Plant Care Guide Chlorophytum Comosum
The Spider Plant was the first houseplant that I brought home and its elegance with arching leaves blending into cascades of life stood out in my indoor space like none other. These plants, scientifically named Chlorophytum comosum (more on this later), are a favorite among many plant enthusiasts as they can adapt to their surroundings and need little care. Spider plants have been grown as houseplants — and loved by plant enthusiasts throughout the world for 200 years. Native to South Africa and brought to Europe by Carl Peter Thunberg (a student of Linnaeus), these plants were moved into the genus Chlorophytum in 1862. They were also involved in the NASA Clean Air study from 1989, proving that golden pothos can help purify air.
About Spider plant:
Plant Care Guide Chlorophytum Comosum
From what I can tell, spider plants are virtually indestructible and the closest thing to a fast-growing houseplant that exists. They also happen to be super low maintenance — which is ideal for anyone with a hectic life or who will not remember to water their plants occasionally. I water my plants when the top two inches of soil feels dry and I keep them out harsh direct sunlight (medium light if you are buying from us). A small handful of fertiliser in the warmer months, and a bit more TLC if you can afford the time – these Agaves have kept lush.
Before I got my own spider plant, which I shouted named Chris (MANY NAMES)-other names for the same species include :spider ivy, ribbon plant and aka airplane, Watching the long, slender leaves of a spider plant drape themselves over the edges of a pot is one of life’s simple pleasures. There are leaves which may be solid green or variegated with yellow or white streaks. Although they can get huge in the wild, my houseplant is around 50 cm tall at most if you count the planter and light estate.
How to Care for a Spider Plant
We are going to hit you with some tips and tricks for a spider plant that will hopefully bring this low maintenance but gorgeous house uncovered in your lovely home.
- Light: The spider plant does best in bright, indirect sunlight. This plant can handle a bit less direct light, but exposure to full sunshine will scorch its leaves and turn the tips brown. In average house humidity they do fine but high humidity is best.
- Water: Keep the top inch or two of soil dry before watering. Make sure that water is draining from the bottom of your pot, this way, it will not get bogged down because over-watering could cause root rot. Spring and summer Growing season Feed with balanced, water soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.
- Temperature: Your spider plant should stay comfortable in a standard room temperature between 15-24°C (55-75°F) with cooler conditions at night but watch out for the winter chill; they don’t like to be cold.
This plant is also a lover that needs very little care from you.
How to Propagate a Spider Plant
Spider plants are prized for their pupping propensity, or little babies that can be propagated. It involves finding the roots either at the base of or along a runner: long, thin stems that typically flower first (for example in strawberry plants). You can then carefully separate pups from the parent plant with clean scissors or your hands. Separate and plant the baby plants in a small pot with lots of coarse subsoil. Shallowly water the media to help ground in new pups, ensuring they don’t dry up before establishing and growing.
Signs Your Spider Plant is Thriving
You will know your spider plant is happy when you see long new viney stems coming out of the center. Eventually, these will become new plant babies. If you want to get a clone of the plant, just cut one stem and place your new spidettes into some wet peat or compost. Make sure to inspect under the leaves before you cut and find a brown nodule that will become roots for your new plant. Propagation of spider plants is relatively simple and easily expands a growing collection.
FAQs
What are the best conditions for spider plants?
A spider plant is perfectly happy in a medium to bright indoor environment year-round. Performing best under medium humidity and cool to median temperature, although it can adapt to warmer temperatures.
Where is the best place to put a spider plant?
Where to grow a spider plant. Grow these easygoing plants in a bright location away from direct sunlight that can burn their leaves!
Do spider plants need full sun?
What Amount Of Light Is Required For Spider Plant? Spider plants can cope with most light levels but will benefit from being in a brighter part of your home.
How much light does Chlorophytum need?
Spider Plant: This plant does not require full sun and takes some time to filter light. Ideally, you would want to put it by a window with bright indirect light.
