Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
CHLOROPHYTUM comosum 'Vittatum'
Plant Common Name
Spider Plant, Variegated Spider Plant
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Forming a clumping tuft of dark green and ivory leaves that often arch or curl backwards, 'Vittatum' is a showy selection of the common spider plant. Indigenous to South Africa this is a frost-tender, clump-forming perennial that is often used as a tropical groundcover or hanging basket houseplant. Spider plant spreads by rhizomes (underground stems) and by young plants borne on the sprawling or dangling stems.
Grass-like leaves are dark green but with a central band of ivory. Plants produce small, relatively inconspicuous, white flowers as well as easy-to-root, plantlets that resemble baby spiders on long, arching stems.
This spider plant should be grown in partial shade or bright diffused light to avoid leaf burn in a well-drained soil. In summer's warmth the soil can be moist but in winter allow soil to become drier. Keep it as a year-round houseplant, for seasonal contrast in mixed container plantings or permanently outdoors as a bright 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
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)
Dark Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green, Ivory
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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
