They are called spider plants because of the little “spiderettes” that dangle out of the mother plant like spiders on a web. These spiderettes often begin as small white flowers. The plant also enjoys being semi-root bound, so don’t repot until the large fleshy roots are visible and watering is harder.

Your spider plant will also appreciate the occasional pruning back to the base of the plant.

If you do see brown tips on the leaves, that’s likely because of excess fluoride in the soil from tap water. Try switching to distilled or even rainwater.

Fertilize once a month during spring and summer, and not at all throughout the fall and winter.

Spider plants remove formaldehyde and xylene from the air, so keep them in your freshly painted or refurbished room or office.

Your cat will be wildly attracted to the dangling spiderettes, but this plant contains a compound related to opium, which can cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea. Keep your spider plants up away from the pets (a hanging basket works wonderfully).