Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
CHLOROPHYTUM comosum 'Variegatum'
Plant Common Name
Spider Plant, Variegated Spider Plant
General Description
The variegated spider plant is the most commonly grown form. It has attractive thin strap-like leaves of green edged with white. The plants are tender, but vigorous and prolific.
Chlorophytum cosmosum is indigenous to South Africa. It is a clump-forming tender perennial that’s primarily cultivated as an annual or houseplant. Spider plant spreads slowly by thick rhizomes (underground stems) that are easily divided. Its grassy strap-like leaves are delicate, green and white-edged. Mature plants produce long stems topped with branched spikes of small translucent white flowers. Plantlets that resemble baby spiders also appear along the arching floral stems. These can easily be removed and planted to produce new spider plants.
This tropical prefers partial sun or diffused light and fertile, well-drained soil. Bright full sun will result in leaf burn. Enjoy it as an easy-to-grow houseplant, in outdoor containers or as a groundcover in frost-free climates.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
10"-16" / 25.4cm - 40.6cm (12)
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Width
12"-15" / 30.5cm - 38.1cm (12)
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Southern Africa, South Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Light Green, Dark Green, Light Yellow
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Light Green, Dark Green, Light Yellow
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Light Green, Dark Green, Light Yellow
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
White, Light Green, Dark Green, Light Yellow
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Self-Sowing
No
