Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant of the asparagus family known mainly as a houseplant.
Also known as:
Common spider plant
Spider i
Hen and chickens (South – Africa)
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- The spider plant is non-toxic to humans and animals. The spider plant is an air purifier: formaldehyde, particulate matter (PM), lead and benzene, among others, are absorbed from the air. Accumulation of these substances in the plant may pose a minor health risk when consuming the spider plant – cats like to gnaw on the ends of the leaves.
- The thickened rhizomes are edible: in Iran and India, the roots are eaten.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) known in the UK mainly as a houseplant. It is native to warm and not too dry areas of southern and eastern Africa and to the countries along the Atlantic coast. The leaves are oblong and often striped. The spider plant blooms from May through June with white flowers at the end of a long, stiff stem. After flowering, mini-spider plants appear a the stem tips. Spider plants have thick, sturdy rhizomes that retain water for drier times. Spider plants are not affected by irregular watering.
Position: semi-shade; not in direct sunlight. In a darker location, the green stripes become darker.
Soil: A spider plant prefers to stand in normal, preferably somewhat moist potting soil.
Repotting: The spider plant is a fast grower, repotting as soon as the roots rise above the pot – and often necessary after only one year. Choose a pot that is at least 30% larger.
Watering: Once a week is sufficient – during drought some watering prevents brown spots on the leaves.
Care: Give spider plants some plant nutrition once a month from March through September.
Cuttings: Multiply spider plants by breaking off the mini-spider plants at the end of the stem and place in water (semi-shade, not in direct sunlight). Already after a month the plant has roots and the spider plant can be planted in a small pot with some potting soil mixed with sharp sand. Water and place the new plant in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight.
Bugs
Spider plants are not very susceptible to pests; however, insects such as mealybugs, mites, scale insects, whiteflies and dark-winged fungus gnats are sometimes found on the leaves. Remove the insects with a damp cloth.
Fungi & diseases
In too humid an environment, spider plants can be affected by fungi: Alternaria, Fusarium foot rot, Rhizoctonia and Pythium spp.
Care
Spider plants thrive best at room temperature (between 18°C and 24°C). In summer, the plant can be placed outdoors (semi-shade, sheltered). Spider plants, with their long, drooping stems, are suitable as hanging plants.
If the leaves become lighter and lighter, the spider plant either has too little nutrition or the plant is in too light a location.
Spider plants can be sensitive to the fluoride in tap water, which often leads to brown leaf tips.
