4 Spider Plant Benefits (Plus, How to Make Sure They Thrive)

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Published Nov 29, 2020

The graceful, spindly leaves of Chlorophytum comosum, or spider plant, make it a great option for hanging, and thanks to its low-maintenance care requirements, it’s beginner-friendly too. According to Bloomscape’s very own Plant Mom, Joyce Mast, “This whimsical plant enjoys medium to bright indirect light, is very easy to care for and is pet-friendly, too. This plant may produce little spiderettes (little spider plants) that can be cut off and placed in water to grow new roots and then be planted into the soil. You can share the new little baby with family and friends!” Native to tropical and southern Africa, spider plants have a reputation for being nearly impossible to kill. These fast-growing, fun plants also boast a bunch of additional benefits, from purifying the air in your home to being pet- and kid-safe. Here’s what you need to know.

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4 Benefits of Spider Plants

1. They remove pollutants from your living space

According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, the spider plant is extremely effective at removing carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, Xylene, and toluene from the air (even more so than many of the other indoor plants that participated in the study). It is better than many indoor plants that participated in that experiment. Per the National Wildlife Foundation, spider plants removed 95 percent of the toxic substance from a sealed plexiglass chamber in 24 hours.

2. They can speed up recovery

According to a study by researchers at Kansas State University, adding the spider plant to hospital rooms can speed up the recovery rate of surgical patients compared to patients in rooms without a plant. The researchers found that the patients in rooms with plants required less pain medication, didn’t suffer from blood pressure or heart rate issues, experienced less anxiety or depression and were released from the hospital sooner.

3. They’re safe for young children and pets

The spider plant is non-toxic and safe for humans (yes, even little kids), dogs and cats. Here are 28 more cat-friendly plants that are safe for your furry friend.

4. They’re hard to kill

If you can’t seem to keep a plant alive for any substantial period of time, the spider plant might be right for you. In fact, this fabulous green thrives on neglect and can adapt to various climatic conditions easily. It’s a forgiving houseplant that won’t mind the occasional overwatering and underwatering.

How to Care for Your Spider Plant

Convinced you just need one of these little guys in your space? Here’s what you need to know about caring for your new spider plant, according to the folks at Bloomscape.

1. Your spider plant will tolerate lower light conditions. However, they prefer bright indirect light where they will flourish. The striping on the leaves will be more prominent with indirect lighting. Avoid direct sunlight as it will scorch the leaves.

2. Water it well, but don’t allow the plants to become soggy. This can lead to root rot. Spider plants prefer to dry out between watering. If you notice browning leaf tips, it can be from chemicals found in water, which cause build-up. If this is the case, allow the water to sit out overnight before watering or use filtered water.

3. Your spider plant will do well in low humidity environments. But it will really thrive with a bit more humidity. Brown leaf tips may indicate the air is too dry, so mist your plant regularly.

4. Your plant prefers temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees during the day. Come nighttime, they prefer temps above 55 degrees.

5. Fertilize up to twice a month in the spring and summer. However, avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to brown leaf tips. No need to feed in the autumn or winter when plant growth naturally slows. Always make sure the soil is damp before applying any fertilizer.