How to Water a Spider Plant the Right Way (So It Thrives for Years to Come)

There's a lot to love about Chlorophytum comosum, more popularly known as the spider plant. This charming member of the asparagus family is a forgiving choice for those new to houseplants. It requires little effort and can bounce back after a bit of neglect. Spider plants are also considered nontoxic for dogs and cats. 

While spider plants are easy to care for, there are a few important tips and tricks to know about watering them. We spoke to experts about the best time to water your spider plant and how to nurture it so it thrives.

How Often to Water

"Spider plants are pretty chill when it comes to watering, but they do like a balance," says Matt Ramos, owner of Plant Sensation & Co. "First, check the soil—it should be dry about an inch down before you water again. If it feels dry to the touch, it's time to give it a drink."

Water your spider plant thoroughly, but don't let it sit in a puddle. "The key is to make sure the pot has good drainage so excess water can escape," adds Ramos. "I usually water until I see a little runoff from the bottom, and then I stop."

Juliet Howe, a horticulturist and founder of Twigs Design, says to expect to water your spider plant about once a week, but maybe less. "A plant in a warm, sunny window will want to be watered more often than one in a cooler, darker spot," she says. "If you're a few days late to water, don't worry."

How to Water

Spider plants can be watered from the top or the bottom—but always check the soil moisture beforehand. Top watering is more common, but bottom watering can be beneficial if the soil is very dry.

If your tap water tends to have a lot of fluoride and chlorine, Howe advises using the same filtered water you drink. "The spider plant is sensitive to these chemicals and they can cause the leaves to develop white spots and brown tips," she says. "If this happens, give the plant’s tips a trim with a handy pair of scissors."

Signs of Underwatering and Overwatering

If you aren't watering enough, you'll notice your spider plant starting to wilt or developing crisp or brown leaves. "If the soil dries out completely, the plant will have a harder time bouncing back,” says Ramos. "Watering from the bottom will help a bit, but don't let it sit for too long." 

If you're overwatering your spider plant, the leaves might turn yellow and become mushy and soft. "The soil will stay wet longer than usual, and you might even notice a not-so-pleasant smell from the roots if they're starting to rot," Ramos continues. "Over time, the plant will start losing leaves."

The Right Soil

The right soil is essential to a healthy, hydrated plant. Spider plants want loamy soil, according to Howe, which means an equal mixture of sand, silt, and clay. "Any bag of indoor potting soil you pick up at the store will fit the bill," says Howe. "What matters is that the soil drains well and allows the roots to move easily."

If you want to make your own mix, Ramos recommends combining two parts regular potting soil with one part perlite or coarse sand. "This helps the soil drain quickly, preventing the roots from sitting in excess water," he says.

Best Practices for Sunlight and Temperature

As mentioned previously, sunlight will impact how often you water your spider plant. Generally speaking, spider plants prefer indirect light and a temperature between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Be careful with direct sunlight, as it can scorch the plant's leaves—causing brown tips or spots—especially if the sun is intense. “If you're placing your plant near a window, make sure the light isn't directly hitting it for too long," says Ramos.

Your spider plant can also thrive in full shade, but less light will equal slower growth. "More light will also give it more vibrant white stripes," says Howe.

Pot Size

When you first pot a spider plant, Ramos recommends a container that's one or two inches larger in diameter than the current root ball. "Too big of a pot means extra soil that can stay damp longer, increasing the risk of root rot—so a snug fit is usually better," he says. "Spider plants have shallow root systems and can sometimes get top heavy, so a shallow planter will help keep the plant stable."