Variegated Spider Plant, Variegated Spider Ivy, Variegated Ribbon Plant
Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’, commonly known as the Variegated Spider Plant, is a popular houseplant cherished for its easy care and distinctive appearance.
The Variegated Spider Plant features long, arching leaves with a striking white center and green margins. They grow from a central rosette, giving them a grass-like appearance. The plant is well-known for producing baby plants or “pups” on long, trailing stems, which can easily be propagated.
Native: This plant is native to tropical and southern Africa, where it grows in a wide range of environments, from woodland to coastal areas. It belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), along with agaves and hostas.
Growth habit: It is a perennial, herbaceous plant with a tufted growth habit. Its long, arching foliage and cascading nature make it perfect for hanging baskets. The plant grows rapidly and produces offshoots called “spiderettes” or “pups” at the ends of long, slender stems called stolons. These spiderettes can be rooted easily to create new plants.
Size: Typically, the Variegated Spider Plant reaches 12-24 inches in height and spread (30-60 cm) with its stolons and baby plants.
Flowers: Spider plants produce small, star-shaped, white flowers on long, arching stems. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they add a delicate touch to the plant’s overall appearance.
Blooming season: Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, though indoor plants may bloom less frequently.
Hardiness: Spider plants are not frost-tolerant and are typically grown as houseplants in most climates. They can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.
Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Uses: Spider plants are primarily grown for their attractive foliage and ease of care. The tropical plants are popular as houseplants, hanging basket plants, and in mixed containers. They are also known for their air-purifying qualities, as they can remove common indoor air pollutants.
Toxicity: Spider plants are non-toxic to pets and humans.
Benefits: Besides its aesthetic appeal, the Variegated Spider Plant is known for its air-purifying qualities, removing pollutants from indoor environments and improving air quality.
To keep your spider plant healthy and thriving, follow these care guidelines:
Light: Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light but are quite adaptable and can also thrive in partial shade or low-light conditions. Optimal growth and variegation are achieved with more light, but this plant’s versatility makes it suitable for various indoor lighting environments.
If you’re growing spider plants outdoors, choose a location with dappled shade or partial sun. They can tolerate some direct morning sun, but it’s important to protect them from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf burn. Ideally, provide them with 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight or bright shade for the best growth.
When transitioning your spider plant from indoors to outdoors, do so gradually. Introduce the plant to outdoor conditions by placing it in a shady spot for a few days, gradually increasing the exposure to filtered sunlight over the course of 1-2 weeks. This process, known as “hardening off,” helps the plant acclimate to its new environment and prevents shock or damage.
Soil: Whether grown indoors or outdoors, spider plants require well-draining soil to thrive. The ideal soil mixture for spider plants should be light, airy, and able to retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged.
For indoor spider plants, use a high-quality all-purpose potting mix that contains a blend of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.
For outdoor spider plants, select a garden bed with well-draining soil. If your garden soil is heavy clay or tends to hold water, amend it with organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or leaf mold, as well as perlite or sand to improve drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal for spider plants.
Watering: Water your spider plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain out of the pot’s bottom. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Spider plants prefer evenly moist soil but can tolerate brief periods of drought.
Humidity: Spider plants appreciate moderate humidity levels (40-50%). You can maintain humidity by placing a tray filled with water and pebbles under the pot or occasionally misting the plant. However, they can also tolerate average indoor humidity levels.
Temperature: These plants prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and can tolerate a range of 55-85°F (13-29°C). Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as this can cause damage to the foliage.
Fertilization: Feed your spider plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause leaf tip burn.
Repotting: Spider plants prefer to be slightly root-bound, so repot them only when necessary, usually every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current pot, with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Pruning: Regularly remove any brown or yellow leaves by cutting them at the base. This will encourage new growth and maintain the plant’s overall health.
Propagation: Spider plants are easy to propagate through their spiderettes. Simply cut a healthy spiderette from the mother plant and place it in a container of water or directly into moist soil. Roots should start to form within a few weeks.
By providing the proper care and conditions, your spider plant will continue to grow and thrive, adding beauty and cleaner air to your indoor space.
Spider plants are relatively hardy and low-maintenance, but they can still encounter a few common problems. Here’s a list of potential issues and how to address them:
By addressing these common issues promptly, you can ensure your spider plant remains healthy and vibrant. Regularly check your plant for signs of stress or pests to catch potential problems early.
Propagating a spider plant is quite easy, as they naturally produce small plantlets or “spiderettes” that can be used for propagation. There are two common methods to propagate spider plants: water propagation and soil propagation. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each method:
In both methods, it’s important to maintain a consistent temperature of 65-75°F (18-24°C) and provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth. With proper care, your new spider plant will grow into a healthy, mature plant.
Spider plants are considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs. According to the ASPCA, they are safe for pets. However, it is still best to discourage your pets from chewing on plants, as ingesting any plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals.
Water your spider plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain out of the pot’s bottom. Spider plants prefer evenly moist soil but can tolerate brief periods of drought. The frequency of watering will depend on factors like the size of the pot, the potting mix, and the environment. Generally, you may need to water your spider plant every 7-10 days, but always check the soil moisture before watering.
To get rid of spider mites on indoor plants, follow these steps:
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
10 - 11 |
Climate Zones | 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Houseplants, Perennials |
Plant Family | Asparagaceae |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Plant of Merit |
Tolerance | Full Shade, Drought |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
10 - 11 |
Climate Zones | 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Houseplants, Perennials |
Plant Family | Asparagaceae |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 24" (60cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Plant of Merit |
Tolerance | Full Shade, Drought |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
How many Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’ (Spider Plant) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
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Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’ (Spider Plant) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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