Chlorophytum comosum aka Spider Plant

Taxonomy

Chlorophytum comosum, also known as spider plant, ribbon plant, or airplane plant, is a species of evergreen perennial flowering plant belonging to the family Asparagaceae. Native to tropical and Southern Africa, it is now naturalized in parts of the world, including Western Australia and Bangladesh. Spider plants are easy to care for, tolerating average room conditions, and are popular due to their resilience and ability to propagate. They have slender, arching leaves of dark green with creamy white stripes that can grow up to 1 ft (30 cm) long. The leaves will have the best color when given plenty of light. The plant produces small, white flowers on wiry runners that are weighted down by plantlets, giving it a spider-like look. Spider plants are a popular house plant and have a long history of protection and charm in many cultures, including the Nguni people of South Africa, who made a tea for pregnant women from the roots of the spider plants.

Common names

Spider Plant, :, Hen And Chickens

How to care for Spider Plant

Difficulty

Spider Plant is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Spider Plant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Spider Plant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Spider Plant prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Spider Plant to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Cat approves this plant

Toxicity

Spider Plant is not known to cause harm to humans or pets.

Humidity

The Spider Plant does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The Spider Plant should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Spider Plant is a clumping species, with new growth arising from the soil surrounding the parent plant.

Region of origin

Spider Plant’s native range is Tropical and Subtropical Africa, Australia, and Asia.

Flower

If you provide your Spider Plant with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia