8 Spider Plant Benefits

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are native to tropical and Southern Africa; they are nearly impossible to kill. These fast-growing, fun plants also boast many additional benefits, from purifying the air in your home to being pet- and kid-safe.

Spider plants have numerous benefits. The benefits are endless; among them, they contribute to the production of oxygen and the purification of the air in the home and office by absorbing carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene. A single spider plant can filter a room of 200 square feet.

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) can absorb toxins in the air, including formaldehyde, styrene, carbon monoxide, and benzene. Let’s delve deeper into the benefits that this plant offers.

Related: 8 Plants That Look Like Spider Plants

Spider Plant Benefits To Humans

Spider plants are low-maintenance plants that need a lot of light. Their benefits far out way their requirements. Here are some benefits that the spider plant offers;

1. Spider Plants Purify The Air

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is one of the easiest air-purifying plants to grow. It is incredibly effective in removing harmful chemicals from the air, such as carbon monoxide, xylene, formaldehyde, and toluene.

According to the reports from NASA, spider plants rank quite high compared to other plants when it comes to removing a common household chemical called formaldehyde. This chemical is found in manufactured plastic products, leather goods, clothing, drapes, adhesives, wood products, and pesticides.

A test conducted in 1989 by NASA scientists determined that it outperformed nine other standard indoor air purifying plants.

2. Spider Plants Increase Humidity

The spider plant is a perennial with has a high transpiration rate. The absorption of water through its roots helps with moisture circulation through the stems and the leaves. Water that reaches the leaves will evaporate into the air and increase the humidity.

Place a spider plant near the window, and you will notice the condensation. The water droplets that remain after this plant has been watered provide humidity for up to 12 hours. Spider plants often have many leaves that provide shade over hot areas, reducing moisture loss in summer.

3. Spider Plants Add To The Aesthetics Of The Home

With dense, green, or white rosette of long thin arched leaves, the spider plant will add character and charm to any home. Commonly used in Victorian–style households, the leaves’ variegation makes the plant appear bold and beautiful.

Hanging the spider plant from the ceiling is sure to add to the aesthetics of any home or office space. The plant eludes charisma and charm and will contribute to the ambiance of any room.

4. Spider Plants Are Edible

There are very few plants that you can eat without them causing harm to your body; this is one box that spider plants will tick as they are in no way poisonous. The great news is that both the roots and the leaves are edible. Their benefits extend far beyond just being used in a salad.

Spider plants are the perfect choice for a side dish. The mild flavor of the spider plants also makes them the perfect accompaniment in green smoothies, stir-fries, egg bakes, lasagna casserole recipes, and more.

5. Spider Plants Are Therapeutic

With the world’s stresses, we could all do with some therapy now and again. Studies showed that adding spider plants in hospital wards contributed to reducing stress levels in patients. It was pretty amazing to note within two weeks, there had been a significant reduction of cortisol levels and mood improvement amongst the patients.

Spider plants are therapeutic because they assist with the reduction of depression, anxiety, tension and are even known to help with anger. They also help eliminate toxins by creating a healthy living environment. Indoor spider plants increase the humidity in the room, which helps prevent colds, sore throats, and coughs.

The next time you have a loved one in a hospital, opt for a spider plant instead of sending them flowers. It won’t just cheer them up, but it might also increase their recovery period.

6. Spider Plants Help Clear Airborne Irritants

The allergen removal ability of spider plants is beneficial to people who suffer from allergies or hay fever. The plant fairs exceptionally well when it comes to removing allergens in the air, including dust mites, pollen, and pet dander.

Removing these toxins from the air will reduce the production of allergies. The spider plant is a good air purifier for the smallest airborne pollutants. These airborne particles are so small that most air purifiers and scrubbers fail to remove them effectively.

7. Spider Plants Can Absorb Ozone From The Air

Ozone is composed of 3 different oxygen atoms, water vapor, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur oxide. It is advisable not to breathe in high concentrations of this gas for long periods, harming human health. The absorption of ozone into water droplets will cause it to break down, making it less harmful to humans.

The ability of spider plants to breathe through their leaves is the reason they can absorb ozone from the air. Their porous structure also allows for gas exchange. Ozone can negatively affect spider plants by causing brown spots on the plant’s leaves, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.

When introducing spider plants to your home, ensure that they have been grown in an ozone-free environment. Growing up in an ozone-free environment will help the plant build tolerance for harmful gases and help acclimatize themselves to the environment.

8. Spider Plants Are Low Maintenance

The name of the spider plant is derived from spider-like leaves. These leaves droop from the mother plant like spiders on a web. The spider plant is known to bring good luck in the eastern culture.

Spider plants are low-maintenance plants. They make great housemates. Thriving on neglect, they can adapt to various climatic conditions. They don’t mind the occasional under or overwatering. Spider plants grow well in both low light and sunlight.

Are Spider Plants Safe For Children And Pets?

Spider plants are perfect indoor plants making them safe around children and pets. Spider plants don’t emit any harmful toxins. Due to their high oxygen production capabilities, they are ideal for any pet environment.

The Society for Animal Cruelty in America (ASPCA) states that the spider plant is non-toxic for pets. No matter how safe a plant may seem, the side effects when eaten may vary according to the child and pet’s immunities.

The spider plant contains chemical compounds related to opium, which may give the pet or a child an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea if eaten.

Conclusion

Apart from the fantastic benefits, the spider plant looks very appealing as a houseplant. The spiderettes that outgrow from the mother plant and dangle down the pot enhance the beauty of the plant and make it look even more attractive. You would rarely find a plant with both beauty and benefits all in one.

As gardeners, we have to take care of our plants, how often can we expect the same from them? In the case of the spider plant, there seems to be a mutual benefit. Invest in taking care of the spider plant, and it will return the favor.