How-to Guide
Spider Plant: Care, Brown Tips, and Free Plantlets
The short answer
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) grow best in bright indirect light and should be allowed to dry out briefly between waterings, per Clemson Extension. They can take some direct sun, but harsh midday light may scorch leaves.
The famous brown leaf tips have specific causes: Clemson attributes leaf tip burn to too much fertilizer or water high in soluble salts, with low humidity and excessively dry soil as additional culprits. The fix is lighter feeding, thorough watering that flushes the pot, and not letting the soil stay bone-dry. Bonus: every arching stem of plantlets is a free new plant.
What a Spider Plant Is
The spider plant, or airplane plant, forms a fountain of striped, ribbon-like leaves and sends out long stems bearing miniature plants. It is one of the most forgiving houseplants and among the easiest to propagate, and Clemson lists it in general-purpose potting soil with no special mix required.
Light
Bright indirect light is best. Some direct sun is tolerated, but midday sun can scorch the leaves. Pale, limp growth suggests the spot is too dark.
Watering
Allow the plant to dry out briefly between waterings and check the soil regularly; Clemson advises checking daily. Too much or too little water are, with pests, the primary problems, and root rot follows poor drainage or overwatering.
Why the Tips Turn Brown
- Too much fertilizer, or water high in soluble salts, causes leaf tip burn.
- Low humidity contributes.
- Excessively dry soil contributes.
✔ Cut feeding back, water deeply until water runs from the drainage hole to flush accumulated salts, and keep the soil from going completely dry. Trim existing brown tips with scissors for looks; they never re-green.
Temperature
Optimal range is 65 to 75 F by day and 50 to 55 F at night — ordinary home conditions.
Propagating the Plantlets
- 1Wait for roots — Plantlets can be started any time of year; detach them once roots have formed.
- 2Pot directly — Pot rooted plantlets straight into moist growing mix. Clemson notes plants produce the most offshoots as days shorten in fall.
Problems
- Watering extremes: the number one issue in both directions.
- Pests: whiteflies, spider mites, scales, and aphids.
- Root rot: from poor drainage or overwatering.
- Spider plants are widely grown in homes with pets; if yours chews plants, verify current guidance on the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC — Spider Plant — Bright indirect light, midday sun scorches; dry out briefly between waterings; brown tips from fertilizer/soluble salts, low humidity, dry soil; 65-75 F day; plantlet propagation; whiteflies, mites, scales, aphids.