Chlorophytum comosum

Common Names

Spider Plant, Airplane Plant, Ribbon Plant, Spider Ivy, St. Bernard's Lily

Summary

Spider Plant, Chlorophytum comosum, is native to Southern Africa and grown worldwide as a popular houseplant, forming rosettes of long arching leaves that are green or green with white stripes; long stolons bear plantlets at the ends, creating a cascading display ideal for hanging baskets. Varieties include Vittatum (green leaves with a central white stripe) and Variegatum (green leaves with white margins).

For culture, bright indirect light is preferred though low light is tolerated; use well-draining soil and keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; typical indoor temperatures around 18–24°C (65–75°F) with moderate humidity; water more during the growing season and less in winter; use rainwater or distilled water to avoid leaf-tip browning from fluoride; propagation is easy via plantlets on long stolons that can be rooted in soil or water; repot every 2 years or when needed; non-toxic to humans and pets; valued for air-purifying properties; commonly grown in hanging baskets and used to brighten indoor spaces.

Lifecycle

Annual in colder regions, Perennial in warmer zones

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Sun; Partial Shade is also suitable

Soil Type

Well-draining, organic-rich potting mix

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil, light and airy yet able to retain some moisture, such as a peat moss with perlite and vermiculite mix or fast-draining potting mix with sand or perlite to ensure good drainage, avoid heavy soils that retain too much water.

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Foliage Color

Green, often variegated with white or yellow stripes.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering