Why will I love it?
The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) conjures up a retro 1980s vibe. It’s a laid-back plant and very easy to propagate, because its baby plants hang from long stems, so you can pull them off and plant them separately. The long, arching leaves come in two main types of variegation: “Vittatum” with central creamy-white stripes flanked by a band of green on each side, and its opposite, “Variegatum”, with green leaves and white margins. It’s non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Light or shade?
Bright, indirect light to partial shade.
Where should I put it?
Hang from the ceiling or place on a high shelf in a sunny kitchen or bathroom, as they love humidity.
How do I keep it alive?
It’s a low-maintenance plant; the only common problem is the leaves drying out or going brown at the tips. Avoid this by keeping it out of strong, direct light, placing it in a humid environment, and making sure the soil doesn’t completely dry out.
Did you know …
Thanks to their thick rhizomes, which act as water reserves, spider plants can endure dry conditions. But to see them thrive, water generously during their growing season (April-September).
