Spider plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

The easy-going, graceful spider plant

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) originally comes from South Africa, where it grows as ground cover. South Africa is home to as many as 65 different species of this seriously tough plant. The spider plant has been turning up in living rooms all over the world since the 19th century. In Dutch it goes by several nicknames as well: zebragras (zebra grass), Vliegende Hollander (flying Dutchman) and sprietplant (sprig plant).

The leaves of the spider plant are slender, just like blades of grass, and can grow up to 45cm long. They have green edges and a white heart. As well as looking lovely wherever you put it, this houseplant also does very well as a hanging plant.

Watering the spider plant

As mentioned, the spider plant is an easy-care houseplant. Water it two or three times a week in the summer months; in the winter months once a week will do. This houseplant likes a moist soil, but be careful not to give it too much. The spider plant would rather be a little too dry than too wet, because too much water leaves it with wet feet and that raises the risk of root rot.

The amount and frequency of watering differ for every spider plant and depend on a range of factors: the ambient temperature, the light intensity and the size of the pot. We recommend keeping a closer eye on your spider plant during the first few weeks after you buy it and checking the potting soil regularly. If the soil already feels a little dry 3 days after a watering, give it a bit more next time. If the soil is still very wet after 5 days, give it a bit less next time.

Misting the spider plant

The spider plant likes slightly higher humidity. When the humidity is too low it loses its decorative value: the leaves develop brown tips and the colour fades. You'll want to avoid that, of course, so it's worth giving the spider plant a hand by misting it regularly.

The air-purifying power of the spider plant

The spider plant is one of the best air-purifying plants there is. According to NASA, the spider plant removes 95% of harmful substances from the air. Without asking much of you at all, it's always working away to improve your air quality.

The best spot for the spider plant

The spider plant likes a fair amount of light and warmth, but full sun is a little too much for this houseplant. We recommend putting the spider plant by a north-facing window, or somewhere else with indirect sunlight.

Help! The leaves of my spider plant are changing colour

Although the spider plant is an easy houseplant, it can show signs of stress now and then. Are the leaves drooping? Then it's probably short of water. Don't give it a lot at once, but small amounts spread out over time. Are the leaves turning pale? Then it's getting too much sun. Is the leaf marking disappearing and has growth stopped? Then it's getting too little light. Move it somewhere better and it will soon recover.

Is the spider plant a toxic houseplant?

Another nice thing about the spider plant is that it isn't toxic.
The slender leaves are very inviting to cats, though. So if you have cats and want to keep the leaves looking good, we recommend placing the spider plant out of reach of your cat or cats.

Pruning the spider plant

As well as brown tips, the leaves of the spider plant can develop yellow tips. Many people think this happens when you touch the leaves, but that isn't true. These yellow tips are simply part of the deal and hard to prevent. Leaves that look unsightly or have lost their colour can be snipped off without worry.

Giving the spider plant extra plant food

The spider plant is a houseplant that enjoys the occasional boost of plant food. In the summer months especially, it appreciates a capful. Add that capful of plant food to the water you give it at watering time. Don't do this too often: at most once every two weeks, though once a month is plenty too.

We'd advise against giving the spider plant extra plant food in the winter months. In winter this houseplant uses less energy, so it can't take the food up and it stays in the soil. Plant food is fairly acidic, and when the plant doesn't absorb it, it will damage the roots.

Repotting the spider plant

We recommend repotting the spider plant once every two years. In your living room the spider plant will probably grow to a height of around 30 centimetres. Repotting this houseplant will also let it spread outwards and take on a fuller shape. When you repot the spider plant, we recommend doing it in spring, because any damaged roots recover better at that time of year. Choose a pot with a diameter at least 20% larger than its predecessor. Use ordinary universal potting soil when you repot, and if you have a tall container or pot we recommend using an inner liner. This inner liner stops the water at the bottom of the pot going stagnant, which over time can lead to root rot.

Common diseases in the spider plant

The spider plant is somewhat prone to pests such as spider mites and aphids. When you spot them, you can start by hosing the plant down with a fairly strong jet of water. If that doesn't do the job, we recommend treating the spider plant with a chemical or biological pesticide.

Propagating the spider plant

Spider plants are known for being easy to propagate, and there are three different ways to do it. Division is the most successful method, though. You can divide the spider plant once it has grown to about the size of a cauliflower. We recommend propagating in spring, when the spider plant has plenty of growing power and its roots can recover well. Take the plant out of its pot and pull a section away from the root ball. This can take quite a bit of force and sound rather 'painful' as the roots tear. No need to worry: put both plants in their own pot, care for them as you always would, and they'll come back beautifully.

Buying a spider plant at Green Bubble

Looking for a beautiful, healthy and seriously tough spider plant as a houseplant? Then you've come to the right place at Green Bubble. When you buy one of our spider plants, you naturally want a lovely, fresh plant. At Green Bubble we work directly with growers, so we can guarantee the freshness of our houseplants. We aim to deliver healthy, high-quality plants to our customers every single day, which means your houseplant arrives as fresh and as well cared for as possible.

Want to buy a spider plant but don't fancy a trip to your local garden centre? We get it, which is why we send your spider plant straight to you, free of charge. Buying a spider plant is easy in our online shop, where you'll find different types of spider plant of the highest quality.

Easy ordering and gorgeous houseplants, that's what Green Bubble stands for. Fancy a stunning spider plant? Join the Green Bubble!