Plant comparison
Snake plant vs Spider plant
Two near-unkillable starter plants — the drought-proof one and the pet-safe one.
| Snake plant | Spider plant | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Dracaena trifasciata | Chlorophytum comosum |
| Light | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) |
| Water | When the soil is bone dry, every 2-3 weeks | When the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days |
| Soil | Free-draining cactus or succulent mix | Standard potting compost |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 15-27°C (60-80°F) | 15-24°C (60-75°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) | 9-11 (outdoors in mild climates, indoors elsewhere) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H2 (tender, indoor or summer outdoors) |
| Mature size | 60-120 cm tall indoors | 30-45 cm tall, plantlets trailing up to 60 cm |
| Growth habit | Upright rhizomatous evergreen | Clumping evergreen that produces dangling plantlets |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Toxic to pets | Pet-safe |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Snake plant — Snake plant if you prefer its upright rhizomatous evergreen habit at 60-120 cm tall indoors indoors.
- Choose Spider plant — Spider plant if pets share your home — it is non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), while Snake plant is toxic to pets.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Snake plant care and Spider plant care. For pet-safety detail see Snake plant and Spider plant.
Snake plant vs Spider plant — frequently asked questions
Is Snake plant the same as Spider plant?
No — Snake plant is Dracaena trifasciata and Spider plant is Chlorophytum comosum. Two near-unkillable starter plants — the drought-proof one and the pet-safe one. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, snake plant or spider plant?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Snake plant wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and to be watered when the soil is bone dry, every 2-3 weeks. Spider plant wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and watering when the top 2 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is snake plant or spider plant safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Snake plant is toxic to pets and Spider plant is pet-safe. Spider plant is the pet-safer choice.
How big do snake plant and spider plant get indoors?
Snake plant matures to 60-120 cm tall indoors, with a upright rhizomatous evergreen habit. Spider plant reaches 30-45 cm tall, plantlets trailing up to 60 cm, clumping evergreen that produces dangling plantlets. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can snake plant and spider plant live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. Snake plant needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window); Spider plant needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.