Summer Glow-Up! 10 Indoor Plants To Take Out

3. The Playful Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are one of those classic houseplants that almost everyone has had at some point, and for good reason! They’re super easy to care for and have such a cheerful vibe with their arching leaves. I’ve had a few over the years, but my biggest one, “Charlotte,” really came into her own when I started giving her a summer break outdoors.

Why Your Spider Plant Wants a Summer Adventure

Indoors, Charlotte was pretty happy, a reliable green presence. But when she got her first taste of a real summer outdoors? Wowza! Giving your Spider Plant a summer glow-up promotes rapid growth like you wouldn’t believe. We’re talking leaves getting longer, fuller, just an overall look of robust health. But the best part, the absolute BEST part, is the explosion in the production of those adorable “spiderettes” – those little baby plants that dangle from long stems. It’s like they’re waving hello! Before her outdoor vacays, Charlotte would give me a few babies here and there. After a summer on the porch, she looked like a proud mama with dozens of them trailing down. It’s honestly one of the most rewarding things to see.

The Perfect Outdoor Spot: Not Too Sunny, Just Right!

Spider Plants are pretty adaptable, but for their summer spa treatment, you want to give them bright, indirect light. Think of a spot on a covered porch, under a leafy tree, or on a balcony that doesn’t get blasted by the sun all day. They really thrive in that kind of environment.

Now, here’s where I learned a little lesson. One year, I got a bit overzealous and put a younger spider plant in a spot that got more afternoon sun than I realized. Big mistake. The tips of its leaves got all brown and crispy – classic scorched leaves. Spider plants will tell you pretty quick if the sun is too much direct sun for their liking. So, gentle morning sun might be okay, but definitely shield them from that harsh afternoon glare. It’s all about finding that happy medium for your Chlorophytum comosum care.

Transition Time: Easy Peasy, Mostly!

Good news! Spider Plants are generally easy to transition outdoors. They seem to genuinely love the fresh air and often respond very positively right away. Unlike some of the more finicky plants, they usually don’t throw a huge tantrum if you move them. A few days of gradually increasing their outdoor exposure should be plenty to get them acclimatized.

The main thing you’ll need to adjust is your watering routine. You’ll definitely need to keep an eye on watering, especially in hanging baskets. Those things can dry out super quick with the summer heat and increased airflow. I nearly lost a beautiful, full hanging basket one hot week because I just wasn’t checking it enough. The soil was bone dry! Now, I make it a point to check my outdoor hanging plants almost daily, especially when it’s warm. They might not need water every day, but it’s good to check. Watering outdoor hanging baskets is a bit of an art!

Decor Delight: Cascading Charm for Days

Spider Plants are just made for showing off their flowing form! They are absolutely perfect for hanging baskets on porches. Imagine those long stems with dozens of little spiderettes cascading down – it’s such a charming and lively look. It adds a real touch of whimsical outdoor plant decor. I have Charlotte in a big hanging basket near my front door during the summer, and she always gets so many compliments.

They also work wonderfully as a “spiller” in mixed patio containers. If you’re putting together a big pot with some taller plants in the middle (the “thriller”) and some mounding plants (the “filler”), a Spider Plant around the edge, spilling over, looks fantastic. It softens the edges and adds that lovely, playful touch. Plus, more spiderettes means more propagating spider plants to share with friends – it’s the plant that keeps on giving! They’re also great pet-friendly outdoor plants, which is a bonus for many of us.

So, if your Spider Plant is looking a little lackluster, or even if it’s doing okay, consider giving it a summer outside. You’ll likely be rewarded with a much happier, more vibrant, and baby-making machine of a plant!

Ready for a plant that brings a touch of the serene and elegant to your shady spots? Our next pick is a real beauty. Click the “Next” button below to see what’s coming up!