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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.

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.

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.

Make your own Spider plant · Spider ivy · Ribbon plant profile

Common problems

    • Water with rainwater or filtered water
    • Trim brown tips with clean scissors
    • Raise humidity around the plant
    • Let soil dry slightly between waterings
    • Repot into free-draining mix
    • Move to bright indirect light
    • Rotate the pot weekly for even growth