Spider Plant

One of the most popular houseplants and easiest to care for is the Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum). It is also one of the best at improving air quality. Spider plants add oxygen and remove carbon monoxide, benzene and can filter out 90% of formaldehyde from the surrounding air. They are native to Southern Africa but have become naturalized throughout the world. They reach a maximum size of 1-2 feet tall and trail 2-3 feet. They are characterized by long arching leaves that are green or variegated white, light green and medium green. Mini spider plants (pups) trail from the parent on long stems that have small delicate white star-shaped flowers. They have a tuberous root system and thrive in most conditions.

AKA: Airplane Plant, Spider Ivy, Ribbon Plant

Light: Tolerates low light; thrives in medium to bright indirect light. The variegated variety may lose some of the variegation in low light.

Watering: Allow to dry out between waterings but not bone dry. Water when at least the top 2 inches of soil is dry. Water slowly and evenly; discard excess.

Humidity: Dry to high humidity.

Toxicity: Non-toxic to cats, dogs and humans.

Potting Mix: Fast draining and well aerated.

Additional Care: Enjoys a morning mist. Brown tips can be caused by salt buildup from fertilizers or chemicals in tap water. Leave tap water sitting for 24 hours before use and trim the brown tips off. This is a fast growing plant. Repot/divide once the root ball protrudes up above the planter rim.