Spider Plant

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is an evergreen perennial native to coastal South Africa. It forms a rosette of long, narrow arching leaves and is famous for the cascade of baby plantlets it produces on long stems.

These plantlets, or 'spiderettes,' dangle like spiders on a web and can be easily rooted to make new plants, which is how the species earned its common name.

Tough, adaptable, and pet-safe, the spider plant tolerates a wide range of conditions and is one of the most popular and forgiving houseplants in the world.

• Leaves: Long, narrow, arching grass-like leaves, often striped with white or cream down the center or edges
• Plantlets: Produces wiry stems (stolons) bearing small white star-shaped flowers and baby plantlets ('spiderettes')
• Habit: Mounding rosette with cascading runners, ideal for hanging baskets
• Roots: Thick, fleshy, tuberous roots that store water
• Size: 1-2 feet tall with runners trailing well beyond

Light: Bright to medium indirect light brings out the best variegation; tolerates lower light. Avoid harsh direct sun.

Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries. They are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine — brown leaf tips often result from tap water minerals, so use filtered or distilled water if needed.

Soil: Standard well-draining potting mix.

Temperature: Comfortable at 60-80°F (15-27°C).

Feeding: Light monthly feeding in spring and summer; over-fertilizing reduces plantlet production.

Propagation: Extremely easy — root the plantlets in water or soil while still attached or after snipping them off.

Chlorophytum comosum is native to the coastal regions and forests of South Africa, where it grows as a groundcover in shaded, humid conditions.

It has naturalized in parts of Australia and other warm regions and is grown outdoors as a groundcover in USDA zones 9-11. Worldwide it is one of the most widespread and easily grown houseplants.

Ornamental: A classic hanging-basket and shelf plant, valued for its cascading habit and easy propagation.

Air quality: Often cited in indoor-air studies for removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene.

Pet-safe: One of the few popular houseplants that is non-toxic to cats and dogs, though cats may be attracted to chew on the leaves.