Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are some of the most popular houseplants – and for a good reason. They produce thin, arching leaves as well as adorable little planets on their leaves’ tips. As a bonus, they’re quite easy to care for. To help your spider plant thrive, you’ll need to provide the optimum environmental conditions. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about spider plant temperature and humidity tolerances indoors.
- The Best Temperature and Humidity Range for Spider Plants to Thrive Indoors
- Spider Plant Temperature and Humidity Tolerances – The Essentials
- Temperature and Humidity in Spider Plants’ Native Habitats
- Signs Your Spider Plant Was Exposed to the Wrong Temperature and Humidity
- Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Spider Plants
- How to Boost Humidity in Your Home
- Caring for Spider Plants in Spring and Summer
- Caring for Spider Plants Over Winter
- Spider Plant Temperature and Humidity Tolerances FAQs
- Wrap Up
Spider Plant Temperature and Humidity Tolerances – The Essentials
Spider plants will grow best indoors in a room with ambient temperatures between 65-85ºF. These plants prefer moderate to high humidity, between 40-80%. In-room humidifiers or humidity trays can be beneficial to provide your spider plant with ideal growing conditions.
Temperature and Humidity in Spider Plants’ Native Habitats
Spider plants are native to much of Africa, from Ethiopia to Nigeria and all the way down to South Africa. While they can grow in various habitats, they’re often found in rainforests. Some spider plant varieties grow in the dappled understory, while others can be found near the brighter forest edges.
Since spider plants are native to such an extensive range, they are used to various temperatures. However, the majority of their native range experiences temperatures between 50-90ºF. With that said, temperatures occasionally dip below 40ºF and climb above 100ºF.
As with temperature, humidity varies throughout the spider plant’s native range. It changes based on geographic location, but it also fluctuates throughout the year.
Typically, humidity is in the moderate to high range. You can expect humidity to fall between 50-80%.
Fortunately, you can replicate these conditions in your home, no matter where you live.
Signs Your Spider Plant Was Exposed to the Wrong Temperature and Humidity
If you provide your spider plant with improper temperature and humidity, your plant may suffer. Here are some common signs that indicate you may need to correct your plant’s environment.
Brown Leaf Edges
If you notice the tips of your plant’s slender leaves are turning brown or potentially drooping, then something is off. While there are various reasons why this may happen, low humidity is one possible cause.
Other potential causes include dry soil and poor water quality.
For see our guide to the best soil mix for spider plants and when and how to water.
Poor Growth
While spider plants can survive temperatures outside of the ideal range, they won’t thrive. If you notice your plant isn’t growing, it might signify the air is too cold.
If your plant is kept in an area where the temperature is consistently below 65ºF, it won’t grow very much. Increasing the temperature will lead to new growth.
Fertilizing your spider plant can also help to provide a growth boost.
Mushy Foliage
The sudden onset of soft, mushy foliage is likely an indicator that your spider plant was exposed to cold temperatures. Below freezing temperatures will cause plant cells to expand and burst, leading to a mushy appearance.
Even if you move your plant to a warmer area, the leaves will not recover. However, if you trim back the damaged leaves, the roots may produce new growth.
You’ll want to be extra cautious with recently propagated spider plants.
Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Spider Plants
Providing the proper temperature and humidity is essential for healthy plants. Here’s some information about the ideal conditions for your plants.
Ideal Temperature
Spider plants prefer temperatures between 65-85ºF. With that said, they can tolerate short periods of temperatures outside this range.
The best way to check your indoor temperature is with a thermometer. Measure the temperature where your spider plant lives, as temperatures can vary throughout a house.
Besides providing the proper temperature, you should also avoid both hot and cold drafts. Therefore, you should avoid placing your spider plant near an exterior door, poorly-insulated window, fireplace, or heating vent.
Finally, avoid large swings in temperature. While these plants can tolerate slow temperature changes, drastic changes can cause stress. Therefore, avoid suddenly moving your plant from a cold room to a warm room. Instead, allow your plant to acclimate over time.
Ideal Humidity
As far as humidity goes, spider plants will thrive with moderate to high humidity, between 40-80%. This will allow your plants to put on lots of healthy new growth.
With that said, spider plants can do just fine at lower humidity, less than 40%. However, they will not thrive as they would at higher humidity.
The best way to measure humidity is with a device called a hygrometer. This will provide you with a precise measurement of the humidity.
However, you can also get a sense of the humidity based on the time of year and feel. Your house will typically have a humidity level above 40% during warmer months. However, if you live in a cold climate, indoor humidity often drops during the winter.
If your skin feels dry and you’re experiencing nosebleeds, the air is likely too dry for your spider plant. To keep your plant happy, take measures to boost the humidity in your home.
One option is to use a humidifier. This will help keep your humidity at a consistent level. Other options include placing a tray filled with pebbles and water underneath your plant’s pot.
Picking a Location for Your Spider Plant
As mentioned above, you should keep your spider plant away from both hot and cold drafts. Once you find a location with proper temperature and humidity, you’ll want to look at a few other factors.
Spider plants like bright, indirect light. They can also survive low light, but they will not thrive.
Some good locations for a spider plant include the interior of a bright room or a few feet away from a south-facing or west-facing window. You want to ensure it doesn’t receive direct light no matter where you put your plant.
Even though spider plants aren’t considered toxic to humans, it’s prudent to wear gloves throughout any extended houseplant care project.
For more, see our in-depth guide to the best positions for Spider plants to thrive in the home or office.
How to Boost Humidity in Your Home
The best way to boost the humidity in your home is with a humidifier. Many humidifiers come with features that allow for automatic shut-off once the desired humidity level is reached. This allows for easy care.
Like most appliances, humidifiers are available in various styles and prices. You can find basic versions like this one for as low as $30 and feature-full ones like this.
Since these devices boost the humidity in an entire room, they are helpful if you have a lot of plants that like high humidity.
If you don’t want to spend the money on a humidifier, there are other ways to increase humidity. Spritzing the air around your plant with water can temporarily increase the humidity. However, this can also lead to spider plant fungal diseases.
Placing a tray filled with water and pebbles underneath your planter will also boost humidity. However, since this method works via evaporation, it will not be very effective at low temperatures.
Caring for Spider Plants in Spring and Summer
While most spider plants will thrive outdoors in the spring and summer, you will need to monitor your indoor environment. If high temperatures lead you to turn on the air conditioning, make sure the temperature is not too low for your spider plant.
Take special note to keep your plant away from AC vents and other drafts.
Now’s also the best time of year to repot your spider plant if it has outgrown its current potting vessel. Pruning spider plants in spring and summer can also help to maintain their shape.
Caring for Spider Plants Over Winter
As temperatures drop in the winter, you may turn on the heat to keep your home warm. While these higher temperatures will keep your spider plant happy, they may also lower the humidity.
If your home becomes dry in the winter, you may need to look into increasing the humidity around your spider plant. A humidifier will allow your plant to thrive.
Spider Plant Temperature and Humidity Tolerances FAQs
What Temperature Is Too Cold for Spider Plants?
Spider plants can survive temperatures as low as 35ºF. With that said, plants will not experience much growth if they are constantly exposed to temperatures below 65ºF.
What Temperature Is Too Hot for Spider Plants?
Aim to keep temperatures below 90ºF. While plants can survive temperatures hotter than this, their health will suffer.
Are Spider Plants Heat Sensitive?
Yes, spider plants are sensitive to high heat. Temperatures above 90ºF will lead to increased transpiration rates which increase nutrient uptake. This can potentially lead to harmful levels of micronutrients.
Can I Leave My Spider Plants Outside?
If the conditions are right, sure! Just make sure the temperature will not drop below 35º and the humidity is moderate.
How Do I Know If My Spider Plant Is Healthy?
If your plant remains green in color and continues to put on new growth, it’s healthy! If you notice discoloration or stunted growth, there is an underlying issue that you need to fix.
Spider Plant Temperature and Humidity Considerations – The Final Word
Now that you know about optimum spider plant temperature and humidity, you can keep your plant happy. Remember to keep the humidity on the higher side and keep the temperature warm.
Briana holds a B.S. in Plant Sciences from Penn State University. She manages a small market garden where she grows vegetables and herbs. She also enjoys growing flowers and houseplants at home.
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