How to care for: Spider plant

The Chlorophytum comosum, or as we also call it the Spider plant, is an easy indoor plant. Originally it comes from the tropical rainforests of South Africa. You can recognize the plant by its yellow and white leaves. The best thing about the plant is the pups the plant creates.

Medium light

Water once a week

Non-Toxic

Air-purifying

How do you take care of a Chlorophytum?

Location

The Spider plant likes to be placed in a spot with lots of light. Not all species tolerate bright light well. It is best to place the plant in medium bright light. The Spider palantprefers a spot next to a window on the west or east. A spot near the south is of course also possible. Make sure that the plant is at least 2 metres away from the window. A spot near the north probably has too little light.

Don’t forget to turn the Spider plant! The plant grows towards the sun. If you do not rotate the plant will only get full on one side and that is what you want to prevent.

Watering

It is important to always keep the soil of the Spider plant slightly moist. You can check this with your finger in the soil. Never let the Spider plant dry out. Not even in winter! It is best to water the Spider plant 2 to 3 times a week in the growing season, from spring to autumn. In the winter once a week is enough.

Plant nutrition

The Spider plant uses a lot of energy from spring onwards to make new leaves. As a result, the plant needs extra nutrients. You can provide these nutrients by means of plant nutrition. We recommend giving plant nutrition once a month. From spring until autumn. After autumn and in winter it is better not to give extra nutrients. In the autumn, plant nutrition can actually be harmful for the Spider plant!

Repotting

Repotting the Spider plant is necessary every 2 years. Repotting the plant every 2 years gives it new nutrients and more room for root growth. The airier soil is also very good for the water flowing through. The best period to repot is spring.

Temperature

The most ideal temperature for a Chlorophytum plant, commonly known as Spider Plant, is  between 15 to 24 degrees Celsius. It prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate slightly cooler conditions.

Pruning

Occasional pruning a Chlorophytum helps remove yellowed or damaged leaves, improving the plant's appearance and encouraging new growth. Trimming back long or leggy stems can also help maintain a compact and bushy shape. Clean and sharp pruning tools should be used to make clean cuts and minimize any stress to the plant.

Why does my Spider plant grow long stems?

If an Spider plant gets too little sunlight, the plant will grow long stems. The reason for this? Because of the long stems the plant hopes to reach the sunlight. However, this can be crucial for the plant. Because of the long stems the leaves can become too heavy and break off.

Why does my Spider plant get brown tips?

When the environment of the spider plant is too dry, the tips can become brown and dry. If you notice these brown spots, it is wise to water the plant regularly.

My Spider plant gets brown leaves, what should I do?

When you see that the spider plant gets brown leaves, it is often because of the watering. Too much water can cause brown spots in the heart of the plant. In this case it is wise to check whether the plant is suffering from root rot.

The leaves of my Spider plant become dull, how is this possible?

When Spider plants get dull leaves, this is usually due to a lack of light or nutrition. The easiest thing to do is to move the plant to a location with more light.

Why doesn't my Spider plant have shoots?

It can have several reasons that the spider plant does not produce shoots. The most common reasons are:

• Too much sunlight: When the spider plant gets (too much) direct sunlight it can burn its leaves. In this case, the plant spends its energy on the preservation of its leaves, instead of for new shoots.
• Not enough water: Keep an eye on the water level of the spider plant. The plant needs water to grow and develop new shoots.
• Root suffocation: Have you never repotted your Spider plant? Maybe it is wise to repot the spider plant. If the roots have little or no room to grow, new shoots will not appear.

To stimulate new shoots you can also prune the spider plant.

Can you propagate a Spider plant?

Yes, you certainly can. See our tips on how to propagate the Spider plant.