Chlorophytum comosum
Common name: Spider plant · Spider ivy · Ribbon plant
Chlorophytum comosum is a flowering perennial herb native to tropical and southern Africa. It forms rosettes of long, arching, often striped leaves and sends out trailing stems bearing small plantlets. It is exceptionally easy to grow and is a classic beginner houseplant.
Care summary
Sun
Bright indirect to partial shade
Water
Keep lightly moist; tolerates some drying
Soil
General-purpose, well-draining potting mix
Hardiness
Zones 9–11
Mature height
About 30–60 cm (1–2 ft)
Pet safe
Non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
Easiest via the plantlets that form on the arching runners. Peg a plantlet onto moist potting mix while still attached, or snip it off and root it in water or soil; roots form within a couple of weeks.
Fun facts
- The baby plantlets, called "spiderettes," dangle from long stems like spiders on silk.
- Plantlets root in soil or water, so one plant can produce dozens of new plants for free.
- It stores water in thick, tuberous roots, helping it survive missed waterings.
- Cats are attracted to spider plants, possibly because the leaves have a mild, harmless hallucinogenic effect on them.