Spider plant · Chlorophytum comosum

Botanical name

Chlorophytum comosum

Plant family

Asparagaceae

Identification

Species

Growth and life cycle

You get an evergreen perennial with long, arching leaves and thickened roots that store water. As the plant matures, it can send out long stems with small white flowers and baby plants.

Choosing a pot

Choose a pot with drainage holes. If the roots fill the pot and the potting mix dries out very quickly, move to a slightly wider pot. A hanging pot also suits the trailing leaves and baby plants, as long as you can water it and empty excess water easily.

Light

Bright, indirect light

When to water

Check the potting mix with your finger at a depth of about 2-3 cm. Water when this layer is dry and the pot feels lighter. Water until water comes out of the drainage holes, then empty the saucer or decorative outer pot. Limp leaves in dry potting mix can be a sign of thirst. Yellowing with potting mix that stays wet for a long time calls for checking drainage and reducing watering.

Potting mix and drainage

Use an airy potting mix that holds a little moisture but lets excess water drain away. If it is heavy and compacted, you can mix in perlite and make sure the drainage holes are clear.

Feeding

Fertilize lightly when the plant is putting out new leaves, usually in spring and summer. When growth stops or the plant is struggling, stop fertilizing and check the growing conditions first.

Pruning and tidying

Remove fully dried leaves at their base, and trim brown tips with clean scissors without cutting into the green part. Leave healthy leaves in place; you can leave stems with baby plants hanging or remove them, depending on the space you have.

The first few days at home

Remove the wrapping and check that the pot has drainage holes. Place it near a bright window, away from air conditioner drafts, and check the potting mix before watering. Keep it in its current pot as long as water drains out and the roots are not significantly crowded.

What to watch for

If leaf tips turn brown, check for prolonged dryness, air conditioner drafts or salt buildup in the potting mix; brown tips alone do not mean you need to add water. Yellowing leaves and a soft base in wet potting mix can indicate excess water and root damage.

Placement and climate

Indoors, choose a bright spot away from direct air conditioner drafts. On a balcony, choose an airy spot protected from strong summer sun. In winter, protect the plant from frost and prolonged rain that soaks the potting mix. In coastal areas, keep up airflow and drainage even when the air is humid.

Propagation

You can secure a baby plant with emerging roots against moist potting mix in a small pot. Leave it attached to the parent plant until it takes root, then separate it with clean scissors.

Around pets

Pet safety documented

Around cats

Pet safety documented

Around dogs

Pet safety documented

Care level

Easy to care for

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