Chlorophytum

chlorophytum

( kloe - roe - FYE - tum )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Spider Plants, these evergreen perennials are native to tropical and subtropical regions in Africa, Australia, and Asia. Flowers are small and white, though these plants are grown more for their foliage. Spider Plants have tuberous roots, and are known for putting off 'pups', or small offshoots, that can be easily propagated. Most plants form a central rosette of long, slender leaves and are great for growing in containers or hanging baskets. These plants are very popular indoor plants, and can also be grown outdoors in warmer climates in mixed beds and borders, containers, or hanging baskets.

Chlorophytum Species and Varietals

The genus Chlorophytum includes over 200 species, and is a member of the plant family Asparagaceae. They can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or indoors in any zone. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed Musli, Swetha Musli, Tella Nela Tadi, Taniravi Thang, White Gold)
This critically endangered species of Spider Plant is native to tropical wet forests of India, where it is consumed as a leaf vegetable or root-derived tonic (Safed Musli) in some regions. Leaves are green with white margins, and flowers are star-shaped and bright white. Individual plants reach up to a foot tall, with stems that reach 3 feet long.

Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant, Common Spider Plant, Spider Ivy, Ribbon Plant, Airplane Plant, Hen and Chickens)
These evergreen flowering plants are native to South Africa and make easy-to-grow houseplants. This species can have some issues with the fluoride found in tap water, which will cause leaf tips to brown and dry out. Plants reach about 2 feet tall, and leaves can reach a length of 18 inches. Flowers are green-white and bloom on individual stalks. Varieties include 'Vittatum' (green leaves with a broad central white stripe), and 'Variegatum' (darker green leaves with white margins). This species is considered invasive in southeastern Australia and Florida (United States).

Chlorophytum filipendulum (Fire Spider Plant, Fire Glory, Sierra Leone Lily, Mandarin Plant, Pink Fountain Plant, Fire-Flash)
Native to equatorial Africa, this species of Spider Plant takes a bit of a different form that others, with wider leaves and colorful midribs. A popular cultivar of this species is 'Fire Flash'. Individual plants can reach up to 12-15 inches tall in containers or up to 2 feet tall in the ground. They are generally between 16 and 24 inches wide at maturity.

Caring for Chlorophytum

Chlorophytum, or Spider Plant, can be grown outdoors in tropical zones (USDA hardiness zones 9-11), though they are most commonly cultivated around the world as greenhouse or indoor plants. To grow them outdoors, choose a spot in the landscape that is situated in light shade. They can tolerate heavy shade, but their growth rate will slow and plants will not be as robust. Direct sunlight will scorch leaves. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, Spider Plants prefer soil to be kept consistently moist but not soggy. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top one or two inches of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower stems to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. After a few years in the ground, these plants may need to be divided to ensure ongoing health. For instructions on how to successfully divide Spider Plants, see the propagation section below. Chlorophytum plants can live for over 50 years if cared for properly, though many indoor plants have a life span of between 5 and 10 years. These perennials will form clumps over time, and also produce pups on their flowering stems, providing new plants in the landscape indefinitely.

Caring for Chlorophytum in Containers
Chlorophytum, or Spider Plants, are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened, though mature plants still appreciate consistent waterings. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Caring for Chlorophytum Indoors
Choose a container for your Chlorophytum that is about 2 inches wider than its original nursery pot or the root ball. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes before planting to allow for excess water to drain away. These plants do well in a well-draining, organically rich soil. After planting, set the container in a space that is sheltered from dry, cool drafts. Provide these ferns with between 14-16 hours of artificial light each day from a growing light or situate them in a space that gets bright, indirect light. Avoid placing in direct sun, even indoors, as this can sunburn foliage. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Lessen waterings in fall and winter when these ferns are dormant. Every few years, these ferns will need to be divided. For instructions on how to successfully divide Chlorophytum plants, see the Propagation section below.

Propagation

Chlorophytum, or Spider Plants, are best propagated through division of existing plants or pups. To propagate your Spider Plant, follow the directions below:

Propagating Chlorophytum by Pup
Spider Plants are notorious for their production of pups at the tips of long, thin flowering stems. These pups can be removed from the parent plant and planted elsewhere. To propagate by pup, you'll need a sharp, clean pair of shears or snips, well-draining substrate, and a pot (if you will not be planting your pup in the ground).

Identify a plant that has produced pups. These pups will form at the end of flowering stems, and can be produced at any time of the year on indoor plants. Outdoor plants typically produce them during their active growing seasons in spring or summertime. These pups are ready to be removed when they have visible, small stems emerging from their base.
Remove the pup from the plant by cutting the attachment stem as close to the pup as possible. Then, plant the pup in its own container (or in the ground outdoors).
Follow the care instructions above.

Propagating Chlorophytum by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.

Problems and Pests

These plants are considered invasive in some areas; see species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Chlorophytum, or Spider plants are susceptible to the following diseases and pests: