Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant)

Botanical & Common Names
- Botanical name: Chlorophytum comosum
- Common names: Spider Plant

Background & Origin
The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is native to southern Africa. It is known for its slender, variegated leaves with white stripes and long stems that produce tiny white flowers and “baby” plantlets. These plantlets are easy to propagate, making the Spider Plant a fun and rewarding choice for plant enthusiasts. Its bushy, trailing habit also makes it ideal for hanging baskets or shelves, where it adds lively greenery and movement to indoor spaces.

Care Level
- Care level: Easy
- Suitable for beginners: Yes!

What It Loves
- Bright indirect sunlight
- A consistent watering routine
- Some humidity

What It Dislikes
- Overwatering or sitting in soggy soil
- Cold draughts
- Prolonged direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves

Best Rooms for This Plant
- Living rooms
- Bathroom
- Kitchens
- Bedrooms

Growth Potential
- Typical height indoors: Up 30 -60m tall with time
- Typical spread: Up to 30-60 cm wide
- Growth rate: Fast during spring and summer
- Pruning required: Occasional, to manage size or old foliage

Is This Plant Right for You?
This plant is a great choice if you:
- Love trailing, bushy greenery
- Want easy-to-propagate “babies”
- Enjoy variegated, eye-catching leaves

Light
- Best light: Semi shady spot to bright indirect light
- Avoid: Strong, direct sunlight

Watering
- Frequency: Water when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry, using room temperature water.
- Seasonal note: Reduce watering in winter when growth slows. Always allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.

Humidity
- Prefers: medium to high humidity
- Extra humidity helpful?: Yes, misting or placing near other plants can support healthy leaf growth.

Feeding
- Feed with: A balanced houseplant fertiliser
- Frequency: Once or twice a month during spring and summer. No feeding is needed during autumn and winter.

Toxicity
- Pet safe: Yes
- Notes: Keep out of reach of pets and small children to avoid damage.

Repotting
- How often: Every 1 -2 years
- Signs it’s needed: Roots growing out of the drainage holes, slower growth, or soil drying very quickly. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering.