Where to Buy Spider Plants Online and in Local Stores

Last Updated on November 5, 2026 by D. Ruddy

A spider plant is one of the easiest houseplants to keep alive, but where to buy spider plants can affect the price, health, and variety you bring home. You can find them at local nurseries, big-box stores, grocery chains, and online shops. This guide shows you the best places to buy spider plants, what to check before you pay, and how to avoid common buying mistakes.

It also covers costs, pet safety, and how to care for your new plant after purchase. Whether you want a common green variety or a rare curly type, you have more options than you think.

You can buy spider plants at local nurseries, garden centers, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, grocery stores, and online sellers like Etsy, The Sill, and Logee’s. Local nurseries often have the healthiest plants, while online shops offer rare varieties like Bonnie and Zebra.

Why Spider Plants Are Worth Buying

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are popular for good reason. They tolerate low light, forgive missed waterings, and produce baby plants called offsets or pups that you can pot for free.

They also rank among the best air-purifying houseplants. According to the EPA, indoor air pollutant levels can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels. NASA’s Clean Air Study found that spider plants can remove formaldehyde and xylene from indoor air.

That makes them a smart choice for bedrooms, offices, and living rooms.

Another plus: they are safe for pets. According to the ASPCA, spider plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs. You can place them on a low shelf without worrying about serious poisoning.

• Low maintenance: They survive in bright indirect light or partial shade.
• Fast growth: Mature plants send out runners with babies within months.
• Air cleaning: NASA’s Clean Air Study listed them as a top performer.
• Pet friendly: ASPCA lists them as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Affordable: Small plants often cost less than a coffee and sandwich.
• Variety: You can find green, variegated, curly, and compact types.

These traits make spider plants a great first houseplant for beginners and a reliable choice for experienced collectors. You get a lot of plant for very little money.

Where to Buy Spider Plants in Local Stores

Local stores are often the fastest way to buy a spider plant. You can inspect the leaves, check the soil, and bring it home the same day without shipping stress.

Start with independent nurseries and garden centers. They usually carry healthy plants and can answer questions about light, water, and repotting. Staff at these shops often know the exact variety they sell.

Big-box stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart sell spider plants at low prices. Grocery stores such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods sometimes stock small pots near the floral section. IKEA also sells affordable houseplants in many locations.

Call ahead before you drive. Popular varieties sell out fast, especially in spring and early summer. Ask if they have Bonnie, Zebra, or curly spider plants in stock.

Tip: Visit local nurseries on weekday mornings. You get first pick of fresh shipments and fewer crowds.

• Inspect leaves for brown tips, spots, or sticky residue.
• Check the drainage holes for roots poking out.
• Look under leaves for pests like spider mites or mealybugs.
• Ask when the plant arrived and how often it gets watered.
• Choose a plant with several babies if you want to propagate.

Where to Buy Spider Plants Online

Online shopping gives you access to rare varieties and specialty growers. You can order a spider plant from a nursery across the country and have it shipped to your door.

Etsy is a popular marketplace for houseplants. Independent sellers list rooted babies, mature plants, and rare cultivars. Read reviews and check shop policies before you buy.

Specialty nurseries like Logee’s, Pistils Nursery, and The Sill sell healthy spider plants with detailed care instructions. Bloomscape and Lively Root also ship houseplants in protective packaging.

Amazon and Walmart online carry spider plants from third-party sellers. Prices vary, and quality depends on the seller. Facebook Marketplace and local plant swap groups can connect you with neighbors selling cuttings for a few dollars.

• Etsy: Best for rare varieties and rooted babies.
• Logee’s: Great for unusual cultivars and expert shipping.
• The Sill: Good for beginners who want care guides.
• Bloomscape: Strong packaging and larger plants.
• Amazon: Convenient but check seller ratings.
• Facebook Marketplace: Cheap local pickup and trades.
• Plant swap groups: Free or low-cost offsets from local growers.

Always check shipping temperatures and delivery times. Extreme heat or cold can damage a plant in transit. Many sellers offer heat packs or cold packs for an extra fee.

Important: Ask the seller if the plant is shipped bare-root or in its pot. Bare-root plants need immediate potting when they arrive.

Best Online Nurseries and Marketplaces Compared

Not every online seller is equal. Some specialize in rare houseplants, while others focus on fast shipping and low prices. The table below compares the most reliable options.

Read the fine print before you order. Some nurseries ship only on certain days to avoid weekend delays. Others offer a guarantee if the plant arrives damaged.

Check the seller’s reviews for mentions of root rot, pests, or crushed packaging. A few minutes of research can save you from a disappointing purchase.

Tip: Order in spring or fall when temperatures are mild. Shipping stress is lowest during these seasons.

How Much Do Spider Plants Cost

Spider plant prices depend on size, variety, and where you shop. You can pay as little as $3 for a small starter or over $50 for a large hanging basket.

Rare varieties like Bonnie, Zebra, and curly spider plants cost more. Common green spider plants are the cheapest and easiest to find.

• Free options: Ask friends or local plant groups for babies.
• Best value: Buy a 4-inch pot and grow it into a large plant.
• Shipping costs: Add $8-$20 for online orders.
• Seasonal sales: Nurseries discount plants in late summer.
• Pot included: Some sellers charge more for decorative pots.

According to the National Gardening Survey, more than 18 million U.S. households took up indoor gardening in a recent year. That demand keeps prices competitive, especially for common varieties.

Warning: A very cheap plant from a clearance rack may have pests or root rot. Inspect it closely before you buy.

What to Look for When Buying a Spider Plant

A healthy spider plant saves you money and frustration. Sick plants often spread pests to your other houseplants. Use this checklist before you pay.

• Leaves: Look for solid green or evenly variegated leaves with no brown tips.
• Pests: Check under leaves for webbing, white fuzz, or tiny moving specks.
• Roots: Healthy roots are white or light tan and firm. Avoid mushy or dark roots.
• Soil: The soil should be moist but not soggy. Dry, cracked soil means neglect.
• Babies: Runners with pups show the plant is mature and thriving.
• Pot: The pot should have drainage holes. No holes means root rot risk.
• Shape: A full, symmetrical plant is stronger than a lopsided one.

Ask the seller about the plant’s light and water routine. A sudden change in care can shock a spider plant after you bring it home.

A few minutes of inspection can save you weeks of plant care problems. Healthy spider plants bounce back quickly from the move to your home.

Buying Spider Plants for Pets and Kids

Spider plants are a safe choice for homes with cats, dogs, and young children. According to the ASPCA, spider plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs. That makes them far safer than many popular houseplants.

Cats sometimes chew on the leaves because they enjoy the texture. The plant is not poisonous, but heavy chewing can give a cat an upset stomach. Keep hanging baskets out of reach if your cat is determined.

• Non-toxic: ASPCA lists spider plants as safe for cats and dogs.
• Child friendly: No toxic sap or sharp thorns.
• Low risk: Mild stomach upset only if eaten in large amounts.
• Air quality: NASA’s Clean Air Study found they remove indoor pollutants.
• Easy care: Kids can help water and propagate babies.

Place spider plants on shelves, in hanging baskets, or on plant stands. This keeps leaves clean and reduces accidental chewing. Teach children to wash their hands after handling soil.

Tip: Give your cat a pot of wheatgrass or catnip if they keep nibbling your spider plant. It redirects their attention.

Propagating Spider Plants Instead of Buying

Spider plants produce babies on long runners. You can root these offsets in water or soil and grow new plants for free. This is one of the easiest propagation projects for beginners.

1. Find a baby with small roots or root nubs on the runner.
2. Snip the runner close to the baby with clean scissors.
3. Place the baby in a glass of water or directly in moist potting mix.
4. Keep the water fresh or the soil lightly moist.
5. Wait two to four weeks for roots to grow.
6. Plant the rooted baby in a small pot with drainage holes.
7. Water gently and place in bright indirect light.

Water propagation lets you watch roots form, which is fun for kids. Soil propagation skips the transplant shock and often grows faster.

Important: Use filtered or distilled water for propagation. Tap water chemicals can slow root growth.

You can also divide a large spider plant at the roots. This gives you two or three plants from one pot. Do this in spring when the plant is actively growing.

Common Mistakes When Buying Spider Plants

Even easy plants can go wrong at the buying stage. A few common mistakes lead to pests, root rot, and wasted money.

• Buying from a clearance rack: Cheap plants often have hidden pests or disease.
• Skipping the root check: Mushy roots mean rot that may not show on leaves.
• Ignoring light needs: Spider plants need bright indirect light, not deep shade.
• Overwatering right away: New plants need time to adjust before heavy watering.
• Using a pot without drainage: Trapped water kills roots fast.
• Buying during extreme weather: Shipping stress can kill a plant in transit.
• Not isolating new plants: Pests can spread to your entire collection.

Isolate any new spider plant for at least two weeks. Watch for pests and unusual leaf changes. This simple step protects your other houseplants.

Warning: Never buy a plant with black, mushy stems or a sour smell. Root rot is hard to reverse and can spread.

Read care labels and ask questions. A good seller will tell you the plant’s light, water, and fertilizer needs. If they cannot answer basic questions, shop elsewhere.

Caring for Your Spider Plant After You Buy It

Your new spider plant needs a gentle transition. Place it in bright, indirect light away from direct sun. Direct sun can scorch the leaves and cause brown tips.

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Spider plants store water in their thick roots, so they handle drought better than soggy soil. Use a pot with drainage holes and empty the saucer after watering.

Trim brown tips with clean scissors. Brown tips often come from tap water chemicals or low humidity. Filtered water and a pebble tray can help.

Important: Wait two weeks before fertilizing a new plant. It needs time to adjust to its new home first.

With basic care, your spider plant will grow quickly and produce babies. You can share those babies with friends or trade them for other houseplants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to buy a spider plant?

Independent nurseries and garden centers are often the best places because the plants are healthy and the staff can answer care questions. Big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer lower prices, but you should inspect the plant carefully for pests and root rot.

Can I buy spider plants online safely?

Yes, you can buy spider plants online from reputable sellers like Logee’s, The Sill, and Etsy shops with strong reviews. Choose a seller who ships with protective packaging and offers a damage guarantee. Order during mild weather to reduce shipping stress.

How much should I pay for a spider plant?

Common spider plants usually cost between $5 and $25 for a 4-inch to 6-inch pot. Rare cultivars like Bonnie or Zebra can cost $25 to $80. You can often get babies for free from friends or local plant swap groups.

Are spider plants safe to buy for homes with cats?

Yes, spider plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. Cats may still chew the leaves and get a mild stomach upset, so hanging baskets or high shelves are a good idea. The plant is a much safer choice than many other houseplants.

How do I know if a spider plant is healthy when buying?

Look for firm, evenly colored leaves with no brown tips or spots. Check under the leaves for pests and inspect the drainage holes for healthy white roots. Avoid plants with mushy stems, soggy soil, or a sour smell.

Final Thoughts

You can buy spider plants at local nurseries, big-box stores, grocery chains, and trusted online sellers. Focus on healthy leaves, firm roots, and a pot with drainage. With basic care, your spider plant will thrive and produce babies you can share for years.