Care of the indoor plant Chlorophytum comosum or Spider plant |
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The genus Chlorophytum, family Asparagaceae, includes 190 species of perennial plants native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Australia, and Asia. Some species are: Chlorophytum comosum, Chlorophytum borivilianum, Chlorophytum debile, Chlorophytum filipendulum, Chlorophytum tuberosum. Common names: Spider plant, Airplane plant, St. Bernard's lily, Spider ivy, Ribbon plant, Hen and chickens. This species is native to tropical and southern Africa. They are plants with tuberous roots that are highly valued for their elegant green leaves crossed by a light yellow band. They reach a length of 30 cm (11.8"). In summer it produces stolons with small white flowers at the tip, between which new seedlings appear. These plants are ideal for growing in hanging pots or on a pedestal as houseplants. Chlorophytum comosum needs a very bright exposure (no direct sun). The leaves glow or pale according to the intensity of the light they receive. Too much sun can burn the tips of the leaves. They prefer a fertile soil mixed with a little peat and coarse sand. Water more abundantly in summer than in winter. They resist dry air well, but the leaves should be sprinkled with lime-free water from time to time in summer. Fertilize with mineral fertilizer in spring. With the aerial suckers the plant can be easily propagated. They are planted in moist substrate and root in a few days. |
Images of the indoor plant Chlorophytum comosum or Spider plant |
 Chlorophytum comosum  Chlorophytum comosum  Chlorophytum comosum  Chlorophytum comosum |