JUST BROUGHT IT HOME?
A good start, in three steps.
- Choose a bright shelf or hanging spot.
- Remove standing water from the cover pot.
- Check the leaf undersides and crown for pests.
Light & placement
Use a bright position with indirect light. Hanging baskets show off its arching leaves and runners, but should still be easy to reach for moisture checks.
Water & drainage
Water when the surface begins to dry. Let excess water drain. The thick roots hold moisture, so repeatedly topping up a damp pot is unnecessary.
Growing well
Feed modestly during active growth. Repot when crowded roots push the mix out or make watering difficult. Small plantlets on long runners can be rooted to make new plants.
When something looks wrong
Brown tips have several possible causes, including salts, inconsistent moisture, and dry air. Check the watering pattern and fertilizer use first. Trim dead tips neatly if desired; existing brown tissue will not turn green again.
A little further
Set a plantlet on moist potting mix while it is still attached to its parent. Once rooted, cut the connecting runner.
Three things to avoid.
- Putting it in intense midday sun.
- Keeping its fleshy roots waterlogged.
- Assuming every brown tip needs more fertilizer.
Rooted in good information
NC State Extension · Chlorophytum comosum ↗ASPCA · Spider plant ↗Reviewed October 3, 2026. Guidance is for container growing. Light, climate, pot size, and season change what your plant needs. Outdoor winter survival varies by location and cultivar.
How we write our guides & use photographs
