Hawaiian spider plant
Discover watering, soil, fertilizing, pests, styling, and troubleshooting tips for Hawaiian spider plant from our experience growing and caring for it in our Brooklyn home!
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Hawaiian spider plant care guide
lineage and Symbolism
The Hawaiian spider plant (aka Chlorophytum comosum ‘Hawaiian’) belongs to the Asparagaceae family. Its stunning leaves are a combination of green and creamy white stripes offering a lush, tropical vibe. The smaller, compact size makes it a fantastic choice for tight spaces—think desks, bookshelves, or hanging planters, and these beauties grow up to about 12 inches tall, so they fit in almost anywhere!
The Hawaiian spider plant symbolizes nurturing and renewal — often associated with the zodiac sign Virgo, known for their attention to detail and love of creating a clean and organized environment..
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“I have grown these from scratch and they grow fast. Nice gift. I recommend!”
Light and placement
What is the light requirement for Hawaiian spider plant?
For the Hawaiian spider plant, we recommend placing it in bright, indirect light for about 6-8 hours a day. A north or east-facing window is ideal since it gets gentle sunlight without the risk of scorching its delicate leaves. Avoid direct sunlight – it can cause the tips to brown.
How to know if Hawaiian spider plant is not getting right amount of light?
Too much light causes browning tips or even scorched leaves, especially if placed in direct sunlight for long periods during midday when the sun is strongest. And too little light results in slow growth, faded color, or drooping leaves. In winter, we recommend moving it closer to a window or supplementing with artificial light, and in summer move it a bit away, or best hang it in a basket by the wall adjacent to the window.
Where to place Hawaiian spider plant and where to avoid?
We recommend placing your Hawaiian spider plant near a north or east-facing window where it gets bright, indirect light but avoids the harsh afternoon sun. It’s perfect on a windowsill, shelf, or even a hanging planter in these spots. Just make sure it’s not too close to the glass in a south or west-facing window, as the intense sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Soil
What soil composition to use for Hawaiian spider plant?
For your Hawaiian spider plant, we suggest using a well-draining potting mix made up of 50% loam-based soil and 50% perlite or coarse sand to help with drainage. This ensures the soil doesn’t stay too soggy as it is crucial since spider plants don’t like sitting in water. If you tend to over-water, you might want to add a little extra perlite for better drainage. Keep the soil slightly acidic to neutral, around a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Best soil to use for Hawaiian spider plant?
This particular mix also has perlite in it and the one we have used for a long time!
Temperature and Humidity
What is the best temperature condition for Hawaiian spider plant?
The Hawaiian spider plant thrives best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. If you’re in a warmer region or during summer, keep it away from direct heating sources since temperatures above 85°F can cause the leaves to wilt or dry out. In colder areas or during winter – avoid drafts or temperatures below 50°F which can cause the leaves to become mushy and brown. If you’re in a drier climate, misting occasionally helps keep humidity levels balanced.
What is the best humidity condition for Hawaiian spider plant?
The Hawaiian spider plant does best in moderate humidity levels – ideally around 40-60%. If you’re in a drier region or experiencing colder winter months with indoor heating, mist the plant occasionally or placing it near a humidifier to prevent browning leaf tips. In more humid climates or during summer, ensure good airflow to avoid too much moisture buildup that can lead to rot.
Our favorite humidifiers
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fertilizer
What is the best fertilizer composition to use for Hawaiian spider plant?
For your Hawaiian spider plant, we recommend using a balanced liquid fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 during the growing season (spring to summer). In its natural tropical habitat, spider plants thrive in nutrient-rich soil, so providing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will support healthy leaf growth and root development. Use it every 2-4 weeks during those months, but make sure to dilute it to half strength to avoid over-fertilizing.
For a simple DIY recipe, mix 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt (for magnesium) with a gallon of water for an easy boost.
How and when to fertilize Hawaiian spider plant?
We recommend fertilizing your Hawaiian spider plant every 2-4 weeks during the spring and summer growing season. Use a liquid fertilizer, applying it directly to the soil around the base of the plant. Avoid getting the fertilizer on the leaves since this can burn them. In fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce feeding to once every two months or stop entirely.
What are the signs Hawaiian spider plant needs food?
You’ll notice slower growth, pale or yellowing leaves, and reduced vibrancy. Another sign is if the plant seems weak or leggy even with proper watering and light.
Best fertilizer to use for Hawaiian spider plant?
Pots and planters
What are the best pots to use for Hawaiian spider plant?
We recommend using a pot that’s about 1-2 inches wider than the root ball to allow room for growth. A lightweight material like terracotta or ceramic works well, as it offers good breathability and moisture balance. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot, and opt for a deeper shape to support its trailing growth.
Our favorite Terracotta and ceramic pots
Watering
How and When to water Hawaiian spider plant?
In their natural tropical habitat, Hawaiian spider plants prefer consistently moist but not soggy soil. Water them once the top 1-2 inches of soil dries out – which comes up to weekly during spring and summer and less often in winter. If you’re using a well-draining mix with perlite or coarse sand, water deeply until it runs out of the drainage holes.
what are the Signs of over or under watering Hawaiian spider plant?
overwatering often leads to yellowing leaves, mushy roots, or brown leaf tips, and you might also notice a musty smell from the soil. Underwatering results in wilting, dry or crispy leaf tips, and slower growth. One unique sign of underwatering is the leaves curling inward!
Our favorite watering cans
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pruning
When to prune Hawaiian spider plant and why?
Pruning your Hawaiian spider plant helps maintain its shape, and encourages healthy growth, and removes damaged or dead leaves. It’s best to prune in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Clear signs pruning is needed include – brown leaf tips, yellowing leaves, and overcrowded growth with too many runners (baby spider plants – which you can propagate or gift to others!)
how to prune Hawaiian spider plant?
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Trim any brown or yellow leaves at the base that is close to the soil. For runners, or baby spider plants, cut them off where they attach to the main plant. Be careful not to damage healthy leaves or over-prune—only remove about a third of the plant at a time..
how to care after pruning Hawaiian spider plant?
After pruning, reduce watering slightly for a week to help the plant adjust and keep it in bright, indirect light.
propagating
When to Propagate Hawaiian spider plant?
The best time to propagate is in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing and temperatures are warm, ideally between 65°F and 75°F.
how to Propagate Hawaiian spider plant?
You can propagate the Hawaiian spider plant through two main methods: planting its baby “spiderettes” or dividing the main plant. The easiest method is planting spiderettes since they naturally develop on runners
Cut the spiderettes/runners as shown in the picture: Using clean scissors, cut them from the main plant and either place them in water until roots grow stronger
Water: Place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Keep it in a bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to ensure perfect growth
Care while rooting: Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment if rooting in soil, and keep it in indirect light.
Signs of rooting: In 4-6 weeks, roots should begin to form. Once the roots are a few inches long, the cutting can be transferred to a pot with regular potting soil if started in water.
how to care after propagating Hawaiian spider plant?
Keep the new plant in bright, indirect light and maintain consistent moisture for the first few weeks, use a humidifier if your area doesn’t get any humidity or for some reason you’re propagating during winter month.
Troubleshooting common issues
1. Why are the leaves of my Hawaiian spider plant drooping?
Cause: Overwatering or underwatering
Solution: Immerse your index fingers 2-3 inches in the soil and check to see if it’s soggy, in which case we need to let it dry out, and if it is dry, water thoroughly, and if it’s extremely dry increase your watering frequency for a couple of months.
2. Why is the color of my Hawaiian spider plant fading?
Cause: Not enought light.
Solution: Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light, such as near a north or east-facing window
3. Why are the leaves of my Hawaiian spider plant yellowing?
Cause: Overwatering mostly commonly, or aging leaves.
Solution: Let the soil dry out between waterings and ensure your pot has proper drainage. If older leaves are yellowing, it’s natural, go ahead and prune those.
4. Why are there Brown tips to the leaves of my Hawaiian spider plant?
Cause: low humidity, or a buildup of salts from tap water.
Solution: Mist the plant regularly, check watering consistency – once every two weeks ideally – and consider using filtered or distilled water to flush out excess salts.
5. Why are there spots on leaves of my Hawaiian spider plant?
Cause: Fungal infections from too much moisture or pests like spider mites.
Solution: Improve air circulation, avoid getting the leaves wet, and check for pests. Use a fungicide or neem oil – Mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of mild dish soap to help the oil stick. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and mist the entire plant and repeat every 7-10 days until the spots clear up.
6. Why are there leggs stems on my Hawaiian spider plant
Cause: low light conditions makes the plant stretch to find more sun.
Solution: We need to move it to a brighter spot, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent other issues like leaf burn.
7. Why is there no blooms on my Hawaiian spider plant?
Cause: Inadequate light, stress from irregular watering, or a pot that is too large can prevent flowering. Spider plants tend to flower more readily when they’re slightly root-bound
Solution: Move to a bright indirect light spot. If the pot is too large, repot into a smaller size to encourage flowering. Reducing fertilization during the winter can also help trigger flowering in spring. Over-fertilizing during winter, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers, encourages leaf growth at the expense of blooms.
curated styling tips
Hanging Basket Display: Hawaiian spider plants have long arching leaves with beautiful green and creamy white stripes – making them perfect for hanging planters. Hang a woven basket planter near an east-facing window where it gets bright, indirect light. The plant’s cascading leaves will create a graceful and flowing look.
Window Ledge Jungle:If you have a wide north-facing windowsill, line up a series of small pots with Hawaiian spider plants. Their arching leaves add volume and movement to a simple windowsill. The green and white foliage will thrive with the softer morning or afternoon light.
Kitchen Counter Accent: Place a Hawaiian spider plant in a small pot on your kitchen counter near an east-facing window. Use a terracotta or glazed ceramic pot to allow for good drainage. The humidity from cooking will benefit the plant, and the bright, indirect light will keep its foliage vibrant. The plant’s compact size won’t overwhelm the space, and its arching, variegated leaves will add a fresh and lively feel.
FAQ
Is Hawaiian spider plant toxic to pets?
No, Hawaiian spider plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. Thought,they can sometimes attract pets to chew on them, which may cause mild stomach upset.
Does Hawaiian spider plant like to be placed outside in summer?
Yes, you can move your spider plant outdoors in summer, but we recommend placing it in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. Bring it back inside before temperatures drop below 50°F.
What are advantages and disadvantages of Hawaiian spider plant?
Advantages: Low-maintenance, air-purifying, non-toxic to pets, and easily propagated. Disadvantages: Sensitive to inconsistent watering, prone to browning tips, and can become leggy very quickly if not given enough light.
How to get Hawaiian spider plant to bloom?
To encourage blooming, ensure the plant is in bright, indirect light and slightly root-bound. Reduce fertilizing during winter to encourage spring blooms. (“Root-bound” means when a plant’s roots outgrow the space in its pot and start circling around the inside of the container. This happens when the pot is too small for the plant’s size. This plant can tolerate this and can even bloom when this happens.)
What are the common pests and bugs for Hawaiian spider plant?
Spider mites: These pests thrive in dry conditions and cause yellow speckling on leaves, leaving fine webbing.
Solution: Increase humidity and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or use neem oil.
Aphids: Aphids suck sap, causing curling or yellowing leaves.
Solution: Rinse them off with water or apply insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs: These look like white, cottony clusters on the plant and stunt growth.
Solution: Dab with alcohol or spray with neem oil.
Fungus gnats: They appear when the soil is too moist, causing root damage.
Solution: Let the soil dry between waterings and use sticky traps.
