Let’s talk about the spider plant—aka Chlorophytum comosum—one of the most beloved, air-purifying, pet-friendly, beginner-welcoming houseplants of all time. If you’ve ever been gifted a “baby” spiderette in a solo cup or rescued one from the clearance section of a hardware store, you know the thrill of seeing those slender striped leaves arch and sprawl like a botanical fireworks display.
But here’s the thing: while spider plants have a reputation for being low-maintenance, they’re also a little dramatic if their needs aren’t met just right. And if you've ever ended up with droopy leaves, brown tips, or a soggy mess of roots, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Let’s dive into what makes spider plants awesome—and why they sometimes throw a fit, plus how to master both soil and water propagation like the houseplant whisperer you were born to be.
Benefits of Keeping a Spider Plant Around
Before we talk plant tantrums, let’s appreciate why we keep inviting these leafy divas into our homes:
Air Purification: NASA (yes, that NASA) included spider plants on their list of top air-purifying houseplants. They can help remove indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide.
Pet-Friendly: Unlike many houseplants that are toxic to cats or dogs, spider plants are safe to have around your furry companions. (Though some cats love to chew on them, so be warned!)
Baby Makers: These things reproduce like rabbits. Once mature, they’ll throw out arching stems with little spiderettes that you can snip and grow into new plants—perfect for sharing, gifting, or building your own jungle.
Decor Goals: Whether trailing from a macrame hanger or perched on a shelf with leaves cascading down, spider plants bring instant life to any room.
Growing in Soil: The Classic Approach
This is the method most people start with—and it works beautifully if you get a few basics right.
Potting Mix: Go for a well-draining soil mix. A general indoor potting mix is fine, but adding a bit of perlite or coarse sand helps keep things from getting too compact and wet.
Pot Selection: Drainage holes. Non-negotiable. Spider plants *hate* sitting in water, and a pot without drainage is just an elegant trap for root rot.
Light Needs: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, but too little light and your plant might get leggy and sad.
Watering: Here’s where a lot of us go wrong. Spider plants don’t like to dry out completely, but they’re also quick to sulk if overwatered. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry—and if you’re unsure, wait a day. They’ll forgive you for a little thirst more than they will for soggy feet.
Growing in Water: Hydroponic Chic
Spiderettes (those little plantlets on runners) can be rooted in water like champs.
How To: Snip a spiderette that already has little nubs of root and place it in a glass of water, just enough to cover the base. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
Pros: It’s fun, clean, and you can literally see the roots growing. Great for kids or impatient plant parents.
Cons: Long-term water growing isn’t always ideal. Spider plants rooted in water tend to grow smaller and need careful transitioning if you plan to move them into soil later. Plus, mineral buildup or algae can become issues over time.
Root Rot: The Silent Killer
Ah yes, the nemesis of many a hopeful houseplant keeper. Root rot is caused by too much water and poor drainage. It turns your spider plant’s roots into mushy, brown, stinky sadness—and if left unchecked, it can take down your whole plant.
Signs of Root Rot:
Yellowing or wilting leaves, even when soil is moist
Mushy, discolored roots
A sour smell coming from the pot
The plant just looks... off
What to Do:
Gently remove the plant from its pot.
Trim away any black, mushy, or smelly roots with clean scissors.
Re-pot into fresh, dry, well-draining soil.
Let it dry out slightly before watering again—and promise your plant you'll never let it sit in soggy despair again.
Pro Tips from the (Well-Soiled) Trenches
Humidity Helps: Spider plants like a bit of humidity, especially in winter when the air inside gets dry. A pebble tray or occasional misting works wonders.
Avoid Fluoride: These plants can be sensitive to the fluoride in tap water, which can cause brown tips. Use filtered water or let tap water sit overnight before using.
Don’t Panic About Brown Tips: A few are normal, especially on older leaves. It doesn’t mean your plant is doomed—just that it’s adjusting.
Spider plants are like that one friend who’s low-maintenance but still expects a text back within five minutes. They don’t ask for much, but when they’re unhappy, they will let you know. Luckily, their complaints are usually easy to fix—and when you get it right, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant, arching foliage and a literal bouquet of baby plants to multiply the joy.
Have your own spider plant saga or weird tip that’s worked for you? Drop it in the comments—plant people love a good success story (and a plant fail we can all laugh about later).
