Felder Rushing
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
CHLOROPHYTUM comosum
Plant Common Name
Spider Plant
General Description
Probably the most popular houseplant of all time, spider plant produces a spreading clump of broad, arching, green blades. It is typically grown as a hanging basket specimen because it produces long, pendulous, wiry stems with lots of spidery plantlets at the tips, hence the common name. The most popular variety in commerce is the variegated form, ‘Variegatum.’ The species is native to South Africa where it exists in upland and lowland forests, so it naturally grows well in shade.
The long, sword-shaped leaves of this tropical evergreen form a dense, arching clump. The leaves of common variegated forms have striations of white or ivory. The main plant spreads by rhizomes (underground stems) and also produces asexual stems of spidery, ready-to-root plantlets that break loose, root and eventually become whole new plants. When actively growing, spider plant produces clusters of small, single white flowers. The fruits that follow are triangular, three-celled capsules filled with several large, black seeds.
This is one easy to grow plant. It thrives in spots with partial sun or diffused light and grows best in fertile, well-drained soil or potting medium. It can withstand limited drought but looks best when watered regularly and occasionally fed. The foliage is very sensitive to cold but plants are root hardy to zone 9. In subtropical and tropical areas spiderplant is a popular groundcover. Houseplants should be divided yearly as they tend to outgrow pots fairly quickly.
In some parts of the world this is considered a noxious weed. To learn more about ecological problems associated with spider plant go to the Global Compendium of Weeds page: http://www.hear.org/gcw/species/chlorophytum_comosum/
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
