Genuinely low-maintenance from day one; keep an eye on repotting frequency as the fleshy roots fill a pot fast.
Care
Very adaptable.
Allow compost to dry out somewhat between waterings.
Peat-free, general houseplant compost.
Remove brown leaf tips with scissors for appearance; trim off plantlets ('babies') to propagate or tidy a very congested plant.
A balanced feed monthly in summer. Brown leaf tips are more often fluoride in tap water or dry air than hunger, so increasing the feed usually makes it worse rather than better.
Peg a plantlet from the end of a runner into a small pot of compost while it is still attached to the parent, and cut the runner once it has rooted. Detached plantlets root too, just more slowly.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- AprilMonthly liquid feed through the growing season. how ›
- AprilRepot every 1-2 years — a vigorous grower that fills pots quickly. how ›
- JunePot up plantlets to propagate new plants. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- AprilMonthly liquid feed through the growing season. how ›
- AprilRepot every 1-2 years — a vigorous grower that fills pots quickly. how ›
- JunePot up plantlets to propagate new plants. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Often from fluoride/chlorine in tap water.
What to do. Use rainwater or let tap water stand.
How to spot it. From overwatering.
What to do. Water less.
How to spot it. In dry air.
What to do. Increase humidity.
Questions
Spider plant: is it hardy?
H2: Tender. It survives down to 1 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
One of the easiest, most forgiving houseplants, well suited to beginners.
Spider plant: when do you prune it?
Remove brown leaf tips with scissors for appearance; trim off plantlets ('babies') to propagate or tidy a very congested plant.
When do you feed it?
A balanced feed monthly in summer. Brown leaf tips are more often fluoride in tap water or dry air than hunger, so increasing the feed usually makes it worse rather than better. Feeding months, UK: April–September.