Spider Plants – Exotic Cascading Foliage
Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are herbaceous perennial belonging
to the Liliaceae family. They are native to South America, and grow in
USDA hardiness zones 9B-11.
Spider Plants (also known as Airplane Plants and Ribbon Plants) are
hardy, versatile plants that can be displayed outside in containers, or
planted as ground cover. They are popular houseplants because they are
easy to care for and propagate.
These plants can be displayed on a pedestal in an entryway, or planted
in a hanging basket to show off their cascading plantlets.
The curved, strap-shaped leaves of the Chlorophytum comosum are 8 to 16
inches in length, and are solid green in color, or green with a white
or yellow stripe running down the center. Some variegated spider plant
varieties are green at the center, with white at the edges.
The small white, star-shaped flowers appear at the end of arching
shoots, which later develop plantlets at the tip. This plant can grow 2
to 4 feet in diameter, and one foot in height.
Ribbon Plants will thrive with minimal care and attention. They are a
versatile plant that is easy
to care for, that will grow indoors as a houseplant, or outdoors in a
container or as ground cover. Follow these tips to grow and care for
During spring and summer months, keep soil moist without over
saturating. During fall and winter months, since water will not
evaporate rapidly, you can reduce the frequency of watering.
When watering container plants, water should run out of the drainage
hole at the bottom of the container. Do not allow this plant to sit in
standing water – this could cause root rot. Flouridated water can cause
the tips of the leaves to burn. If this becomes a problem, consider
collecting rain water or buying distilled water from the store.
Chlorophytum comosum thrive in partial to full shade. If leaves begin
to turn brown, the plant could be receiving too much sun (this could
also be a sign of underwatering). Try moving the plant to a shadier
Ideal temperature is 65 to 80° F. If indoors, avoid placing plant near
hot or cold drafts that could cause extreme fluctuations in
Fertilize these plants with a soluble houseplant fertilizer. Fertilize
every two to three months. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations
to determine the appropriate amount of fertilizer to use.
If your spider plant outgrows its container, it will become root bound
and might damage the container. You have two choices: 1) You can repot
the entire plant in a larger container, or 2) Divide the plant, and
replant each section in separate containers.
to Propagate Ribbon Plants
This plant is easily propagated any time of the year. You can propagate this plant using the
- Divide the parent plant. Repot the divided sections into
plant in the ground.
- Cut off one of the plantlets growing at the end of the
Place it in a glass of water. When the plantlet has grown a healthy
root system, it can be potted or planted in the ground.
- Leave plantlet attached to the parent plant. Place a
with commercial potting soil next to the parent plant. Place the
plantlet in the pot, and hold it in place with a hairpin or bent
paperclip. In approximately six week, roots will become established.
When roots are well established, the plantlet can be cut from the stem.