Plant guide
オリヅルラン
Watering rhythm
Every 5–7 days
Spider plants are tough, easy-going houseplants native to South Africa. They're known for their long, slender leaves that drape gracefully downward, and as they mature, they produce trailing runners with baby plantlets that give the plant its charming, crane-like appearance—which is where the name comes from. They're wonderfully forgiving and a great choice for beginners.
Spider plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct sun should be avoided. That said, they're quite tolerant of lower light, so they'll do fine in a somewhat dimmer corner too. Keep temperatures between 50–75°F (10–25°C). They're unbothered by dry air and humidity fluctuations, so they'll happily settle into most living rooms.
Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.
Spring
Every 4–6 days
Summer
Every 3–5 days
Autumn
Every 5–7 days
Winter
Every 8–10 days
Water thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry—pour until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then always empty the saucer. Spider plant leaves are delicate and will droop if left dry for too long, so consistent moisture matters. A regular mist does wonders for them. That said, avoid keeping the soil constantly wet, as this invites root rot.
Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf tips turning brown | Usually caused by dry air or mineral salts from tap water building up on the leaves. | Mist the leaves regularly and remove older leaves as needed. Once or twice a month, rinse the foliage under running water to freshen things up. |
| Whole plant drooping | Either root rot from sitting in water, or the soil has dried out completely. Check whether water is pooling in the saucer or if the soil is rock-hard. | If it's root rot, consider repotting into fresh soil. If the soil is too dry, soak the entire pot in water to let it rehydrate. |
| White insects on the leaves | Mealybugs or whiteflies—these pests thrive in dry conditions. | Wipe them off with a damp cloth as soon as you spot them. Regular inspection of leaf undersides helps catch infestations early; if they take hold, you may need an insecticide. |
| New leaves are small and growth has slowed | Not enough light or insufficient nutrients, especially common during winter in darker spots. | Move the plant to a brighter location. During spring and summer, feeding with diluted liquid fertilizer once or twice a month will give it a boost. |
| No runners (baby plantlets) appearing | The plant may still be young, or growing conditions are causing it stress. | Let the plant reach maturity in good light with consistent, proper watering. Once it's established and thriving, the runners will come naturally. |
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