While variegated spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are easily found in nurseries and plant shops, the Hawaiian spider plants are a bit more difficult to find. Characterized by their non-variegated green leaves with a subtle golden stripe down the middle, these plants are a true joy to grow in the home.
I inherited a Hawaiian spider plant many years ago, and the mother plant has been thriving happily despite the wide range of conditions I have put it through. These plants are very popular with pet owners and new plant parents, as it is one of the easiest indoor plants to keep.
Hawaiian spider plants are unfussy about the humidity levels in the home, and they’re a popular choice for impatient gardeners that enjoy seeing new growth on a regular basis.
Hawaiian spider plant vs. spider plant
Plant care for the Hawaiian spider plant is not much different than the variegated spider plant (shown above) or the curly spider plant varieties. They look beautiful in a hanging basket, and continue to be a popular houseplant in homes everywhere.
Hawaiian spider plants look very similar to other varieties, but their leaves are a bit different. From afar, they may appear to be solid green. But, if you look closely, you’ll notice the Hawaiian spider plant has a very subtle orange/yellow center.
Depending on the light, the stripe down the center may appear brighter across different plants. It is not uncommon to confuse this plant with a different variety. The (mostly) solid green leaves set these plants apart from other varieties.
Hawaiian spider plant humidity requirements
Spider plants are pretty unfussy and do not require high humidity like some other house plants. While they will certainly appreciate a boost in humidity when possible, it’s not worth overthinking their conditions. If you are comfortable with the humidity level in your home, chances are, your spider plant will be comfortable as well.
Tip: Be sure to keep the plant away from hot or cold drafts, as the leaves can be sensitive to the temperature fluctuations. You may notice the tips of the leaves burning if your spider plant is placed too close to a draft.
Hawaiian spider plant light requirements
The Hawaiian spider plant prefers bright indirect light. This is one plant that will do very well with just a few hours of light a day. Too much bright light can scorch and burn the leaves.
You’ll notice pretty quickly if your plant is unhappy in it’s current light conditions, as the leaves will turn pale and they may dry out and fall off. If these symptoms start creeping up, relocate your spider plant to indirect sunlight.
If you notice your spider plant is not growing or thriving, it may need more light. These plants will also do well in a North-facing window, as long as they are placed directly in front of the window (and not several feet back). For this reason, they make a great hanging plant for these areas.
Hawaiian spider plant soil and watering
Your spider plant will be happiest in a well-draining soil. You don’t need to provide it with anything fancy. A simple potting mix with some perlite or pumice added for drainage will work just fine. You can also add in some earthworm castings or horticultural charcoal.
Spider plants can be sensitive to tap water, and horticultural charcoal can help remove impurities that may be in your water. If possible, I suggest watering your Hawaiian spider plant with filtered or distilled water. If you notice brown leaf tips forming, it may be a sign that your plant is sensitive to the water you are using.
Allow the first few inches of soil to dry out between watering. Too much water can lead to root rot or fungus gnats taking over.
It’s also important that your spider plant’s pot has a drainage hole to allow excess water to freely run through. Adding rocks to the bottom of the pot is not an effective means of drainage. Read this guide to learn all about how to properly water your houseplants.
Hawaiian spider plant propagation
All spider plants are incredibly easy to propagate. The parent plant puts out small white flowers along with “baby plants” sometimes referred to as “spiderettes”. These small plantlets can be plopped into a vase of fresh water and propagated very quickly.
Be sure to choose a spider plant baby that has decent roots beginning to establish. You may decide to keep growing your Hawaiian spider plant strictly in water, or relocate it to soil after roots have established. You can also place the spider plant baby in fresh soil or perlite for propagation.
How to make a spider plant bushier
Many people group their spider plant babies together into one pot for a bushier plant. Then, they’ll grow together and form a more full plant. It’s also important to fertilize your spider plant to support strong leafy growth.
As long as your spider plant is growing, you should fertilize it. I suggest at minimum fertilizing your spider plant once a month during the growing season, and once every two months during the winter months.
If you live in an area with shorter days in general, you can stick to feeding once every two months. You can use a liquid fertilizer such as Dyna Gro foliage, or a slow release fertilizer mixed into your soil.
Hawaiian spider plants, as well as curly spider plants, are one of my favorites to keep in the home. With the right conditions, they’ll thrive in your living space even if you don’t have a green thumb.
They make a great hanging plant in a living room, kitchen, or bathroom. And, they stay healthy to add some greenery in the cold winter months.