot. Plan in a general-purpose potting soil. When pruning, be sure to cut from the base. Remove any spent or diseased foliage as necessary.
Watering Spider Plants
Water this plant regularly but ensure it is not soggy. Allow it to dry out in between watering.
Feeding Spider Plants
An all-purpose, water soluble fertilizer, that is specifically for house plants should be used. Apply each month and use sparingly.
About Spider Plants

Airplane Plant, Ribbon Plant, St. Bernard's Lily
Tropical and Southern Africa
Houseplants
Evergreen
9-11
White
Spring to Summer
Clumping, Arching (with cascading runners)
Pollinators such as bees
Low light, some drought
Pests and diseases
Where To Grow Spider Plants Indoors
Spider plants, known for their arching leaves and spider-like offshoots, are popular houseplants due to their air-purifying qualities and low maintenance needs. They adapt well to various light conditions and are non-toxic to pets, making them suitable for households with animals. Their fleshy root system helps them store water and cope with irregular watering. Because they grow quickly and propagate so easily, spider plants offer a perfect way to share cuttings or liven up one’s décor with minimal effort.
Indoors, they shine in hanging planters or perched on shelves, allowing their slender runners and baby rosettes to drape gracefully. Placing them near windows with moderate light helps maintain robust growth and encourages flower stalks to emerge. Some creative decorators like to plant multiple spider plantlets together in one pot, producing a denser, cascading effect. In warm areas, Spider plants can be used outdoors as ground covers or edging plants, adding texture to shaded areas.
Spider Plants Care
Spider plants require well-draining soil, such as a general-purpose potting mix, and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Outside, they can adapt well to mild climates, often in partial shade, though they must be protected if temperatures drop too low. Propagation is straightforward: snip off well-rooted “spiderettes” and pot them in fresh soil, or root them in water first if you prefer. Common problems usually stem from excess moisture, chemical-laden water, or occasional pests such as mealybugs and spider mites. By watching for brown tips, moderating fertilizer, and adjusting watering as needed, most spider plants stay healthy and vigorous year-round.
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