Growing Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant)

Latin Name Pronunciation:  kloe-roe-fy' tum koh-mohs' um

The Spider Plant Chlorophytum comosum, native to subtropical areas in Africa, Australia, and Asia, is a favorite indoor plant that can be grown outdoors in shade once the weather warms. Its arching, lance-shaped leaves and quick growing habit make it a perfect choice for annual container collections, too. Long, cascading stems produce small white flowers followed by tiny plantlets (young plants) that hang in attractive clusters at the ends of the stems.

Light: Bright, filtered, or indirect light. Will tolerate short durations of direct, morning sun, but leaves will burn in excessive direct light. If growing outdoors, plant in shade.

Watering: Keep soil slightly moist, but drier in winter to prevent root rot. Use tepid water and do not allow water to sit in the saucer or cachepot. Plants are sensitive to fluoride in water; if growing away from direct sun and leaf tips turn brown, switch to bottled, distilled, or rainwater.

Temperature: Spider Plants are happy with typical, daytime household temperatures, cooler at night, remaining above 60°F.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, once a month during the growing season (generally April into September). Do not fertilize in winter.

Humidity: Moderate. Mist occasionally with a fine spray of water, or set plants on top of tray filled with pebbles and water (water level should be just below pebbles to prevent saturating soil in the pot), or use a humidifier nearby.

Companions: Combine with other shade-loving flowering annuals, such as Begonias.

End-of-Season Care: If grown outdoors in the summer, bring plants indoors before frost and overwinter in bright, indirect light. Water sparingly in winter. Set back outdoors after the danger of frost has passed in spring. Plants can remain outdoors in the mildest of winter climates, such as Zone 9b and higher.