How to Grow and Care for Spider plant

Spider plant, also known as Airplane plant, Ribbon plant, Spider ivy, Hen and chickens, St. Bernard's lily

Spider plant is recognized for its hardiness and adaptability, making it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners. A critical care point for spider plant is to ensure it receives bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Overwatering is a common mistake; spider plant prefers to dry out between waterings. Consistent moisture without waterlogging promotes healthy growth.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Spider plant

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Partial sun
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	All year round
Hardiness Zones	9-12

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Varieties of Spider plant

Chlorophytum Comosum ‘Ocean’

Chlorophytum Comosum ‘Ocean’ is cultivated from the Spider plant genus. It has wide, shorter variegated leaves, which sets it apart from other plants in the family. Its unique foliage and star-shaped white flowers make the cultivar a popular houseplant.

Spider plant 'White Lightning'

Spider plant 'White Lightning' is a striking variegated version of the classic spider plant. Its long, arching leaves are green with white edges, creating a unique appeal. This easy-to-care-for plant is great for beginners and makes an excellent hanging or trailing addition to any indoor garden.

Spider plant 'Vittatum'

You could excuse yourself for accidentally mistaking the spider plant 'Vittatum' with its very close cultivar-cousin, Chlorophytum comosum 'Vittatum'. Both are spider plant 'Vittatum' cultivars with variegated (two-toned) leaves. Spider plant 'Vittatum', though, is distinguished by sporting a thick white or cream stripe down its middle, while having dark green along its edges. This cultivar is also the larger of the two similar-looking plants. The variegated leaves can help brighten up shady areas in the garden.

Spider plant 'Atlantic'

Spider plant 'Atlantic' is a spider plant cultivar with swordlike, cascading leaves that have a green base and white central stripe. This cultivar was probably named for the ocean of the same name. Gardeners often use this cultivar in miniature gardens or small spaces.

Curly spider plant

Like several other popular curly spider plant cultivars, the Chlorophytum comosum 'Bonnie' sports variegated leaves; its two-toned fronds are whitish or yellowish in their middles with dark green on their edges. What sets this cultivar apart is the size and shape of its leaves. Unlike other curly spider plants, which sport long, gently curved leaves, the Chlorophytum comosum 'Bonnie' has short, highly curved leaves that can even become swirly (especially when young).

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More General Info About Spider plant

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Spider plant is distinguished by its slender, arching foliage, typically showcasing a vibrant green hue with a bold, central white stripe. The leaves are quite lengthy, stretching to about 16 inches (40 cm). Remarkably, spider plant propagates via long, thin stolons, from which small plantlets and inconspicuous flowers emerge, giving it a distinctive appearance reminiscent of a cascading fountain. These stolons can extend well beyond the main body of the plant, often reaching lengths of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm).