Chlorophytum (Spider Plant)

Overview: Chlorophytum or Chlorophytum comosum is popularly known as the spider plant. It is one of the easiest growing plants that you can grow indoors and in terrariums. Besides giving an aesthetic appearance to the place, the spider plant also purifies the air and makes the environment healthy. Thus, it serves many purposes. The gracefully arching leaves bring a visual appeal in the surroundings. It is loved by beginners and gardening experts equally. Chlorophytum is native to tropical and southern Africa. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is highly adaptable to varying environmental conditions. At the same time, the spider plant grows really fast and makes multiple baby plantlets. Placing it on the tabletops or hanging baskets is a very popular choice. Those who want to add a fresh green look to their space with the least effort, Chlorophytum is the best choice.

Appearance: The leaves of the spider plant are long and narrow with a little arch. These leaves grow from a central rosette. Usually, the color of the leaves is in varying shades of green, with white stripes. Under ideal conditions, you may see flowering stems emerging from the plant. The small white flowers add to the beauty of the space even more. In addition, the spider-like baby plants look unique, too. Spider plant will grow between 12 and 18 inches tall and wide. The full and cascading appearance makes it ideal for hanging pots,

Light requirements: Bright but indirect light is the most suitable for the spider plant. However, this plant can tolerate high as well as low light conditions. In such cases, you may see slight leaf variegation and slow growth; the plant will still survive. Do not keep it under direct sunlight, as it will scorch the leaves and cause the tips to turn brown.

Soil requirements: Always grow Chlorophytum in soil that has proper drainage. A well-draining, loose potting mix is the most suitable for such plants, especially when grown in terrariums. Soil with coco coir or perlite will be the best as it will prevent water retention and root rot.

Humidity: Chlorophytum (Spider Plant) likes moderate humid conditions that are already present in usual household conditions. Avoid extremely dry air, as it will cause leaf tips to turn brown. You may try misting the plant occasionally or keeping the terrarium at a place where natural humidity develops like a bathroom. It will maintain healthy foliage.

Watering: In terrariums, grow Chlorophytum only when the top inch of soil feels dry. The soil should be evenly moist and not soggy. When you overwater, the chances of root rot will increase, and in underwater conditions, the leaves will drop or start fading in color and turning brown. Since the roots of spider plants are fleshy, missing watering occasionally won’t harm the plant.

Air circulation: Maintain good air circulation around the plant to ensure there is no fungal growth. Do not keep the terrarium in areas where sudden temperature changes may happen.

Trimming: Remove the brown and damaged leaf tips to ensure the plant looks neat and clean. Remove extra plantlets and focus on improving the growth of foliage. It will also maintain the plant in the right shape and encourage healthier growth.

Other requirements: You may feed the spider plant with a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month. Do not put a lot of fertilizers as it will only harm the plant.