Spider Plant

Spider plant develops plantlets on its stems.See more pictures of house plants.

Spider plant, also known as airplane and ribbon plant, has long grasslike leaves often with a white stripe down the middle. They are easy to care for and great for both hanging baskets and the table.

 House Plants Image Gallery

The spider plant produces rosettes of arching, grasslike leaves and long, hanging flower stems with insignificant white flowers. Plantlets develop on the hanging stems and give the plant its common names. The most common variety has apple-green leaves striped in white, but there is also an all-green version.

The thick roots of the spider plant quickly fill all available space, rendering efficient watering difficult. It is best to take the plant to the sink to let it soak in water.

Spider Plant Quick Facts

Scientific Name:Chlorophytum comosum

Common Names: Spider Plant, Airplane Plant, Ribbon Plant

Light Requirement for Spider Plant: Bright Light to Filtered Light

Water Requirementfor Spider Plant: Evenly Moist

Humidityfor Spider Plant: Average Home

Temperaturefor Spider Plant: House to Cool

Fertilizerfor Spider Plant: High Phosphorus

Potting Mixfor Spider Plant: All-Purpose

Propagation of Spider Plant: Division, Layering, Plantlets

Decorative Usefor Spider Plant: Hanging Basket, Table

Care Ratingfor Spider Plant: Very Easy

Want to learn about house plants by type? Try these:

Learn how to care for house plants:

Learn how to care for house plants:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Larry Hodgson is a full time garden writer out of Quebec City in the heart of French Canada where he grows well over 3,000 species and varieties. His book credits include Making the Most of Shade, The Garden Lovers Guide to Canada, Perennials for Every Purpose, Annuals for Every Purpose, Houseplants for Dummies, and Ortho's Complete Guide to Houseplants, as well as other titles in English and French. He's the winner of the Perennial Plant Association's 2006 Garden Media Award.