Spider plant

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) forms tufts of slightly drooping, green and white striped leaves. Once established, it flowers prolifically, producing white flowers on long, pale yellow stems. After flowering, plantlets form on the stems, pulling the stems downwards. The plantlets flower, too, and a healthy, established plant may hang down many metres. A large, well-grown, established spider plant cascading from a hanging basket is a sight to behold.

This is a great indoor or verandah plant for the novice or time-poor gardener. Bright shade and filtered light produce the best growth and attractive variegation on the leaves. In a dark spot, growth is slower and the leaves less striking. Its succulent roots allow it to accommodate patchy watering, but a regular drink and a liquid feed every two weeks produces a lovely, lush plant.

Caring for spider plants

The dense, fleshy roots soon fill a pot, so keep an eye on your plant and re-pot it into a larger container when the pot appears full. I like using coir peat (a 60:40 mix of chunky and fine) mixed with equal parts perlite, along with an application of controlled-release fertiliser.

If dust builds up on the leaves, wash them in the shower, or wipe them gently with a moist cloth. Sparse, elongated growth is usually caused by overwatering or poor light, while black leaf tips occur when watering is irregular.

If soft, brown scale insects appear on the underside of stems and leaves, spray with neem oil. To combat mealy bugs, dab with a cotton bud dipped in methylated spirits. Aphids that appear on soft, new growth can be wiped off with a damp rag.

Story by Arno King
Photo by iStock