At a glance
- Light
- Medium / indirect light
- Typical interval
- Every 6 to 8 days (summer)
Every 11 to 17 days (winter) - Climate
- 18–24 °C
- Humidity
- 40–60 %
- Pet safety
- Pet-safe (non-toxic)
- Scientific name
- Chlorophytum comosum
When and how much water
Water Spider plant when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Light and placement
Spider plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed Spider plant every 45 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Spider plant is comfortable between 18 and 24 °C. Below 10 °C the leaves start taking damage, so keep it clear of cold drafts and unheated rooms.
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
No. Pet-safe.
Spider plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Common questions
How often should I water a Spider plant?
Water your Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) when the top 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does a Spider plant need?
Spider plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is Spider plant safe for cats and dogs?
Spider plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Safe to keep in a home with pets.
Why are my Spider plant’s leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Spider plant, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering: watch for yellowing leaves, mushy crown, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If you see brown leaf tips, pale foliage, or drooping leaves instead, it’s likely thirsty. Water a little more often. With Botanicaly Pro, Botanicaly Bot can help assess visible signs from a photo and suggest possible causes.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPosition · watering · feeding · repotting · brown tips · pests
- Clemson University Cooperative ExtensionLight · soil · water · temperature · feeding · pests · tip burn
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · toxicity classification
Last reviewed: 2026-09-09
