watering my plant
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
Water about every 10 days.
Keep the soil evenly moist — don't let it fully dry out. Feel just under the surface before you pour. You’re after barely damp here, not bone dry — and if it’s still properly wet, hold off. Even moisture isn’t the same as constantly soaked.
How your pot, light and size change it
Every 10 days is the starting point. Here’s how each part of your setup moves it on its own — the free schedule tool combines all of them for your plant.
| Factor | Setup | Water |
|---|---|---|
| Pot | Terracotta | every 9 days |
| Plastic | every 10 days | |
| Glazed ceramic | every 11 days | |
| Light | Bright | every 9 days |
| Medium | every 10 days | |
| Low | every 11 days | |
| Plant size | Small | every 9 days |
| Medium | every 10 days | |
| Large | every 11 days |
How much water to give
Roughly 150–250 ml for a small pot, 250–500 ml for a medium one and 500–750 ml for a large plant. Pour slowly until a little runs out of the drainage hole, then tip away whatever collects in the saucer — the aim is moist soil, not a waterlogged pot.
Watering Spider Plant through the seasons
In spring and summer, growth picks up and warm days pull moisture from the pot faster. In a hot, dry spell our schedule tightens to about every 7 days. In autumn and winter the plant slows down and the soil stays damp for longer, so in cool, damp weather the schedule stretches to about every 14 days. Whatever the season, check the soil before you pour — the date is a reminder, the soil has the final say.
Signs of overwatering and underwatering
A Spider Plant prefers steady moisture, so letting it dry out completely is the easier mistake to make. Signs of underwatering: drooping, curling or crispy leaves and soil pulling away from the side of the pot. Signs of overwatering: yellowing leaves, soft stems and soil that stays soggy for days. Aim for soil that feels like a wrung-out sponge.
Spider Plant care guide
Easy, fast-growing plant for beginners. Thrives in bright, indirect light to moderate shade. Water when top inch of soil feels dry. Prefers 65-75°F and moderate humidity. Tolerates dry air. Uses standard potting soil. Produces arching leaves with white stripes and hanging plantlets. Propagate plantlets easily. Rarely affected by pests.
Spider Plant watering FAQ
How often should I water my Spider Plant?
Water your Spider Plant about every 10 days. Keep the soil evenly moist — don't let it fully dry out. Terracotta pots, bright light and small plants dry out faster; glazed pots, low light and larger plants hold water for longer.
Should Spider Plant dry out between waterings?
No — keep the soil evenly moist and don't let it dry out completely. Feel just under the surface before you pour. You’re after barely damp here, not bone dry — and if it’s still properly wet, hold off. Even moisture isn’t the same as constantly soaked.
How much water does a Spider Plant need?
Roughly 150–250 ml for a small pot, 250–500 ml for a medium one and 500–750 ml for a large plant. Pour slowly until a little runs out of the drainage hole, then tip away whatever collects in the saucer — the aim is moist soil, not a waterlogged pot.
Should I water my Spider Plant less in winter?
Usually, yes. Growth slows and the soil stays damp for longer, so in cool, damp weather the interval stretches to about every 14 days. Check the soil rather than sticking rigidly to the calendar.
Does a terracotta pot change how often I water a Spider Plant?
Yes. Terracotta breathes and dries faster, so a Spider Plant in terracotta needs water about every 9 days, compared with every 10 days in plastic and every 11 days in a glazed pot.
How do I know when my Spider Plant needs water?
Feel just under the surface before you pour. You’re after barely damp here, not bone dry — and if it’s still properly wet, hold off. Even moisture isn’t the same as constantly soaked.
