Spider plants are incredibly low-maintenance, making them the perfect “starter plant” if you’re still working on developing your green thumb. However, once winter rolls around, these leafy friends need a little extra TLC to stay happy. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your spider plant through the chilly months.
Are Spider Plants Cold-Hardy?
Spider plants originally hail from South Africa, so to keep them thriving, we want to mimic that warm, sunny climate as much as possible. This means they definitely aren’t fans of the frost! You can’t keep them out in the garden year-round in most U.S. climates, as freezing temperatures will do them in pretty quickly. On the bright side, they make fantastic houseplants. Inside a cozy, warm home, it’s easy to recreate those South African vibes they love so much.
Winter Care Tips
Because of their tropical roots, spider plants go into a dormant phase (basically a plant nap) if temperatures drop below 50°F. They won’t grow much during this time, but they can survive in an unheated sunroom or enclosed porch as long as they are strictly protected from frost. If you keep yours in a cool spot, you should cut back on watering significantly. Always do the “finger test” to check if the soil is still damp before adding more water. Their nutrient needs also take a dip in the winter, so you can scale back your fertilizer to once a month or skip it entirely until spring.
Now, if your spider plant is living it up in your heated living room, the rules change a bit. Since your home likely stays well above 50°F, your plant will keep growing all year long. In this case, you can stick to your usual watering and fertilizing routine. Just keep an eye out for dry air from your heater! To prevent brown tips—a classic sign that your plant is thirsty for humidity—give the leaves a regular misting with filtered or soft water.
Winterizing Your Spider Plant: The Essentials
- Spider plants are not winter-hardy.
- Frost and freezing temps are a no-go; they won’t survive the cold.
- Don’t leave them planted outside year-round.
- They can overwinter in an unheated (but frost-free) sunroom.
- If temps drop below 50°F, cut back on water and fertilizer.
- If kept in a warm room, keep your normal care routine but watch the humidity.
- Use a spray bottle to mist the leaves to combat dry indoor heating.
