Spider Plant – Chlorophytum Comosum introduction

Popularly known as the Spider Plant or Ribbon Plant, Chlorophytum comosum is an evergreen, perennial native to the African subcontinent. Starting with a spreading habit, the plant later grows upright to a height of about 30-40 cm. Chlorophytum comosum has long, narrow, strap-shaped leaves with variegation of white, arising from basal fleshy, tuberous rhizoid. Star shaped flowers are borne at the tip of long floral axis in clusters of 4-6. The name Spider Plant comes from the emergence of smaller plantlets on long trailing stems, resembling spiders. The leathery, three-lobed capsule bears black, flat seeds.

Spider Plant – Chlorophytum Comosum planting

Growing Spider Plant is a breeze for any novice gardener indoors or outdoors. With little maintenance and care, Chlorophytum comosum survives in a wide range of habitats. Potted at a height or have it in hanging baskets, the downward, leaning leaves of the Spider Plant scores a scene. An indoor Spider Plant may experience lower variegation but out shines with bright green leaves. Chlorophytum comosum can be an elegant plant for the sidewalks, in cervices of rockeries or even as ground cover planted en mass. Just be wary of its ability to spread as its pups root and it settles more territory, a characteristic that can make it weed like at times.

Spider Plant – Chlorophytum Comosum lighting and position

Bright indirect light or dappled sunlight is ideal for Chlorophytum comosum. When grown under full shade the leaf variegation is likely to be less or completely absent. Scorching bright, sunlight may cause sunburnt leaves. Indoor Spider Plant should be placed in a brightly lit spot.

Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum soil and fertilisation

Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, a well-draining loam will be the best for a happy Spider Plant. Though Chlorophytum comosum needs less feeding, occasional treatment with perlite or peat moss with help to aerate the potting mix and encourage its proper drainage.

A balanced liquid fertiliser will do, if looking for a Spider Plant feed. Apply it once a month or during the growing period to have the best of your Chlorophytum comosum. Heavy fertilisation can build up salt in the soil that can cause browning of the leaf tips and lesser plantlets. Also avoid feeding during Winter.

We recommend using our Plant Food available here. 

Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum watering

Spider Plants are a low maintenance plant but will love to have a light drizzle every day, provided the top soil be left to dry out completely before the next watering. Maintain a moist soil but avoid water-logging as it sediments salt and suffocate the fleshy roots of the Chlorophytum comosum. Spider Plants prefer fresh water over Chlorinated water but being a hardy plant it will tolerate either.

Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum propagation

The Chlorophytum comosum plantlets also known as “pups” or “spiderettes” that are formed after flowering serves as an excellent propagule. They have roots extending downward aiming to touch the soil. Pinch off these plantlets and have them planted in a separate container or in a soilless setup. Regular potting mix is fine to plant your baby Spider Plant. Place the pot under bright light but away from direct sunlight and drizzle regularly.

If you are short of plantlets, just remove the plant from the pot and using a sharp pruning knife divide the fleshy rhizome to separate clumps to plant.

Spider Plant – Chlorophytum Comosum Pruning and Maintenance

Naturally elegant Spider Plant doesn’t need much grooming to keep in shape. The plant is quite attractive if left unpruned with its bushy and cascading foliages. If you wish, trim off the decayed leaves and excess planlets.

Chlorophytum comosum is a quick grower and might need the occasional repotting to hold their thick and bushy roots.

Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum common pests and diseases

Chlorophytum comosum is generally free of any major pest attacks, other than scale insects and mealybugs that can be easily prevented by regular misting. If the condition is severe choose any organic insecticide to deal with the outbreak.

For more information on how to manage common plant pests, head to our blog here.

Overwatering, under watering, salt buildup in the soil, chlorinated water, etc can manifest with the browning of leaf tips. Check these root causes to protect the plant from dying out. Keep the Spider Plant soil dry and airy to dismiss root rot.

Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum toxicity

Spider Plants are relatively safe for your pets compared to many other indoor plant species such as Philodendrons and Pothos varieties. Moreover Chlorophytum comosum has been found to purify the indoor air by absorbing toxic gases like carbon monoxide, xylene and formaldehyde.

Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum popular varieties

Following are some of the widely cultivated Spider Plant varieties;

Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’ – Inwardly curved leaves with broad creamy-white variegation, Vittatum’ is one of the common Spider Plant varieties.

Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’ – This reversely variegated variety has thick green foliages with blue-white border on margins.

Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie Variegated’ – Variegation much similar to common Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’, the leaves shows curling similar to octopus tentacles.

Chlorophytum comosum ‘Green’ – This bright green variety lacks variegation but stuns you with its long, strap-shaped leaves mimicking lemon grass.

Spider Plant – Chlorophytum comosum Design Tips

Spider Plants are great for creating a jungle vibe with their cascading foliage and shooting pups. They are perfectly well suited for hanging baskets or a raised pot with their 360 degree growth habit and where the foliage and pups can arch below. Their striking green and white foliage can be stunning against white walls or against timber such as in Danish design. Best of all the Spider Plant is a low-maintenance plant that is fast growing and easy to propagate.