If you’re a fan of the graceful, arching foliage of spider plants but want to branch out, you’re in luck. Many houseplants share a similar vibe with their long strappy leaves and easygoing nature.

While no two plants are exactly alike these 8 options can be great alternatives or companions to classic spider plants. Read on to discover their care needs and how to tell them apart.

1. Flax Lily

With its slender grassy foliage flax lily (Dianella tasmanica) bears a strong resemblance to spider plants visually. However, it belongs to the entirely different Asphodelaceae family while spider plants are in the Asparagaceae clan.

Unlike the spider plant, flax lily produces small blue berries and tiny purple flowers. It also has a branching, clumping growth habit rather than the spider plant’s arching leaves on thin stems radiating from a central crown.

Flax lily thrives in bright, indirect light and moderately moist soil. Water whenever the top inch becomes dry. It can tolerate a bit more neglect than spider plants in lower light and drier conditions. But you’ll get the healthiest growth in a spot near an east-facing window.

2. Dragon Tree

Towering, spear-shaped leaves make dragon trees (Dracaena species) statement-making alternatives to Spider plants. Their strappy leaves look similar but they are much larger and stiffer. Popular varieties include dragon tree, corn plant, and lucky bamboo.

Dragon trees are slower growing than spider plants but can reach heights of 4-6 feet indoors. All varieties require bright, indirect light. Water whenever the soil feels dry an inch below the surface. Take care not to overwater, as they are prone to root rot in soggy soil.

3. Air Plants

Air plants like bromeliads provide a fun, modern contrast to traditional potted spider plants. Mount them on driftwood, display them in glass terrariums, or nestle them into decorative bowls.

With no soil needed, air plants are epiphytes that absorb moisture and nutrients through scales on their leaves. Mist air plants 2-3 times a week and soak them in water for 30 minutes every 1-2 weeks.

Bright, indirect light keeps air plants happy. Avoid direct sun which can scorch their leaves. Popular air plant choices include Tillandsia ionantha, T. xerographica, and T. streptophylla.

4. Cast Iron Plant

Nearly indestructible cast iron plants (Aspidistra elatior) have dark green, lance-shaped leaves that bear a resemblance to spider plants. But with a much shorter stature, rarely exceeding 2 feet in height.

Cast iron plants thrive on neglect and will tolerate deep shade, irregular watering, dry air, and poor soil. In fact, overwatering is the most common way to kill this tough-as-nails plant. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

5. Purple Waffle Plant

For spectacular color, add a purple waffle plant (Hemigraphis alternate) to your indoor garden. Its purple-hued leaves pair perfectly with the variegated varieties of spider plants.

Purple waffle plants love heat and humidity. Avoid drafty areas. To encourage bushy growth, pinch off stem tips regularly. Water whenever the soil dries out.

Within its preferred growing conditions, waffle plants are faster growing than spider plants. You can easily root stem cuttings in water to make new plants.

6. Parlour Palm

Parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is often sold in stores mixed in with spider plants due to their similar skinny foliage. But they are actually a compact tropical palm. The parlour palm has a smooth stem and leaves growing in clusters while spider plants grow in rosettes.

Parlour palms stay under 4 feet tall when grown indoors. Water whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry and mist the leaves regularly to boost humidity. Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch their fronds.

7. Emerald Ripple Peperomia

For anyone bored with plain green foliage, Peperomia caperata offers heart-shaped leaves in a deep emerald color. It stays under 8 inches tall but spreads horizontally across the soil surface.

Peperomia caperata thrives in moderate to bright, indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings but not completely. High humidity encourages the best growth. Pinch off spent flower spikes as they appear.

8. Friendship Plant

The adorably named friendship plant (Pilea involucrata) displays tiny round leaves along creeping stems. The foliage resembles baby tears or angel’s tears houseplants. For fuller growth, prune the main stem back regularly to encourage bushier side shoots.

Friendship plant grows best in high humidity and indirect light. Avoid direct sun. Water whenever the soil becomes slightly dry on top, taking care not to overwater. Propagate new plants from stem cuttings rooted in water.

Time to Branch Out!

If you love spider plants but want to expand your houseplant horizons, give one of these lookalike plants a try! Their similar strappy leaves and easygoing nature make them great additions.

Just be sure to research their specific care needs, as they differ from the unfussy spider plant. With the right growing conditions and a watchful eye, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful new greenery.