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Home Page » Home & Garden » Gardening » Spider plant: Chlorophytum comosum

Spider plant: Chlorophytum comosum

Other common names: ribbon plant

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Spider plant is a common, easy-care houseplant with narrow, arching green leaves that have a central white stripe. The stems bear tiny white flowers followed by young plants that will root on contact with soil. Spider plants tolerate a range of light conditions from bright light to dim.

Profile

Plant typehouse-plant
Lightmedium-light-indoors
Height up to 1 ft.
Spread up to 3 ft.
Habitspreading
Soil moistureaverage
Bloom timespring,summer
Flower colorwhite
Bloom size.25 in. to .25 in.
Foliage colorvariegated
Foliage size1 ft. to 1 ft.

did you know?

The botanical Latin name for spider plant is ? meaning "green," and meaning "plant."

general maintenance:

Groom plants, removing yellowed foliage. Repot in spring if pot bound; plants may be divided if desired. Pot up young plantlets growing from flowering stems to propagate new plants.

pests/diseases:

Spider plants are relatively carefree but may be susceptible to aphids if stressed.

controls:

To control aphids, apply insecticidal soap, following label directions.

how to sow/plant:

Grow in hanging basket or pot filled with all-purpose potting mix. Set plants at same level they grew in previous pot. The soil level should be 1/2 to 1 inch below rim of pot to provide a water reservoir when watering.

water and fertilize:

When soil surface is dry to touch, water thoroughly until water flows out drainage holes of pot; do not allow soil to dry. During growing season, regularly apply houseplant fertilizer, following label directions. In winter, when plant is resting, stop fertilizing. Resume feeding in spring as days lengthen.

garden hint:

Spider plants are easy to grow, tolerating sunny and shady spots, a range of indoor temperatures, and dry conditions. Like many other houseplants, spider plants will benefit from summering outdoors in a partly shady location.

features:

  • Disease Resistant
  • Shade Tolerant

garden uses:

  • Containers
  • Indoors

other uses:

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