Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Light, moisture, leaf-tip care, and propagation for Chlorophytum comosum.

Quick answer

Spider plant adapts well indoors. Give it medium or bright filtered light, keep the mix evenly but not continuously wet, and reduce watering in winter.

Scientific name: Chlorophytum comosum
Habit: Arching, cascading
Propagation: Plantlets or division
Common sign: Brown leaf tips

Light and placement

Medium light is suitable; protect leaves from prolonged harsh direct sun. Hanging containers show the arching leaves and plantlets well.

Moisture

Keep the root zone from staying saturated. Reduce watering as winter growth and evaporation slow.

Brown tips

Leaf-tip browning can have several causes, including mineral accumulation, dry conditions, or inconsistent moisture. Check the pattern and recent care before changing everything.

Propagation

Root developed plantlets in a small container or divide a mature clump during repotting.

Soil, feeding, and repotting

Use a well-drained indoor mix and a pot with an open drainage hole. Feed lightly during active growth. Repot or divide when thick roots severely crowd the pot or water no longer moves through the mix evenly.

Estimate the next moisture check

Diagnose brown tips before trimming

Trim dead tips for appearance if desired, but first compare water quality, fertilizer history, humidity, heat, and moisture swings. A single brown tip does not identify one cause.

Inspect spider mites

FAQ

Questions you may have

What causes brown tips on Spider Plant?

Common contributors include mineral or fertilizer-salt buildup, inconsistent moisture, dry air, and heat. Review the pattern and recent care before changing several conditions.

When can I separate Spider Plant babies?

Plantlets establish more easily after they have developed visible root nubs or roots. Use a small, well-drained container and avoid keeping the new mix saturated.