Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum 'Vittatum'
Iconic retro houseplant with arching green-and-white striped leaves and cascading runners bearing baby plantlets. Practically impossible to kill. One of NASA's top air-purifying plants, removing formaldehyde and xylene.
Best rooms for spider plant
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
Tolerates shade and north-facing windows with limited natural light.
How to care for spider plant
Thrives in almost any position from bright to low light. Water when the top 2cm dries — fleshy roots store water, so it tolerates forgetting. Brown tips are usually from fluoride in tap water; switch to rainwater or filtered. Feed fortnightly spring-summer. Minimum 7°C.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Pot up plantlets while still attached to the runner
- Division
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Brown leaf tips from fluoride in tap water
- No babies in immature or root-bound plants
- Floppy leaves from low light
Similar houseplants
Related guides
The 70-30 Rule for Better Garden Borders
The 70-30 planting rule splits a border into 70% structure and foliage and 30% seasonal flowers for year-round interest in UK gardens.
Air-Purifying Houseplants UK
What the science really says about air-purifying houseplants, plus 10 best low-care UK varieties, pet-safe picks, and how to truly clean indoor air.
Best Hanging Houseplants UK
The best hanging houseplants for UK homes ranked by trail length, light needs, and care. Covers 10 trailing species with room-by-room placement advice.