Chlorophytum, The Spider Plant, is probably one of the most recognised plants available. A family with various leaf colours and shapes. They generally all form graceful, arching plants that look best in a hanging basket or raised to show off their trailing foliage. Easy care and another highly recognised air purifying plant.
Another ideal plant for anyone who tends to neglect their plants. They can survive in a wide range of temperatures and light conditions. To thrive follow these basic tips. As with many plants bright, indirect light will help the Spider Plant grow best and maintain its variegation. Average room temperatures are fine although they do prefer slightly cooler temperatures, 15-18c. Warm, dry air will cause brown tips on the leaves, no real problem and can be removed with scissors. Water regularly while growing, April to September. Keep the compost evenly moist, but not soggy, they can dry slightly between watering. Feed sparingly from May to September, once every 2 to 4 weeks, with a half strength general houseplant liquid fertiliser.
Minimum Temp: 10c
As with most tropical plants Chlorophytum will rest during the Winter. While dormant it will require less water, probably only once every 2 weeks. If the room is centrally heated, or becomes very hot in Summer, then will benefit from misting the leaves. In the right conditions the Spider Plant will grow quite rapidly and will fill the pot with roots. Re-pot once the roots are visible or touching the side of the pot. Choose a pot that will allow 2 to 3cm of free compost around the roots.
Spider plants derive their name from the trailing babies that they produce, which look like Spiders hanging from a web. These babies produce roots in the air as they grow and would eventually reach the ground, where they would root. Babies can be removed and potted if they are at least 5cm long and have a good number of roots, alternatively they can be anchored in to the compost and allowed to root before being cut away from the mother.
Not known to be toxic.
