Overall plant
Common Name: spider plant
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asparagaceae
Zone: 9 to 11
Height: 0.50 to 0.75 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: Flowers freely
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Annual
Flower: Insignificant
Leaf: Colorful
Tolerate: Drought, Heavy Shade, Dry Soil
Culture
Typically grown as a houseplant in most of the continental U.S. where it will perform well in an organically enriched potting mix. Avoid direct sun (leaf scorch or chlorosis may occur) or full shade. Best indoor plant location is often achieved by simply experimenting with different locations. Temperature is best year-round in the 70-90°F. range. Needs evenly moist soils. Plants prefer a humid growing environment to prevent leaf tips and leaf margins from browning. Consider placing pots in shallow trays of wet pebbles and/or regularly misting the foliage with water to maintain good humidity levels in dry weather. Remove non-ornamental flower spikes as they appear unless seeds for propagation are needed.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Chlorophytum contains more than 250 species of evergreen rhizomatous perennials, most of which are native to tropical and sub-tropical parts of southern and western Africa. Spider plant is the common name used for plants in this genus. Plants generally feature rosettes of fleshy tuberous roots, lanceolate leaves, and small white flowers which bloom in panicles in spring. Most species have never been cultivated and are not considered to be ornamentally attractive.
Genus name comes from the Greek words chloros meaning green and phyton meaning a plant.
'Bonnie' is a compact selection of spider plant that features curly, variegated foliage. It was discovered as a whole plant mutation of Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum'. The recurved and twisting, narrow foliage has green margins and creamy white centers. Mature plants will reach around 8" tall and 15" wide, taking on a rounded to spreading growth habit. This plant is protected by patent number PP13935.
Problems
Leaf tips are prone to browning. Watch for scale, aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites.
Uses
Great ornamental for indoors or outdoors. Easy to grow.