The spider plant is the friendliest houseplant for households with pets and kids — completely non-toxic, fast-growing, and a champion at making babies. Mature plants send out long stems with miniature 'spiderettes' that you can root in water or soil to make new plants.
Quick reference
| Scientific name | Chlorophytum comosum |
|---|---|
| Common names | Spider Plant, Ribbon Plant, Airplane Plant |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Native to | Coastal southern Africa |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Pet safety | Non-toxic to cats, dogs and humans — one of the safest pet-friendly houseplants. |
Spider Plant care guide
Light
Bright, indirect light gives the best variegation and the most baby plants. Tolerates lower light but grows slowly. Avoid direct sun, which bleaches the leaves.
Water
Water when the top of the soil feels dry. Spider plants are sensitive to fluoride in tap water — use filtered or rainwater if you can.
Humidity
Tolerates average humidity. Brown tips often indicate dry air or fluoride buildup.
Temperature
Comfortable from 13–27 °C (55–80 °F). Avoid drafts and sudden cold.
Soil
Standard well-draining potting mix.
Fertilizer
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Over-fertilizing causes brown tips, so err on the lighter side.
Pruning
Trim brown tips off with sharp scissors. Leave the trailing baby plants — they're a feature, not a flaw.
Repotting
Every 1–2 years in spring. Spider plants are vigorous and quickly fill a pot with thick fleshy roots.
Propagation
Cut a spiderette from the parent stem and root it in water or directly in moist soil. Babies root in 1–2 weeks.
Common Spider Plant problems
Brown leaf tips
Cause: Fluoride or chlorine in tap water; occasionally dry air.
Fix: Switch to filtered, distilled or rainwater. Trim affected tips for cosmetic improvement.
No baby spiderettes
Cause: Plant is too young, getting too little light, or over-fertilized.
Fix: Move to brighter indirect light, reduce feeding, and be patient — most plants start producing babies after their second year.
Pale, washed-out leaves
Cause: Too much direct sun.
Fix: Move to bright indirect light. Variegation will return on new growth.
How PlantCare Pro can help with your Spider Plant
Scan your Spider Plant in the PlantCare Pro app to confirm the species, get a 0–100 health score, and receive a personalised, weather-aware care plan. Save it to My Garden to track its health over time and get notified when something looks wrong.
Spider Plant FAQ
Are spider plants safe for cats?
Yes — spider plants are non-toxic to cats, dogs and humans. Cats often nibble the leaves, which can cause mild stomach upset but is not poisonous.
How often should I water a spider plant?
About once a week in spring and summer, every 10–14 days in winter. Let the top of the soil dry between waterings. Use filtered water to prevent brown tips.
How do I get my spider plant to produce babies?
Give it bright, indirect light and a slightly snug pot. Mature spider plants reliably produce babies once they're 2+ years old and getting enough light.