Chlorophytum comosum

How Often to Water a Spider plant

Spider plants store water in thick, fleshy roots, so they handle a missed watering better than an extra one. Brown leaf tips are the usual complaint, and they have more than one cause.

Your spider plant

Your answer

Water when the soil reaches this point

How it shifts through the year

Thirsty signs

  • Leaves fold or look pale and limp
  • Tips turn brown when soil gets very dry
  • Few new babies appear

Overwatered signs

  • Roots turn dark and mushy
  • Leaves yellow and the base feels soft
  • Soil stays wet at the bottom of the pot

Watering tips for spider plant

Common questions

Why does my spider plant have brown tips?

Common causes are soil that gets too dry, minerals or fluoride in tap water, and dry air. Fix the watering rhythm first, then try filtered water.

Does a spider plant need a big pot?

No. It does well slightly root-bound, and a pot that is too large keeps the soil wet for too long.

Tools that help

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Related guides

Estimates use rules of thumb. Always confirm with your finger: push it about an inch into the soil before you water.