Spider plants are popular and easy to care for houseplants. They have pretty baby plants and green leaves that fall over. Even though it’s not too hard, making sure your spider plant has the right lighting is very important for its growth. This complete guide will talk about the best light conditions for spider plants to grow in.
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is native to tropical and subtropical Africa. It gets its name from the baby plantlets or “spiderettes” that form on dangling stems. With lush green foliage and an easy, trailing habit, it’s no wonder spider plants are a favorite indoor plant.
Spider plants are also acclaimed for air purification, removing toxins like xylene, formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Their hardiness and attractive look make them excellent for beginners and busy plant parents.
Determining the Ideal Lighting for Spider Plants
When it comes to lighting, spider plants need bright but indirect sunlight. Here are some key factors to consider
- Indirect sunlight is optimal. Direct hot sunlight will scorch the leaves.
- 4-6 hours of bright, filtered light daily is ideal.
- East or west-facing windows work well to provide the right light exposure.
- 100-1000 foot candles is the ideal light intensity range.
- Variegated varieties need sufficient light to maintain their stripes.
- Insufficient light leads to dull, leggy growth.
If you give your spider plant the right amount of light, it will grow full, bright leaves and a shapely stem. It also encourages blooms and baby spiderettes.
Signs Your Spider Plant Isn’t Getting Enough Light
How can you tell if your spider plant needs more sunlight? Here are a few signs of insufficient light:
- Pale, yellowing leaves
- Leggy or stretched out stems
- Slow growth
- Lack of new leaves and offshoots
- Fading of leaf variegation
If you notice these issues, move your spider plant to a brighter location. Supplement with a grow light if needed.
Problems from Too Much Direct Sunlight
Spider plants need bright light, but too much direct sunlight can hurt them. Signs of sunburn include .
- Scorched brown leaf tips and edges
- Crispy, dried out foliage
- Wilting or drooping leaves
- Faded color
To stop more damage, either put up a sheer curtain to block the light or move the plant away from the window.
Using Natural Light from Windows
Placing your spider plant near an east or west-facing window provides ideal indirect sunlight. North-facing windows also work well. Avoid hot direct sun from southern exposures.
Turn the plant periodically for even light distribution. Use sheer curtains to filter intense afternoon sun.
Supplementing with Artificial Grow Lights
When natural light is limited, grow lights can successfully supplement. LED and fluorescent lights work well. Keep lights 8-12 inches from the plant for 10-14 hours daily. This mimics the brightness and duration of natural daylight.
A combination of natural and artificial light helps ensure optimal conditions year round.
Adjusting Light for Seasonal Changes
During summer, spider plants can handle a bit more light – aim for 8-14 hours daily. In winter, reduce exposure to 6-8 hours per day.
Maximize available natural light in winter by placing plants near sunny west or south-facing windows. In summer, an east exposure avoids intense afternoon sun. Rotate plants for even lighting.
Ideal Humidity and Watering for Spider Plants
In addition to proper lighting, spider plants thrive when humidity is 40-50%. Mist leaves regularly or use a humidifier. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Brown leaf tips can indicate overwatering.
Propagating Spider Plant Babies
Once your spider plant is thriving, you’ll soon notice tiny spiderettes forming on arched stems. These babies can be removed once they develop roots, and planted in small pots for new plants!
The key to lush spider plants is providing the right balance of bright but indirect light. Aim for 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight daily. Supplement with artificial light if needed. Adjust for seasonal changes. With the perfect lighting, your spider plant will reward you with vibrant evergreen leaves and charming spiderettes!
Do Spider Plants Do Well in Full Sun?
Do Spider plants like full sun? Generally, Spider plants prefer medium to bright, indirect sunlight. But early mornings are a good time for your Chlorophytum comosum to get full sun exposure.
Direct sunlight in summer afternoons can burn your plant’s leaves. Spider plants don’t do well in direct sunlight, so putting them in full sun can hurt them.
Spider Plant Too Much Sun: Fixes and Prevention Tips
If your Spider plant shows signs of direct sunlight damage, there are several steps you can take to fix the situation. Consider moving it to a different location. Protect your Spider plant with a sheer curtain if it’s on a windowsill. Mist your plant occasionally to prevent harm from excessive heat. Also, water your Spider plant regularly to avoid dehydrating its roots.
COMPLETE Spider Plant Care – Watering, Lighting, Repotting, Propagation & More -Houseplant Care 101
FAQ
Where is the best place to put a spider plant?
For best results, position this houseplant in a warm sunny spot, out of direct sunlight so as not to scorch its leaves,’ says Claire Bishop Senior Houseplant …Mar 21, 2025.
Does a spider plant need to be by a window?
They’re happiest in east-or west-facing windows, and they’ll do fine in south-facing windows. But don’t put them in direct sunlight, which will cause burns. Apr 3, 2023.
How much light do spider plants need?
The Spider plant grows best in indirect light. While it can tolerate some direct sun in the morning, too much full sunlight will burn its leaves. Filtered light is the best option for this green beauty. Your plant should receive only 4 to 6 hours of bright light daily to prevent leaf issues.
Do spider plants need to be watered often?
Watering spider plants Spider plants need watering about once or twice a week from spring to late summer. Use rainwater if possible. Spider plants are sensitive to waterlogging, so allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings.
How much sunlight does a spider plant need?
Spider plants need about 4 hours of indirect sunlight daily. If you have other popular houseplants that need more light, this is good news because you can give them brighter spots. Can Spider Plants Live in Low Light? Even though they don’t need too much sunlight, spider plants cannot thrive if it’s too dark.
Can spider plants grow in low light?
Lastly, don’t place your spider plant in low-light areas; it won’t thrive and may develop dull, limp leaves. Keep it bright and away from the plant. Like mine, it will thank you with lots of new leaves and maybe even some spider babies. Spider plants need bright, indirect light to thrive.
What type of light is best for spider plants?
Spider plants will do best in medium to bright, indirect light. As we already said, this kind of light should be given to your spider plant every day for 8 to 10 hours.
Do spider plants need indirect light?
Bright indirect light keeps your spider plant vibrant and healthy . Spider plants, also known as Chlorophytum comosum, are among the most forgiving indoor plants you can grow. As far as light goes, they aren’t too picky, but some attention to their lighting needs can really make them flourish. They thrive best in bright, indirect light.
What is the minimum light reading for a spider plant?
As a general rule, you should never park any of your houseplants, spider plants included, in any spot with a light reading below 25 FC. If you’re looking for a more practical way to determine how much light your spider plant gets, consider the direction the nearest window is facing.
Do baby spider plants need light?
Regardless, the spider plant is still a plant and it also needs to meet ideal conditions on light level, pot size, moisture level, and type of soil to thrive. Baby spider plants are not as established and will need to get these things right to survive. In this article, we will focus on the spider plant’s light requirements.