12 Types of Spider Plants You Should Grow in Your Home, from Variegated to Red
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The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a widely recognized and popular houseplant. Belonging to the Asparagaceae family, it is well-suited for beginner plant enthusiasts due to its ease of care and adaptability to a range of indoor conditions.
Spider plants derive their common name from the spider-like plantlets, or “spiderettes,” that hang down from the mother plant. These spiderettes facilitate straightforward propagation, allowing for an easy and cost-effective way to increase your plant collection.
This article presents 12 distinct types of spider plants suitable for indoor cultivation.
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Variegated Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’): A Popular Variety
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The ‘Vittatum’ is a common variegated spider plant characterized by its arching green leaves with a prominent creamy white stripe down the center. It is considered easy to grow and is well-suited for hanging baskets.
- Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Leaf Color: Green with a central off-white stripe.
- Mature Size: Approximately 12-24 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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Reverse Variegated Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’)
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This variety, ‘Variegatum’, displays reverse variegation, meaning its long, lance-shaped green leaves have off-white stripes along their edges. It is a low-maintenance plant often grown in hanging containers.
- Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Leaf Color: Green with off-white stripes along the edges.
- Mature Size: Approximately 12-24 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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Bonnie Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’) with Curly Leaves
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‘Bonnie’ spider plants are distinguished by their curly leaves, which are variegated with green and light yellow. They typically have a compact growth habit and produce cascading, curly foliage.
- Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’
- Light: Bright, indirect light to partial shade
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Leaf Color: Green with light yellow variegation.
- Mature Size: Approximately 6-8 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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Solid Green Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
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While most spider plants are variegated, the non-variegated, solid green form of Chlorophytum comosum is also available. This version can be a good choice for those preferring a uniform green appearance.
- Name: Chlorophytum comosum
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Leaf Color: Solid green
- Mature Size: Approximately 12-24 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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Bichetii Grass Lily (Chlorophytum laxum ‘Bichetii’)
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Also known as St. Bernard’s lily or Bichetii grass, Chlorophytum laxum ‘Bichetii’ is an easy-to-care-for houseplant that can produce small, star-shaped white flowers. It features green leaves with white margins.
- Name: Chlorophytum laxum ‘Bichetii’
- Light: Partial shade
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry; reduce frequency in winter.
- Leaf Color: Green and white
- Mature Size: Approximately 10 inches tall and 20 inches wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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Atlantic Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Atlantic’)
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Similar in appearance to some variegated spider plants, ‘Atlantic’ has dark green leaf margins with white bands along the center of its slightly curly leaves.
- Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Atlantic’
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Leaf Color: Green and white
- Mature Size: Approximately 4-8 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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Ocean Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Ocean’)
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The ‘Ocean’ spider plant is a relatively newer cultivar that features shorter, wider variegated leaves, giving it a somewhat spiky appearance. It is generally more compact than other varieties.
- Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Ocean’
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Leaf Color: Green and white
- Mature Size: Approximately 6-8 inches tall and 8-12 inches wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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Hawaiian Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Hawaiian’)
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The Hawaiian spider plant, sometimes called ‘Golden Glow’, has long, wide dark green leaves. The variegation appears as a mix of yellow-green, lime, and cream shades in the center of the leaves, which can become more pronounced with good light.
- Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Hawaiian’
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Leaf Color: Dark green, with lime, yellow, and cream variegation.
- Mature Size: Approximately 12-24 inches tall and 12-36 inches wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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Fire Flash Spider Plant (Chlorophytum amaniense) with Orange Stems
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Chlorophytum amaniense, commonly known as Fire Flash or orange spider plant, is notable for its wide, pointed, glossy dark green leaves and contrasting bright orange petioles (leaf stems), which create a colorful display at the plant’s center.
- Name: Chlorophytum amaniense (syn. Chlorophytum orchidastrum)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Leaf Color: Green leaves with orange petioles.
- Mature Size: Approximately 12-24 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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White Lightning Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘White Lightning’)
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This spider plant cultivar, ‘White Lightning’, is named for the prominent white stripes that run down the center of its green leaves.
- Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘White Lightning’
- Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some partial sun.
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Leaf Color: Green and white
- Mature Size: Approximately 12-24 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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Zebra Spider Plant (Chlorophytum laxum ‘Zebra’)
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The Zebra spider plant, Chlorophytum laxum ‘Zebra’, is distinguished by its dark green leaves that are edged with white or yellowish stripes. Its leaves tend to be shorter and narrower compared to some other spider plant varieties.
- Name: Chlorophytum laxum ‘Zebra’
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Leaf Color: Green with white or yellowish edges.
- Mature Size: Approximately 12 inches tall and 20 inches wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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Dwarf Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Mandaianum’) for Small Spaces
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This compact spider plant variety, ‘Mandaianum’, is well-suited for smaller spaces. It features dark green leaves with a distinct yellow stripe down the center.
- Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Mandaianum’
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Leaf Color: Dark green with a central yellow stripe.
- Mature Size: Approximately 4-6 inches tall and 2-4 inches wide
- Difficulty: Low maintenance
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Are spider plants and airplane plants the same thing?
Yes, “spider plant” and “airplane plant” are common names for the same plant species, Chlorophytum comosum.
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Is flax lily a spider plant?
Although flax lily (Dianella species) can visually resemble spider plants, they are botanically different. Flax lily belongs to the Asphodelaceae family, while the spider plant is a member of the Asparagaceae family.
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What is the solid green spider plant called?
The solid green spider plant is typically referred to as Chlorophytum comosum (the species name without a cultivar designation) or simply as a “green spider plant.” Some may also call it ‘Shamrock’ or ‘Green Shamrock’, though these are less formal cultivar names.
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How do you care for a spider plant?
For most spider plant varieties, provide well-draining potting mix and place them in an area with bright, indirect light. They prefer average room temperatures and humidity. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil becomes dry, allowing excess water to drain. Fertilize lightly during the growing season (spring through fall) if desired.
