Spider plant is also known as spider ivy, ribbon plant, and hen and chickens, with a botanical name Chlorophytum comosum. It is indigenous to tropical and southern Africa, but you can now find them in almost every part of the world.
Just like other plants used at households for ornamental purposes, spider plants have been a great help with the air purification process. That is why it is best to be grown indoors to have a fresher air in the room.
Spider plant is known to remove toxic substances in the air, including but not limited to formaldehyde, benzene, and other toxic fumes. Aside from being an indoor decoration, it also absorbs ozone, helps in humidification, and is used as a food.
Most spider plants have variegated leaves that are long and narrow. The leaves are commonly characterized by being striped with white or ivory. The spider plant itself produces white flowers and tufts of plantlets on long hanging stems.
Spider plant is certainly an interesting houseplant as it has a very unique appearance. It is called a spider plant since it has a spider-like attractive foliage on its narrow leaves.
What Are The Different Types of Spider Plants
This species of evergreen perennial flowering plant is certainly one of the most eye-catching houseplants. But do you know the common spider plant varieties available in different areas around the globe? Let us find out which types of spider plant are familiar to you.
Variegated Spider Plant
Variegated spider plant’s botanical name is Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’. This spider plant has creamy-white stripes and slightly curved, medium green leaves, which is why it is very ornamental. This variegated variety has leaves that can grow up to 18 in. (45 cm) in length.
This spider plant Chlorophytum comosum is also rhizomatous, belonging to the evergreen perennial spider plant variety. Growing this spider plant is easy. Just put it in a pot with well draining soil, under a light shade area. You might also find its other variety, which is the reverse spider plant.
Shamrock Spider Plant
The Shamrock Spider Plant has solid green leaves that can be planted outdoors or grown indoors to improve the air quality. This is also one of the rare types of spider plant.
This spider plant is known to thrive if grown outdoors, but there are those who have successfully propagated it indoors. This spider plant is good for beginners as they are easy to grow.
Plant this in hanging baskets to have a great ornamental plant or put it in a pot and place inside your room. Just make sure that it is on well-drained soil and bright, indirect light and the spider plant will flourish.
Bonnie Spider Plant
This spider plant is also known as the curly spider plant due to its curled foliage and its center can be creamy white. It is a pretty ornamental plant that belongs to compact green and white variegated spider plant.
Taking care of this spider plant is also a breeze, as it only needs lower light conditions and only needs watered when dry. Put this in compact balconies or small rooms and you will have an eye-catching spider plant.
Fire Flash Spider Plant
Commonly known as the orange spider plant, the fire flash belongs to the evergreen tropical perennial variety. The leaves of the fire flash are very colorful, making it a very attractive spider plant.
When matured, the height of this spider plant variety could reach up to 12” tall if planted indoors. But when grown outdoors, it could go up to 24” tall. The shape of the leaves is oval-shaped and pointed, with orange accents on its stems.
Having this spider plant and growing them will not be tedious. Just put it in an area with partial shade and moist soil. This spider plant only needs medium water, so you won’t need to water it everyday.
Zebra Spider Plant
With a botanical of Chlorophytum laxum ‘Zebra’, the zebra plant is one of the most common types of spider plant. It is a fast-growing, small tight clumping plant that is suitable for borders, surrounding ponds, or other areas with part shade or well lit indoor positions.
You can also grow this spider plant as a ground cover or in hanging baskets as well. It can also be grown outdoors as the zebra plant can tolerate direct sunlight.
Purple Spider Plant
The purple spider plant is an annual plant that is fast-growing. Its palmate green leaves are aromatic. The purple spider plant also produces very sweet-fragrant flowers that are violet in color. That is the reason why they have been dubbed as a purple spider flower.
Its botanical name is oxalis chlorophytum, as it has purple leaves which are the oxalis and the green and white leaves are spider plants. If you are worried about this spider plant being exposed to too much light, don’t worry as it grows best in bright indirect light or full sun indoors.
This spider plant grows up to 3 to 4 feet and spreads 1 to 2 feet. It should only be watered if the top inch of soil feels dry.
Hawaiian Spider Plant
Known botanically as Chlorophytum comosum ‘Hawaiian’ and also known as the golden glow, the Hawaiian spider plant has variegated leaves when young that have unique patterns on them. The colors vary from bright white, cream to light green.
But with the matured Hawaiian spider plant, you will see those dark green leaves. It would be at this time that the plant will bloom with flowers and sprout new plants (or pups). This spider plant can also reach a height of up to 12 inches.
Atlantic Spider Plants
Known as Chlorophytum comosum ‘Atlantic’ in the botanical world, the Atlantic spider plant has a captivating splunge with small white flowers and ‘babies’ forming on the runners or the long narrow stem.
The Atlantic spider plants are very easy to grow and maintain. All you need would be bright light or shade and moist soil. It can grow up to 19 inches tall if this spider plant is well-maintained.
Variegated Bonnie Spider Plants
The Variegated Bonnie Spider Plant or Chlorophytum comosum is a variegated spider plant that is compact green and white. Compared to the regular bonnie spider plants with curly foliage, the variegated bonnie spider plant produces arched leaves that are green, and with creamy white edges.
Due to its attractive aesthetics, this spider plant would be perfect for decoration in the living room. Just with the other variegated spider plants, the variegated bonnie is easy to maintain.
How To Take Care These Types of Spider Plants
Maintaining these spider plant varieties won’t be a hard job. All you need to do is to ensure that they are in the right location. Some of these plants like direct lights, while the others just need a partial shade.
When it comes to the spider plants itself, they could be prone to spider mites and other pests. Make sure to clean them often and inspect for any signs of pests damage on the leaves and stems.
Make sure you don’t overwater the spider plants, as their leaves could turn brown. If you are using a hanging basket, make sure that you get the soil moist. During winter, allow the soil to dry a bit more between watering.