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INDOORPLANTCARE
Outdoor guide · Spider Plant

Can a Spider Plant Live Outside?

Yes — in summer only. Yes — spider plants love being outdoors in summer and often produce more baby plantlets outside. They tolerate partial sun once acclimated. Bring inside when nights drop below 50°F. In zones 9–11, they grow as outdoor groundcover or in hanging baskets year-round.
Year-round outdoor zones
9–11
Minimum night temperature
50°F. Lower temperatures damage the tuberous roots.

Moving your Spider Plant outside for summer

Place in a partially shaded outdoor spot — dappled light under a tree, north-facing porch, or covered patio. Hanging baskets are classic because the cascading babies look dramatic outdoors. Spider plants tolerate more humidity outdoors than indoors.

Sun acclimation

Acclimate to morning sun over 2 weeks: 1 hour day 1, increase by 30 min daily until 3 hours of morning sun. Spider plants cannot handle full afternoon sun — leaves bleach to pale yellow.

When to bring your Spider Plant back inside

Bring inside when overnight lows drop below 55°F. Trim any damaged leaves before bringing in. Spider plants tolerate the transition well — expect a couple weeks of slow growth as they readjust.

Common mistakes

Direct afternoon sun (bleached pale leaves). Watering with cold hose water on hot summer days (shocks the roots). Not inspecting for slugs and snails before bringing back inside (especially with hanging plants left outside in fall rain).

Botanical reference: NC State Extension — Chlorophytum comosum. USDA zone reference: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

For full Spider Plant care indoors, see the Spider Plant care guide. Or learn where to place Spider Plant indoors.