The benefits of having a spider plant around go far beyond their good looks, making them a favorite for homes and offices alike. From improving air quality to being pet-friendly, this plant is as practical as it is decorative.
But what makes spider plants stand out among other houseplants – and why should you consider adding one to your space?
Let’s explore the top benefits of owning a spider plant.
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Easy Spider Plant Care Guide 💚
⭐ Want one? Get your very own Spider Plant here
💧 Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Spider plants prefer slightly moist soil but can tolerate occasional drying out. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix - I personally use this potting mix - which works great, especially with added perlite for better aeration (like that one has).
☀️ Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal, but Spider plants are adaptable and can handle lower light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to scorch.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep your Spider plant in a room between 65-75°F (18-24°C). They don’t like cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted, balanced fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) once a month during the growing season. Hold off on fertilizing in fall and winter.
1. Air Purification
Spider plants are natural air purifiers. They remove harmful toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and carbon monoxide from indoor spaces.
In fact, NASA research has shown these plants can improve air quality by up to 95% in just 24 hours!
You’ll breathe easier with spider plants around. They absorb pollutants through tiny pores in their leaves, breaking them down into harmless compounds. This process helps create a healthier environment in your home or office.
Spider plants work tirelessly to clean the air day and night. They’re especially effective in small, enclosed spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms.
By adding a few spider plants to your living areas, you’re taking a simple step towards better indoor air quality.
2. Increases Humidity
Spider plants boost indoor humidity levels naturally. They release moisture into the air through transpiration, helping create a more comfortable environment.
This can be especially beneficial in dry climates or during winter months when heating systems dry out the air.
Higher humidity from spider plants can help prevent dry skin, static electricity, and respiratory issues. You’ll notice fewer dry throats and noses, which is great for allergy sufferers.
The plants’ moisture output also helps protect wooden furniture from cracking due to low humidity.
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Keep your spider plants well-watered to maximize their humidity-boosting effects. Place them in areas where you want increased moisture, like bedrooms or living spaces.
You’ll enjoy a more pleasant atmosphere without needing electric humidifiers.
3. Easy Maintenance
Spider plants are a breeze to care for. You won’t need to fuss over them much, as they’re hardy and adaptable. These plants thrive with minimal attention, making them perfect for busy plant parents or beginners.
Water them once a week and provide indirect light – that’s about it. They’re not overly picky about soil (although a well-draining mix like this one is best) and can tolerate a range of temperatures.
You can even forget to water your spider plant occasionally, and they’ll bounce back quickly!
Pruning is simple too. Just snip off any yellowing leaves or brown tips on your spider plant to keep it looking fresh.
Spider plants are also resistant to most pests and diseases, so you won’t need to worry about complex treatments.
How to Get Rid of Pests on Your Houseplants
If you notice pests on your indoor plants, follow these steps to tackle the problem before it gets worse:
- Start with manual removal – For minor infestations, wipe leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or rinse the plant under lukewarm water to remove pests by hand.
- Use neem oil or insecticidal soap – If pests persist, treat your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap (those are my preferred ones!), both of which target common houseplant pests without harming your plant.
- Apply a houseplant-safe pesticide – For severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments, use a broad-spectrum pesticide designed for indoor plants to eliminate stubborn pests – I use this pesticide for tough infestations.
By acting quickly and using the right treatments, you can keep your houseplants pest-free and thriving!
4. Boosts Productivity
Spider plants can boost your productivity in the workplace or home office. They’re known to improve focus and concentration, helping you stay on task.
These green companions also reduce stress levels, creating a more relaxed environment for work.
Spider plants clean the air, removing harmful toxins that can affect your cognitive function. This leads to better mental clarity and increased efficiency in your daily tasks.
Their presence adds a touch of nature to your space, which can spark creativity and enhance problem-solving skills.
5. Reduces Stress
Spider plants can help lower your stress levels. They’ve been shown to create a calming effect in indoor spaces. Having these plants around may help you feel more relaxed and at ease.
Spider plants release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, improving air quality. This can lead to better breathing and a sense of wellbeing.
Their presence can also create a more natural, soothing environment in your home or office. After all, the simple act of caring for a spider plant can be a stress-relieving activity.
Watering, pruning, and tending to your plant provides a moment of mindfulness in your day. It’s a small but effective way to take a break from daily pressures and focus on nurturing something.
6. Non-Toxic to Pets
Spider plants are safe for your furry friends. Unlike many houseplants, they won’t harm cats or dogs if nibbled on.
This makes them a great choice for pet owners who want to add some greenery to their homes without worry.
Spider plants don’t contain any substances toxic to animals. You can place them anywhere in your house, even in spots your pets can reach. This peace of mind lets you enjoy your plants and your pets together.
If your cat or dog does take a bite, they might get an upset stomach. But it won’t cause serious harm.
Just keep an eye on them and contact your vet if you’re concerned.
7. Improves Sleep Quality
Spider plants can help you get a better night’s rest. They release oxygen and remove airborne toxins, creating a cleaner sleeping environment.
This improved air quality can lead to more restful sleep. And while you sleep, your spider plants are hard at work absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing fresh oxygen throughout the night.
Having a spider plant in your bedroom may reduce stress and anxiety. The plant’s presence can create a calming atmosphere, making it easier to relax and drift off to sleep.
8. Great for Feng Shui
Spider plants align well with Feng Shui principles. They’re believed to bring positive energy and balance to your space.
These plants can help purify the air and create a harmonious environment in your home or office.
Spider plants are often placed near windows or in corners to maximize their energy-boosting effects. You can hang them in baskets or place them on shelves to enhance the flow of chi. Their long, arching leaves are thought to symbolize growth and prosperity.
In Feng Shui practice, spider plants are associated with wood energy. This element represents new beginnings, growth, and vitality. Adding these plants to your space may help promote these qualities in your life.
9. Attractive Aesthetic
Spider plants add a touch of elegance to any space with their arching, striped leaves. Their cascading growth habit creates a stunning visual effect, especially when placed in hanging baskets or on high shelves.
You’ll love how these plants can soften the look of a room and bring a bit of nature indoors. The long, slender leaves of spider plants come in various shades of green and white, offering a pleasing contrast.
As they mature, they produce small plantlets that dangle from thin stems, giving them a unique and eye-catching appearance. These plants are versatile enough to complement different decor styles, from modern minimalist to cozy bohemian.
10. Helps with Allergies
Spider plants can be a great ally for allergy sufferers. They’re known to remove common indoor allergens from the air, including dust and mold spores. This natural air purification can help reduce allergy symptoms and make your home more comfortable.
These plants are particularly effective at filtering out formaldehyde, which is often found in household products and can trigger allergic reactions. By absorbing these irritants, spider plants create a cleaner breathing environment for you and your family.
Having spider plants around may also help boost humidity levels slightly. This can be beneficial for those with respiratory allergies, as moist air can ease breathing difficulties and reduce irritation in your nasal passages.
11. Improves Focus
Spider plants can boost your concentration and productivity. They’re known to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity in indoor spaces. You’ll likely find it easier to stay on task with these green companions nearby.
Having spider plants in your work area or study space can create a calming atmosphere. This peaceful environment helps minimize distractions and sharpens your mind. Plus, the improved air quality from these plants supports better cognitive function.