Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are one of the easiest and most rewarding houseplants to grow. Their cascading green and white-striped leaves and adorable “babies” make them a favorite for beginners and seasoned plant lovers alike.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with different techniques to grow my spider plants into lush, sprawling masterpieces.
Let me share with you the tricks I’ve learned to ensure your spider plants thrive and grow to their full potential.
1. Pick the Right Spot
Spider plants are remarkably adaptable, but if you want them to grow big and healthy, proper lighting is key. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight.
Too much direct sun can scorch their leaves, while too little light can cause them to grow slowly and lose their vibrant variegation.
I keep my spider plants near east-facing windows where they get gentle morning sunlight. If you don’t have a bright spot, don’t worry—they can also do well under fluorescent lighting, which makes them great for offices.
2. Sip Some Caffeine
Coffee grounds can act as a mild fertilizer, providing nitrogen and other nutrients that boost leaf growth. The grounds also improve soil drainage and deter pests like fungus gnats.
To use coffee grounds, let them dry out completely, then sprinkle a thin layer over the soil. Alternatively, you can mix used coffee grounds with water to create a gentle “coffee tea” and pour it onto the soil every few weeks.
3. Choose the Perfect Pot and Soil
Spider plants like a little room to spread out, but not too much. I always choose a pot with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
As for soil, a well-draining mix works best. I usually combine regular potting soil with a handful of perlite or sand to improve aeration.
4. Water Wisely
One of the biggest mistakes people make with spider plants is overwatering. These plants store water in their fleshy roots, so they don’t need to be watered too frequently. I always let the top inch of soil dry out before giving my plants a good soak.
During the growing season (spring and summer), I water them about once a week, but in the cooler months, I cut back to every two to three weeks.
5. Feed Them Right
To grow big, spider plants need the right nutrients. I feed mine with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength every two weeks during the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause salt buildup in the soil, which leads to browning tips and poor growth.
6. Propagate for Growth
Spider plants naturally produce “babies,” or offsets, which hang down from the parent plant on long stalks. To encourage more growth, I prune these babies occasionally, which redirects the plant’s energy back into the main leaves and roots.
If you want your plant to look fuller, you can also repot several babies back into the same pot as the parent plant. This creates a lush, cascading effect that looks stunning in hanging baskets.
7. Maintain the Right Temperature and Humidity
Spider plants are happiest in temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C). They don’t like extreme cold or heat, so keep them away from drafts, air conditioners, and heating vents.
While they tolerate average indoor humidity, I’ve found they grow bigger and healthier when the air is slightly more humid.
8. Prune for Health and Shape
Regular pruning keeps your spider plant looking its best. I remove any yellowing or browning leaves at the base, as well as any damaged tips.
Pruning not only improves the plant’s appearance but also allows it to focus its energy on new, healthy growth.
9. Repot When Needed
Spider plants grow fast, and their roots can quickly become pot-bound. When you notice roots poking out of the drainage holes or the plant’s growth slows, it’s time to repot.
I usually repot my spider plants every 1–2 years into a slightly larger pot. This gives their roots more room to expand, which promotes bigger and bushier growth.
10. Rotate for Even Growth
Spider plants tend to grow toward the light source, so I make it a habit to rotate the pot every week or two. This ensures the plant grows evenly and maintains its full, balanced shape.
