Hello gardeners, in this article, I want to talk about a plant that I think is too often overlooked: the spider plant!
I have had one for several years now, and I can guarantee that it’s one of the best plants to have for a number of reasons.
Unfortunately, many people don’t know this, so in this article, I’m going to explain why you should always have a spider plant at home.
1. Beginner-Friendly and Forgiving
If you’ve killed plants in the past (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), you should start with plants that are easy to grow and adapt well.
In this case, the spider plant is one of the best options, and I’m sure it will restore your confidence in your green thumb.
For example, this plant actually prefers to dry out between waterings, so if you forget to water it for a few days (or even more), it’ll be just fine.
For this reason, it’s also an excellent plant for those who have little time or spend little time at home.
Just give it medium to bright light and average room temperature, and it’ll thrive for years with minimal effort.
2. Safe Around Your Furry Friends
Second, and a very important point, for those who have pets at home. Spider plants are non-toxic to pets, unlike some popular houseplants that can be dangerous if nibbled.
That said, cats are especially drawn to those dangling baby plants, so don’t be surprised if your kitty insists on playing with them.
However, always remember that you must be careful even when plants are not toxic. If your pet chews on a lot of it, it could still have stomach problems.
Also, be careful where you place it, as some cats like to knock plants off windowsills 🙂
3. Free Baby Plants for Life
Here’s a fun thing many people don’t know: Spider plants make babies, lots of them!
After it flowers, your plant will produce adorable plantlets, also called spiderettes, dangling from long stems. I’ll leave a photo below to give you a better idea of what I’m talking about.
You can just snip them off when they develop small roots and place them in soil.
It’s a very simple method for creating lots of other plantings that can be a great gift for friends and relatives.
4. Fits Anywhere in Your Home
Another thing I love about these plants is their versatility.
If you have a small space, Spider plants still look beautiful in hanging baskets with their cascading leaves.
And of course, you can also place them on shelves or as tabletop displays.
Another very positive thing is that they adapt to different light conditions, from bright, indirect light to partial shade. Because of this, you can place them in almost any room.
PRO GARDENER: Avoid direct sunlight. It can scorch those pretty striped leaves.
5. Helps Clean Your Indoor Air
Looking more at the practical side of their presence, you should know that Spider plants can absorb airborne nasties, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
Obviously, they can’t replace a proper ventilation system, but adding a few around your home can still help improve your indoor air quality.
So I always recommend them when someone asks me, especially to those who live in the city or in an area with rather polluted air.
6. Boosts Your Mood and Sleep
As you probably know, there’s real science behind plants helping us feel better.
According to some studies, spider plants can reduce stress, improve your mood, and even help you sleep more soundly.
They release oxygen while you sleep and create a fresher bedroom environment.
For this reason, it can be an excellent choice if you are looking for a plant to keep in your bedroom.
If you decide to keep your spider plant indoors, remember to read my 10 tips on keeping indoor plants healthy.
7. Natural Humidity Booster
I don’t know about you, but I have a serious problem with dry indoor air, especially in winter.
As you probably know, cold air holds less moisture, and heating systems further dry it out making your skin flaky and your hair frizzy.
If you struggle with the same issue, you’ll be happy to know a spider plant can help with that!
They release moisture through photosynthesis, acting like natural humidifiers. A study has shown that a collection of spider plants can increase humidity levels by up to 30% in just 24 hours.
That’s way cheaper than running an electric humidifier, especially if you have radiators or fireplaces drying out your air.
PRO TIP: As a plant with leaves that hang downwards, it looks best when placed on a stand or raised pot.
8. Simply Beautiful
Last but not least, the most important reason of them all: spider plants are simply gorgeous.
I particularly love the arching and striped leaves because they add texture and movement to any space.
Spider plants also produce small, white flowers with six petals, perfect if you also like a delicate touch of color.
They also pair beautifully with other houseplants and come in green-and-white or green-and-yellow varieties.
Just make sure you don’t pair it with one of the 10 plants you should never keep inside your home.