Quick Guide: Spider Plant Care in South Carolina
- Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
- Plant Type: Houseplant
- Growth Habit: Fast-growing; arching foliage; produces numerous plantlets
- Mature Size:
- Width: 2 to 2½ feet
- Length (in hanging baskets): 2 to 3 feet
- Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light; tolerates some direct light (avoid midday sun)
- Watering Needs: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Soil: General-purpose potting soil with good drainage
- Fertilizing: Water-soluble or time-release houseplant fertilizer during active growth
- Temperature Range:
- Day: 65 to 75 °F
- Night: 50 to 55 °F
- Common Problems: Overwatering, underwatering, salt buildup, whiteflies, spider mites, scales, aphids
- Propagation: Easy – plantlets root readily when in contact with soil
- Best Time to Produce Offshoots: Shorter days in the fall
What Makes Spider Plants Unique
Spider plant plantlets (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’) develop on the ends of the parent plants’ wiry stems.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2015 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Why Spider Plants Are Popular Houseplants
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is one of the most common houseplants. It is easily grown and is especially popular for the ease and speed with which it forms new plants.
Spider Plant Size (Height & Spread)
Spider plants grow quickly to 2 to 2½ feet wide and 2 to 3 feet long when grown in a hanging basket.
Ornamental Features of Spider Plants
Spider plants make excellent hanging baskets.
The long, grassy leaves are available in green or striped yellow or white.
Long, wiry stems appear on healthy plants with many small white flowers and miniature plantlets.
New plantlets will root when they come into contact with soil.
The plantlets can be detached to produce new plants or left on to create a very full basket.
Common Spider Plant Problems and How to Identify Them
General Problem Overview
In the home, plant diseases are very rarely a problem. Too much or too little water, along with insects and mites, are the primary problems.
Common Spider Plant Insect and Mite Issues
The most common insect pest problems include:
- Whiteflies
- Spider mites
- Scales
- Aphids
Water-Related Problems
Root rot usually results from a soil mix that does not drain quickly or from excessive watering.
Leaf Tip Burn Causes
Leaf tip burn is caused by too much fertilizer or water that is high in soluble salts.
Low humidity and excessively dry soil may also cause brown leaf tips.
How to Care for Indoor Spider Plants in South Carolina
Light Requirements for Spider Plants
Spider plants grow best with bright indirect light.
They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but midday light may scorch leaves.
Watering Needs
Spider plants should be allowed to dry out briefly between waterings.
Check their soil daily.
Soil Requirements
A general-purpose potting soil is suitable for spider plants.
Fertilizing Spider Plants
Feed plants during periods of active growth with a water-soluble or time-release houseplant fertilizer.
Follow the label recommendations.
Ideal Temperature for Spider Plants
Temperatures between 65 °F and 75°F during the day and 50 °F to 55 °F at night are ideal.
Move spider plants a few feet from windows to protect them from drafts during the winter.
Repotting and Root Development
Spider plants form thick, fleshy tuberous roots.
Divide and repot plants before the roots expand enough to crack the container.
Repot at any time of the year.
Wait four to six months before feeding newly potted plants.
How to Propagate Spider Plants (Plantlets and Offshoots)
When Spider Plants Produce Offshoots
Spider plants produce most of their offshoots when the days shorten in the fall.
How to Root New Spider Plantlets
Start new plants at any time of year from the plantlets.
Detach them once roots have formed and pot directly into moist growing mix.
Spider Plant Cultivars and Their Characteristics
Spider plant cultivars offer a range of leaf colors, growth habits, and sizes, giving homeowners several attractive options for indoor displays.
‘Mandaianum’
- Dwarf spider plant; leaves are only 4 to 6 inches long, dark green, with a bright yellow stripe.
‘Vittatum’
- Most common variegated cultivar; pale green leaves 4 to 8 inches long with white central stripes.
‘Variegatum’
- White-edged leaves 10 to 16 inches long and up to an inch wide.
References
- NC State Extension – Spider Plant Overview
- University of Florida Extension – Spider Plant
- South Dakota State University Extension – Spider Plants: Houseplant How-To
Document last updated on 12/25 by N.Jordan Franklin.
Originally published 3/99
