If you’re a proud plant parent or considering becoming one, the spider plant is likely on your radar.
With its arching leaves and easy-going nature, it’s no wonder the spider plant is a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
But just how big do these spider plants get, especially when grown indoors? Here’s the tea!
How Big Do Spider Plants Get Indoors?
While the typical potted spider plant is around a foot, the cascading leaves can extend much longer, especially in hanging baskets.
Some varieties can shoot up long, wiry stems up to 2 feet long!
As the spider plant matures, it creates trailing branches decked with tiny white blooms during the spring or summer. Guess what comes next?
Say hello to baby spider plants, or, as we like to call them, spiderettes or pups!
If you want to maintain the elegance of the plant without reaching for the pruning shears, pop it on a shelf or in a hanging pot.
Then sit back and enjoy watching your spider plant gracefully drape and flourish.
Do Spider Plants Grow Fast?
Absolutely!
If you’re into the thrill of watching your indoor greenery transform before your eyes, spider plants don’t disappoint.
Shower these herbaceous houseplants with some TLC, and they’ll lap it all up, rewarding you with rapid growth.
That’s not all. Not only are spider plants easy to grow fast, but they’re also easy to grow more.
You can separate the pups and turn them into new plants.
How Can You Grow Spider Plants Bigger?
Want to supersize your spider plant? Follow this care guide:
1 – Give Adequate Lighting
Sunlight has everything to do with how big (and fast) spider plants grow.
Spider plants are pretty flexible with lighting and can tolerate partly shaded spots. But here’s the thing: Their growth might take a snooze in those areas.
Not to mention, low-light conditions can make their leaves paler and even strip them of their distinct stripes.
For bigger spider plants, park them near an east- or west-facing window. There, they can bask in the morning and afternoon sun without risking their dainty leaves to sunburn.
If you decide to stick them by a south-facing window, shield them from the scorching midday sun. Hang a curtain to filter those intense rays.
Temperature matters too. Spider plants prefer a cozy range of 60–80°F for consistent growth.
Cold climates won’t harm the plant, but growth might slow down, or even stop, at temperatures below 60°F.
2 – Water Properly
Spider plants store water in their fleshy roots, allowing them to endure periods of neglect. They can handle a forgetful plant parent, but let’s not push it.
I’ve got a few pots of spider plants and found that giving them weekly watering is a winning routine.
When in doubt, check it out! Stick your finger into the soil, about as deep as your second knuckle.
If it’s still moist, ditch the watering can. If it’s dry, that’s your cue to treat your spider plant to a refreshing sip.
Don’t worry; it’s totally fine to let the soil dry out between drinks. The villain here is overwatering, which can lead to nasty root rot.
When the chillier autumn and winter months come knocking, dial back on watering. Twice a month should do the trick.
3 – Feed Your Plant
Spider plants are super low-maintenance. Depending on your soil, you may never have to feed them.
If you’re in the habit of repotting spider plants, the nutrients in the potting mix should cover their needs. But if you want bigger, bushier plants, why not give your spider plant a little feast?
Before you rush to the fertilizer aisle, let me clarify something. The delicate pups can easily get burned by fertilizer.
Meanwhile, mature plants aren’t fans of fluoride and have a rather low tolerance to boron. A common woe for spider plants is overfeeding.
Stick with a well-balanced, low-percentage NPK or an all-purpose plant food unless your soil tests for an imbalance.
If using fertilizer sticks, pop one in during early spring and another in the summer, spacing them around three months apart. Just make sure to avoid sticking them too close to the plant’s core or new growth.
For time-release granules, kick things off in spring when the new growth starts to show. If you’re going for an all-around liquid fertilizer, use it at half strength every 2–4 weeks from March through September.
4 – Increase Humidity
The spider plant is a tropical stunner and loves a humid climate. Ideally, it thrives when the humidity hovers around 50–60%.
Unfortunately, many indoor spaces tend to fall within a range of 40–50% humidity. If your home is on the dry side, your spider plant might drop hints: wilting, browning, shriveling, or scorched leaves.
If you want a humidity boost for your spider plant, invest in a humidifier or place a pebble tray near it. Or, you can place it among humidifying plants, such as golden pothos, peace lilies, and rubber plants.
How Long Does It Take for a Spider Plant to Get Big?
Under favorable conditions, spider plants can shoot up to a height of 12–15 inches within 6–12 months. Fast forward a year, and you might spot some little spiderettes sprouting.
These babies are the result of asexual reproduction, meaning spider plants don’t need another plant to make their mini-mes!
Transplant them into new pots, and you’ve got yourself some free spider plants!
Should You Repot a Spider Plant That Has Gotten Too Big?
Spider plants are quite the trooper when it comes to being root-bound. That said, repotting your spider plant will give it room to stretch its legs.
You know it’s time when those roots start poking out and spilling over the pot’s edges. Plus, you’ll notice it’s getting crowded in there.
Now, I get the allure of a bigger, more sprawling residence. But hey, don’t go overboard with the pot size—just about two finger widths larger than the last one is the sweet spot.
Your spider plant is more like a community of individual plants, and keeping them in close quarters creates that lush, bushy look we all love.
Leave the old soil between the roots tucked in. Only introduce some fresh soil in the space between the root ball and the new pot.
That way, your plant won’t go into shock with the move to a new environment.
Lastly, opt for a free-draining container and loose potting soil to support its continued growth.
When Is the Best Time to Repot an Overgrown Spider Plant?
The best time to give your overgrown spider plant a new home is in the early spring to late summer when plants undergo the most active growth.
With longer days and more sunshine, spider plants are primed to settle into a fresh pot.
Of course, if your spider plant is in a bit of a bind and needs a new spot urgently, you can still make the move at other times of the year.
Just give it some extra pampering and keep a watchful eye on its well-being.
Final Thoughts
So, how big do spider plants get?
The fabulous, finger-like foliage of a spider plant can stretch out a foot or longer.
You can help your spider plant grow big and lush with this recipe: a bright spot away from the full sun, proper watering, lots of humidity, and occasional feeding.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.