Care & Feeding of Your Spider Plant
Spider Plant Info from Wikipedia
:"Spider plant" redirects here. This name is also used for Saxifraga flagellaris (Whiplash Saxifrage). For the Superhero comedy film see Spider-Plant Man.
The Spider Plant, Chlorophytum comosum, is a species of Chlorophytum native to South Africa.
Spider plants have long narrow leaves that are 20?40 cm (8?15 in) long and 5?20 mm (0.2?0.8 in) broad, which grow from a central rosette. At the spot where a leaf would normally develop a node, these plants will produce adventitious roots down into the soil, and new above ground shoots. It also produces branched stolons with small white flowers and baby plantlets.
It is a popular houseplant. The most widely grown is the variegated cultivar 'Variegatum', with one or two broad yellowish-white bands running along the length of each leaf, but natural, entirely green plants are also grown. The Spider Plant is an especially popular plant with beginners, as it is easy to grow and propagate and is very tolerant of neglect, being able to thrive in a wide range of conditions.
Spider plants have also been shown to reduce indoor air pollution.
The Light Needs of Your Spider Plant
I have had good luck with placing spider plants in almost any lighting situation, as long as they are not in direct sunlight for too long. They tolerate low-light situations that many plants wouldn't like. So go ahead and place your spider plant anywhere. Keep an eye on it and if looks like it's flagging, move it and again keep an eye on it. Spider Plant Photos
Bonnie
Chlorophytum comosum...
spier plant on stool
1122 Two Little Beak...
1119 One Wide Open M...
Brown Leaf Tips on Your Spider Plant
Chlorine in the water contributes to brown tips on the spider plant's leaves. Let water sit for at least 24 hours before watering your spider plant.
Spider Plant Books
Spider Plant, Drawing by Norma Nuyles Robinson, Print
Amazon Price: (as of 11/09/2009) 
Spider Plant, Chlorophytum Comosum Variegatum Photographic Poster Print by Harold Taylor, 12x16
Amazon Price: (as of 11/09/2009)
Anole Hiding In Spider Plant Animals Photographic Poster Print by Lucyna A M Green, 20x16
Amazon Price: (as of 11/09/2009)
Water and Fertilizer Needs of Your Spider Plant
Let spider plants dry out between water. I find that it's best to use water that has been sitting for at least 24 hours. This allows chlorine to dissipate and the water to reach room temperature. Chlorine can contribute to the browning on the tips of the leaves.Fertilize your spider plant lightly and only during the active growing period.
Plant Stands
Show off your spider plant!
Did you know . . .
Spider plants rate within the top 5 house plants for efficient removal of formaldehyde from the air.
Help with Watering your Spider Plants
Houseplant Fertilizer
Do you have a question about your spider plant? Post it here!
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Snakesmum wrote...
Maybe the reason why my spider plant isn't very well, is because it's in full sunlight! I'd better move it before summer gets here.
Thanks for the info! :-)
Jean
Posted November 08, 2008
pmalynn wrote...
in reply to Roy
As for the large plant's leaves turning brown, I've never been able to keep a spider plant that didn't have at least the tips that turned brown. Do make sure that you're letting the water sit in an open container for at 24 hours before watering. This brings the water to room temperature and allows the chlorine to evaporate.
As for the plantlets (babies), I have had limited success separating the babies from the mother and then placing in either water or soil. Far better results were obtained by leaving the baby connected to the mother and placing the baby in soil. Keep this way until new growth shows on the baby.
Posted October 26, 2008
Roy wrote
I bought a real nice spider plant about 2 mos ago it had a lot of small plants hanging on it. I started about 5 or 6 from the parent they are doing good the big plants leaves are turning brown I cut off the ones that were about 2 weeks ago the rest are turning brown and the little plants look like there drying up. it looks like its dyeing. I had it hanging outside for a while and brought it in a week or so ago befor it got cold out. if any one can help thanks Roy
Posted October 26, 2008
pmalynn wrote...
Tonia,
Spider plants are tolerant of drought and a period of wetness, so I don't think it's the amount of watering. Do make sure, though, that the soil is draining well and if you have a saucer under the pot make sure you empty it. Most plants don't like wet "feet". Also make sure that the water has stood around for 24 hours so that chemicals, especially chlorine, have dissipated.
I always give my spider plants a good soaking -- twice a week in summer, once a week in winter -- and don't give them a light waterings. Maybe you could try that. In the meantime, make use of those babies and grow some more spider plants.
Also, look for pests on the underside of leaves. Remove with a q-tip moistened with rubbing alcohol then a strong spray of water.
Let me know if this works for you or if you have any further questions. Good luck!
Pattiann (Lens owner)
Posted October 18, 2008
Tonia wrote
Hi,
I have recently bought a Chlorophytum Comosum 'bonnie'. I think it's absolutely beautiful. I have only had it maybe 2 weeks and in that time have given it one good watering and a couple of light waters.
About a week ago it started losing leaves by way of the leaf rotting near it's base. So I have been pulling them off as they start to go brown. I have removed maybe a dozen leaves in this way??? The plant seems to be healthy otherwise. It is in a brightly lit position%u2026 gets some morning sun but not direct sunlight all day and it's produced 3 of the off-shoot things already since I brought it home.
All the websites I have looked at mention the leaf tips going brown%u2026 none have said anything about the base of the leaf??? I live in Brisbane Australia. Temperatures have reached about 30degrees celcius in the last few weeks but I am I know it should be able to tolerate that.
Does anyone have any ideas what's going on with my plant????
Thanks!
Tonia
Posted October 18, 2008
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