Spider plants are among the most popular houseplants in the UK and beyond. Known for their striking arching leaves and easy care, they are often chosen by beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Most people are used to seeing them indoors, gracing windowsills, shelves and hanging baskets. Yet a common question arises for those who enjoy gardening in outdoor spaces. Can spider plants live outside, and if so, under what conditions will they thrive? Exploring this question involves understanding the natural origins of spider plants, the requirements they have for light, temperature, water and soil, and the risks and benefits of keeping them outside.
The natural habitat of spider plants
Spider plants, scientifically known as Chlorophytum comosum, originate from the coastal regions of South Africa. In their native environment, they grow in warm, humid conditions with plenty of indirect light. The climate is relatively mild compared to the seasonal extremes of the UK, which explains why spider plants are commonly kept indoors in temperate regions. They are adapted to environments where temperatures rarely fall near freezing, and their fleshy roots help them withstand short dry periods. Understanding their natural background helps explain the challenges of keeping them outside in a British garden.
Temperature requirements
Perhaps the most critical factor in deciding whether spider plants can live outdoors is temperature. These plants prefer warm conditions, ideally between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. They can tolerate temperatures slightly lower or higher for short periods, but prolonged exposure below 10 degrees can cause damage. Frost is especially dangerous, as the water stored in their fleshy roots and leaves can freeze, causing cells to rupture. In the UK, where frosts are common between autumn and spring, spider plants cannot be left outside year round. They may, however, be moved outdoors during the warmer months and brought back inside before the first frost.
Light preferences outdoors
Spider plants indoors often benefit from bright but indirect sunlight. When placed outside, they can receive much stronger light levels than they are accustomed to indoors. Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch the leaves, leaving brown patches and damaging the plant’s appearance. However, too much shade will prevent healthy growth and reduce the number of baby spiderettes the plant produces. The ideal outdoor location is somewhere with dappled shade, such as under a tree canopy, or on a shaded patio where the plant receives morning sun and protection from the midday glare. This balance mimics the filtered light of their natural habitat.
Watering considerations
Outdoors, spider plants are subject to natural rainfall as well as manual watering. They prefer soil that is moist but well drained, and they dislike being waterlogged. Their thick, fleshy roots store water, which helps them withstand short dry spells, but prolonged drought can cause the leaves to wilt and turn brown at the tips. Equally, too much water can lead to root rot. If spider plants are grown outside in containers, they should have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. During wetter seasons in the UK, especially in autumn, the risk of waterlogging is high, making it another reason to bring the plants inside before conditions become too damp and cold.
Soil conditions in the garden
When spider plants are grown in pots, the soil can be controlled by using compost or a mixture designed for houseplants. If planted directly into garden soil, their survival depends on the soil type. Heavy clay soils that retain water are unsuitable, as they increase the likelihood of root rot. Sandy or loamy soils with good drainage are better, though the temperature and frost risks remain. For this reason, most UK gardeners choose to keep spider plants in containers outdoors, which allows them to be moved easily when conditions change.
Pests and diseases outside
Indoors, spider plants are relatively resistant to pests, though they can occasionally suffer from problems like aphids, mealybugs or spider mites. Outdoors, the range of potential pests increases. Slugs and snails may chew on the leaves, especially in damp gardens, while aphids can gather on the tender shoots. Birds or other animals may also peck at the plant out of curiosity. While these pests are usually not fatal to spider plants, they can weaken growth and reduce the decorative value of the plant. Regular checks and prompt treatment can keep problems under control. Diseases are rare, but overwatering outdoors can create fungal issues.
Seasonal care in the UK
In the UK climate, spider plants are best treated as temporary outdoor plants during the warmer seasons. They can be placed outside from late spring to early autumn when the risk of frost has passed. Throughout summer, they can thrive outdoors if provided with the right light and water balance. As temperatures drop in autumn, they should be brought indoors before night frosts occur, usually around October. Keeping an eye on weather forecasts helps prevent accidental exposure to freezing temperatures, which can kill the plant quickly. Some gardeners move spider plants back and forth multiple times each year, allowing them to benefit from outdoor air and light while avoiding cold damage.
Benefits of keeping spider plants outside
There are advantages to letting spider plants spend time outdoors. The stronger natural light can encourage vigorous growth and the production of more baby plants. Air circulation outside is generally better than indoors, reducing the risk of stagnant air and fungal growth. Rainwater, when it falls, is also better for spider plants than tap water, as it does not contain added chemicals such as chlorine or fluoride that can cause leaf tip browning. Outdoor living can make spider plants healthier, provided they are not exposed to extreme conditions.
Risks of keeping spider plants outside
The risks, however, should not be ignored. Frost, strong winds, heavy rainfall and direct sunlight can all cause damage. A sudden cold snap in spring or autumn can kill a plant left unprotected outdoors. Containers may dry out faster outside, requiring more frequent watering. Outdoor pests such as slugs can cause cosmetic damage. Additionally, spider plants placed on the ground can sometimes be disturbed by pets or wildlife. For these reasons, outdoor care requires more attention and adaptability than keeping spider plants indoors, where conditions are stable.
Using spider plants in outdoor design
Some gardeners enjoy incorporating spider plants into their outdoor displays during summer. Their arching leaves and cascading plantlets look attractive in hanging baskets on patios or balconies. They can also be placed in mixed containers with other shade loving plants, such as ferns and impatiens. Using them outdoors in this way adds variety and a tropical feel to gardens. However, since they are not frost hardy, they must be regarded as temporary outdoor features rather than permanent garden plants in the UK.
Overwintering spider plants
To keep spider plants alive long term, overwintering indoors is essential in the UK. Before bringing them inside, it is a good idea to check for pests and remove any damaged leaves. Once inside, they should be placed in a bright spot away from draughts. Reducing watering during winter prevents root rot, as growth slows during this period. By treating spider plants as indoor houseplants for the colder months and outdoor plants for the summer, gardeners can enjoy the best of both worlds without exposing the plants to fatal conditions.
Comparisons with other tender plants
Spider plants are not alone in being moved in and out of the house seasonally. Many gardeners treat pelargoniums, fuchsias and citrus trees in the same way, placing them outside in summer and bringing them in during winter. This method reflects the adaptability of British gardeners, who often enjoy growing tender species not naturally suited to the local climate. With careful management, spider plants can become part of this seasonal rotation, thriving outside for part of the year but always protected during the colder months.
Conclusion
So, can spider plants live outside? The answer is yes, but only under certain conditions. They cannot survive year-round outdoors in the UK, as frost and cold temperatures are too harsh. However, during the warmer months they can thrive outside if given dappled light, well drained soil and protection from extremes of weather. Many gardeners successfully move them outside each summer, allowing them to benefit from fresh air, natural light and rainwater, before bringing them back inside for winter. By treating spider plants as tender perennials and managing their environment carefully, it is possible to enjoy their beauty both indoors and outdoors, ensuring they remain healthy and vibrant for many years.
