Spider plant
Chlorophytum comosum (Asparagaceae)
Also called Ribbon Plant, Anthericum, Spider Ivy.
Cats and dogs
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Not expected to poison cats or dogs. Eating any plant can still cause vomiting or an upset stomach, so keep it out of reach of chewers.
Source: ASPCA entry "Spider Plant", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol Copes
- Medium light 6+ mol Copes
- Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Grows best in bright, indirect light but copes with low light (slower growth, weaker variegation). Sources differ on sun: Clemson says it tolerates some direct sun if midday sun is avoided, while NC State calls it intolerant of direct sun and RHS warns strong sun can yellow or brown the leaves.
Direct sun: a little gentle morning sun is fine.
On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 0.5 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Easy. Water: Let the soil dry briefly between waterings, never leave it standing in water, and water a little less in winter.
Fluoride in tap water can cause brown leaf tips, so rainwater or filtered water is preferred (RHS, NC State).
More pet-safe plants for similar light
- Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) bright indirect light
- Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) bright indirect light
- Baby's tears (Soleirolia) bright indirect light
- Grape ivy bright indirect light
- Lady palm bright indirect light
- Money tree bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Spider Plant"
- Light and care: Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC, "Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)"
- Light and care: Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), "How to grow spider plants"
- Light and care: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Chlorophytum comosum"