Spider plant care guide
Chlorophytum comosum
Quick answer
Water your spider plant when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - LightBright, indirect light
- Climate10–24 °C (50–75 °F)
- Pet safetyPet-safe (non-toxic)
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
2 cm (0.8 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright, indirect light
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 your spider plant every 60 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
Climate10–24 °C (50–75 °F)
Humidity40–60%
During leafy growth, aim for 10–24 °C (50–75 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 7 °C (45 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
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 2 cm (0.8 in) 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 is my spider plant turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
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
- How we check our plant advice
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