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Spider plant

How to identify Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plant, also known as Airplane plant, St. Bernard's lily, Spider ivy

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).

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Spider plant

1

Slender, arching foliage with central white stripe, up to 16 inches (40 cm) long.

2

Long, thin stolons producing small plantlets and flowers, can extend 2-3 feet (60-90 cm).

3

Small, white star-shaped flowers with six spreading tepals, blooms without scent.

4

Diminutive greenish to brown capsules, fleshy to papery texture enclosing small seeds.

5

Short, compressed stem supporting dense arching foliage, thin green stolons up to 2 feet (60 cm).

Spider plantSpider plantSpider plantSpider plantSpider plant

Detailed Traits of Spider plant

Leaf Features

The leaves of spider plant are strappy, linear to lanceolate, and resemble grass blades. They range from 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in length and are typically solid green or have white longitudinal stripes. The leaves are crowded together, sessile, and feature 12-15 nerves and a deep midrib groove. These arch back to form a fountain-like structure, giving the plant its distinctive appearance.

Leaf Shape

Linear ,
Ensiform

Spider plant Leaf Shape image
Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Attenuate

Leaf Arrangement

Rosulate

Spider plant Leaf Arrangement image
Leaf Apex

Acuminate ,
Acute

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

The flowers of spider plant are small, white, and star-shaped, measuring about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) across. They grow in loose panicles on thin inflorescence stalks that often hang down. Each flower has six spreading tepals, giving it a distinct, bright appearance. The flowers are erect to typically arching-pendulous and sometimes these stalks bear small plantlets at the nodes. Blooming predominantly in spring and summer, they have no notable scent.

Spider plant Flower imageSpider plant Flower image
Corolla Type

Rosaceous

Inflorescence Type

Fascicle ,
Raceme

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Stem Features

Spider plant features a short, compressed stem from which its leaves emerge. The stem is relatively short and thick, supporting the dense, arching foliage characteristic of this plant. Its stolons extend outwards, are thin and long, and are green in color, capable of producing both flowers and plantlets. These stolons can measure up to approximately 2 feet (60 cm) in length. The branching pattern is minimal on the main stem itself but proliferates via these stolons.

Spider plant Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of spider plant is a diminutive capsule that develops after the plant's flowering period. These capsules are typically greenish to brown in color, evolving as they mature. They possess a somewhat fleshy texture when fresh, transitioning to a drier, papery consistency as they age. Each capsule, generally several millimeters in length, encases several small, flat seeds, which are released upon the capsule's natural dehiscence. The compact size and discreet nature of the fruit make it less conspicuous, blending with the plant's overall foliage.

Fruit Type

Capsule

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Key Facts About Spider plant

Attributes of Spider plant
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
15 cm to 60 cm
Spread
30 cm to 60 cm
Leaf Color
White
Green
Variegated
Flower Size
1.6 cm to 2 cm
Flower Color
White
Fruit Color
Green
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Spider plant

Family
Asparagus
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Species
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
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Distribution Map of Spider plant

Spider plant is native to eastern Africa, naturally occurring in woodland river valleys. It has been dispersed worldwide as a popular houseplant, and has become established in a handful of new areas, including Bangladesh, Western Australia, Ecuador, and Korea.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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