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Chlorophytums (Spider Plants)Updated 10 months ago

The chlorophytum family consists of over 200 species, including one of the most beloved houseplants in the game: the spider plant. Endemic to tropical and southern Africa, spider plants have made their way into homes all around the world. They are extremely adaptable and forgiving, making them the perfect fit for beginner plant owners!

Spider plants have cascading foliage in shades of white and green, and produce tiny, white, 6-petaled flowers. They are famous for off-shooting plantlets, commonly referred to as spiderettes. These grow at the ends of long, trailing stems, and resemble spiders (hence the plant's common name). These baby plants make multiplying your plant supply super easy––once you notice roots developing on the spiderettes, you can remove them from the mother plant and propagate them in water or soil. 

Lighting: Low to bright indirect light. Avoid direct light, as this will cause foliage to burn.  

Watering: Water thoroughly when the soil is nearly dry. They are semi-drought tolerant, and will droop when they are in urgent need of water. Try our Moisture Meter for easy water level monitoring. 💧 

Feeding: Use diluted plant food once a month in the spring and summer. Stop feeding in the fall and winter since the plant goes dormant and will not need the extra nutrients. Check out our favorite plant foods here!

Toxicity: Non-toxic and as pet-friendly as can be. 🐕

Care instructions are usually consistent for most spider plants, but we always recommend researching your specific plant to make sure you get it right the first time. 

Common Issues: Chlorophytums are prone to getting brown tips on the edges of their foliage. This can happen for a multitude of reasons, such as: improper watering practices, incorrect water type, dry air exposure, and over-fertilization.

It seems like a lot to get right, but it's easier than you think. Using a moisture meter can help you understand when it's the best time to water your spider plant, and using water free from fluoride is key. Using hard water or over-using plant foods can cause unwanted leaf burns. We recommend using distilled water or leaving tap water out uncovered for 24 hours before using it.

When it comes to creating the ideal environment for your spider plant, be sure to avoid placing them near any vents that blow out air, whether it's hot or cold. This creates a very dry environment that can cause undesired brown tips or crispy foliage. Window sills that are not subject to receiving direct rays of light are fine, but if you know it gets particularly cold and drafty in the winter, it's best to move it back a few feet.


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