Believe it or not, there are over 20 varieties of spider plants, each possessing its own unique charm.
With 15 years of specialization in houseplants, I have delved deeply into the diverse world of spider plants as a botanist.
Many enthusiasts find it challenging to identify and care for different types. This article aims to demystify the myriad varieties of spider plants. Accompanied by vivid pictures, it’s designed to assist you in recognizing, selecting, and nurturing the ideal type for your home.
Embark on a journey to uncover the captivating world of spider plants.
First things first: What is a Spider Plant
The Spider Plant, or Chlorophytum comosum, is a tough little plant from South Africa. It’s super easy to take care of, making it perfect for busy people or those new to plants.
Its leaves are long and thin, and they come in different styles – some are green, and others have white or yellow stripes.
These plants are not just pretty; they’re also practical. They store water in their thick roots, which helps them survive dry times.
A cool thing about Spider Plants is that they grow tiny white flowers. Once these flowers get pollinated, they make small plantlets that look like spiders. That’s where the plant gets its name!
And there’s more – these plants are natural air purifiers. They soak up chemicals like formaldehyde and xylene from the air, making your home or office healthier.
Spider Plants are not picky about light. They do well in medium light but can handle warmer spots too. When they get too big for their pots, it’s time to move them to a bigger one. A little bit of diluted fertilizer every three or four months keeps them happy.
How many Spider Plant Varieties are Available?
There are at least 18 known varieties of Spider Plants, each with unique characteristics. Adaptable for indoor growth, these varieties can live 20-50 years with proper care.
Here are some of the most common types of spider plant and their varieties:
Vittatum Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’
Distinguishing Feature: Known for its striking, linear foliage with creamy white stripes against bright green leaves.
Care Tips: Thrives in partial shade or full shade, with medium water requirements. Adapts well to indoor environments and tolerates drought-like conditions.
Zebra Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum laxum Zebra Grass
Distinguishing Feature: Features thin cream stripes on greenish-yellow leaves, giving it a unique, striking appearance.
Care Tips: Prefers warm environments with bright indirect light. Requires porous soil for good drainage and moderate indoor humidity.
Ocean Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Ocean’
Distinguishing Feature: Resembles the Variegatum variety with creamy edges and lush green centers. Compact size makes it ideal for hanging displays.
Care Tips: Grows well in bright indirect light or partial sun. Requires well-drained, humus-rich soil and moderate watering.
Lemon Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Lemon’
Distinguishing Feature: Notable for its white flowers that bloom year-round on long stems. Bright, lively green foliage.
Care Tips: Water when top two inches of soil are dry. Prefers temperatures between 15°c – 24°c and average humidity levels.
Hawaiian Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Hawaiian’
Distinguishing Feature: Bold green foliage with golden stripes. Known for its quick growth and pet-friendly nature.
Care Tips: Prefers bright indirect light or medium lighting. Water when top two inches of soil dry out.
Solid Green Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Distinguishing Feature: Unique solid green hue, enhancing photosynthesis. Ideal for indoor environments due to its air-purifying qualities.
Care Tips: Thrives in light or heavy shade with indirect sunlight. Low fertilizer requirements and caution against overwatering.
Purple Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Cleome hassleriana ‘Violet Queen’
Distinguishing Feature: Adds a splash of color with its friendly purple petals. Attracts birds and butterflies.
Care Tips: Loves full sun exposure. Low maintenance and tolerant of a variety of soil types.
Shamrock Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Shamrock’
Distinguishing Feature: Rare solid green form with thicker and curlier leaves compared to other varieties.
Care Tips: Easy to care for, can handle lower light conditions. Flowers throughout the year, especially when well-taken care of.
Fire Flash Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum orchidastrum
Distinguishing Feature: Known for its luminous orange petioles and midribs. Dark green leaves create a fiery glow.
Care Tips: Prefers high humidity. Vulnerable to common houseplant pests but benefits from regular inspection and treatment.
Mandarin Orange Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Mandarin’
Distinguishing Feature: Slender stems with bright orange accents. A unique, vibrant addition to home decor.
Care Tips: Thrives in high humidity. Adaptable to various humidity levels, making it suitable for most home environments.
Variegated Bonnie Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie Variegated’
Distinguishing Feature: Curled leaves with striking white edges. A popular houseplant for its unique pattern.
Care Tips: Prefers bright indirect light up to low light conditions. Moderate watering and occasional misting recommended.
Atlantic Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Atlantic
Distinguishing Feature: Notable for its white ribboned foliage with green margins. A natural air purifier.
Care Tips: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil conditions, including arid or stony soils.
Reverse Variegatum Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Reverse Variegatum’
Distinguishing Feature: Characterized by lush foliage with a reverse variegation pattern. Ideal for compact spaces.
Care Tips: Best in indirect light with 3-4 hours of exposure daily. Regular watering in spring and summer, less in winter.
Airplane Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Distinguishing Feature: Recognizable for its bright white flowers and robust narrow leaves. Tolerates a wide range of conditions.
Care Tips: Low maintenance, tolerates low light and direct sun, dry soil, and drought-like conditions. Ideal for indoor or outdoor spaces.
Bichetii Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum bichetii
Distinguishing Feature: Bright green foliage with long arching leaves. A resilient, low-maintenance houseplant with air-purifying qualities.
Care Tips: Thrives in indoor light with minimal water. Prefers temperatures of 18-24°C (65-75°F).
Curly Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Distinguishing Feature: Known for its curly leaves, offering a distinct shape compared to regular spider plants.
Care Tips: Grows best in bright indirect light, temperatures of 60°F to 80°F, and high humidity. Requires well-draining soil and monthly fertilization.
FAQs
What is the best indoor spider plant?
The best indoor spider plants species are Variegated Bonnie, Zebra Grass, Bonnie Curly or classic Variegated varieties.
These unique specimens are sure to bring life and beauty into any home. Not only do they come in various shapes and sizes but their luscious greens also provide beautiful contrast amidst other plants in your home garden.
Why do they call it a spider plant?
It’s called a spider plant because of the unique shape of its long leaves and stems, which resemble a spider’s web.
This vibrant, hardy herbaceous plant is a clump-forming perennial native to the coastal regions of South Africa. Its slim leaves spread outward from a single point for an eye-catching display.
Are spider plants good for beginners?
Spider plants are ideal for beginners due to their low maintenance and air-purifying qualities. They’re easy to propagate and add beauty to your indoor spaces, making them a perfect choice for novice plant enthusiasts.
What is the rarest spider plant?
The rarest spider plant is the all-green variety, which is much harder to find than the commonly available variegated varieties. It has deep green leaves with no white or yellow stripes down the center and is often referred to as the “true” spider plant. This unique species can be a bit more difficult to maintain as it prefers bright, indirect light and needs frequent mist ing to keep its foliage looking lush and healthy.
Do all spider plants have stripes?
No, not all spider plants have stripes. Some varieties, such as the all-green variety, don’t feature any stripes or colors at all. Other species come in classic variegated varieties with white and yellow stripes down the center of their long leaves. The Variegated Bonnie is one example of this type of specimen, featuring bright green margins and creamy white stripes.
How do you identify a spider plant?
Look for long, arching leaves with green and white stripes, resembling spider legs. They often produce small, white flowers and baby plantlets, making them distinctive and easily recognizable.
Are there solid green spider plants?
Yes, there are solid green spider plants. You can identify them by their foliage. The solid green spider plant has leaves that are entirely, or almost entirely, green with no variegation or mottling. This is in contrast to the common (variegated) spider plant which has stripes or patches of white or yellow on its leaves.
Are all spider plants the same?
No, some are more curly than others . Curly spider plants have a more undulating and voluminous foliage than the common or solid green varieties. The leaves on a curly spider plant are usually more curved, twisted, and tightly wound than other varieties. They also tend to be larger in size. This variation of houseplant is usually considered to be more decorative than the traditional variety.
What plants look like a spider plant?
Carex or the Japanese Sedge Plant looks remarkably similar to your spider plant. It has a mounded and cascading form, making it an attractive ground cover. Its sword-shaped leaves are often variegated with a creamy white stripe running down the center of each blade.
What is the lifespan of spider plants?
With proper care, common spider plant varieties like variegatum and Vittatum can live up to 20 years, while the curly variety may have a shorter lifespan. Regular maintenance is essential for their lasting health and longevity.
See: 27 Different Types Of Monstera Plants
Final Thoughts
The world of Spider Plant varieties is a diverse and intriguing one, encompassing over 50 distinct types.
With the guidance provided in this article, enthusiasts can confidently identify, select, and care for their preferred Spider Plant varieties.
Each offers unique appeal, from the iconic Vittatum Spider Plant to the rare and striking Bichetii Spider Plant. Whether you’re seeking air-purifying properties or simply the beauty of lush foliage, Spider Plants make a delightful addition to any indoor space.
Explore this vibrant world of houseplants and discover the perfect Spider Plant to elevate your home decor and well-being
