Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum is the spider plants biological name. Thanks to it's spidery-look, it has a wide variety of nick names such as airplane plant, spider ivy, or ribbon plant. They have been one of the most familiar, popular houseplants for many generations now. These plants were originally ground cover for South Africa. That background is why these guys can be almost impossible to kill and can handle ALOT of neglect. They are fast growing if all the needs are met and once you have them thriving though an added bonus are the tiny white flowers they produce when conditions are optimum. They are also well known for being one of the better plants to help clean the indoor air around them.
Plant Care Tips
Lighting Ensure the plant is positioned in medium to moderate light for most of the time. However, like many houseplants once matured you can put these guys outside during summer months and they will grow in abundance with the extra sun. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
Watering Maintain slightly moist soil but not wet! Water once a week during spring and summer; in winter, let the soil dry a bit more before watering. Some houseplants, like spider plants, are sensitive to fluoride in tap water. Using distilled water or rainwater is advisable for these plants.
Heat & Humidity A basic room temperature is best for these plants. They don't need a lot of humidity or dry heat but are fairly adaptable when needed. This flexibility is one reason they are considered a classic houseplant.
Soil Medium Use well-draining potting soil to prevent waterlogging. A mix designed for houseplants or a combination of peat, sand, and loam works well
One of the most common issues people encounter with these plants are browning plant tips. Often caused by flouride in tap water or low humidity it is best to use distilled bottled water if possible and keep these guys in a humid bathroom, laundry room, or the like- These guys are prone to a variety of pests as well. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil
The spider plant is renowned for its ability to cleanse indoor air, removing harmful pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene. The Spider Plant is also pet-friendly as it is non toxic to cats or dogs if ingested. With these benefits added to the aesthetic appeal a spider plant can add to your home it's no wonder the Spider Plant has been a mainstay indoor houseplant for decades