If you’re looking for a houseplant that’s both beautiful and forgiving, you’ve found it. The many types of spider plants offer something for every home, and they are famously easy to grow varieties for beginners and experts alike.
These resilient plants thrive on a bit of neglect, purify your air, and produce charming baby plantlets you can share. Let’s look at the different kinds you can bring into your home.
Types Of Spider Plants – Easy To Grow Varieties
All spider plants, scientifically known as Chlorophytum comosum, share similar care needs. They prefer bright, indirect light but tolerate lower light. They like their soil to dry out a bit between waterings. The main differences lie in their stunning leaf variegation and form. Here are the most common and easy-to-find types.
1. Variegated Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’)
This is the classic spider plant you probably remember from your childhood. It’s the most common variety and for good reason—it’s incredibly adaptable.
- Appearance: It has medium-green leaves with a bold, creamy-white stripe running down the center of each leaf.
- Growth Habit: It produces long, arching stems with white flowers that develop into baby plantlets.
- Why It’s Easy: It’s tolerant of a wide range of light conditions and irregular watering. It’s a very forgiving plant.
2. Reverse Variegated Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’)
This variety flips the classic color pattern for a striking different look.
- Appearance: The leaves have a white or creamy center stripe, edged with dark green margins. The contrast is very eye-catching.
- Growth Habit: Similar to the ‘Vittatum’, it arches gracefully and produces plenty of offsets.
- Why It’s Easy: Its care is identical to the classic variety. It’s just as tough and resilient.
3. Bonnie Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’)
Also known as the curly spider plant, this variety adds a fun, twisted shape to the mix.
- Appearance: It features the same green and white variegation as the classic plant, but each leaf is curled and twisted. The plantlets and stems also curl.
- Growth Habit: It has a more compact, cascading habit, making it perfect for hanging baskets where the curls can be fully appreciated.
- Why It’s Easy: It shares the same easy-care nature. The curly leaves can sometimes be a bit more prone to brown tips if humidity is very low.
4. Green or Non-Variegated Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Solid Green’ or ‘Ocean’)
Sometimes called the “original” spider plant, this one forgoes the stripes for a lush, all-green appearance.
- Appearance: Solid, deep green leaves without any stripes or margins. It’s a rich, glossy green.
- Growth Habit: It tends to grow very vigorously and can tolerate lower light conditions better than its variegated cousins.
- Why It’s Easy: Because it has more chlorophyll in its leaves, it can handle shadier spots and is super low-maintenance.
5. Zebra Grass Spider Plant (Chlorophytum laxum ‘Zebra’)
This is a slightly different species with a bolder, more upright look.
- Appearance: It has dark green leaves with bright yellow margins along the edges. The stripes run along the sides, not the center.
- Growth Habit: It grows in a more upright, clumping fashion rather than the typical arching habit. It produces plantlets, but less prolifically.
- Why It’s Easy: It’s just as tough. Its upright form makes it great for tabletop displays instead of just hanging baskets.
6. Hawaiian Spider Plant (Chlorophytum viridescens ‘Hawaiian’)
This stunning variety offers a beautiful color transformation as it grows.
- Appearance: New leaves emerge with a bright green center and white margins, but as they mature, they fade to a soft cream color. The effect is a beautiful ombre of green and cream in one plant.
- Growth Habit: It has a standard, trailing growth habit.
- Why It’s Easy: Care is standard. It appreciates good light to maintain its vibrant variegation.
How to Care for All Spider Plant Varieties
While these plants are easy, a few simple tips will keep them looking their absolute best. Following these steps will ensure your plant thrives for years.
Light and Placement
Spider plants are flexible but have a preference.
- Ideal: Bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or north-facing window is perfect.
- Tolerated: They can handle lower light, but growth will slow and variegation may fade, especially on striped types.
- Avoid: Hot, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves causing brown spots.
Watering Your Plant
This is where most people go wrong, usually by overwatering.
- Check the soil by sticking your finger about an inch deep.
- Water thoroughly only when the top inch or two of soil feels dry.
- Allow water to drain freely from the bottom of the pot. Never let the plant sit in a saucer of water.
- In winter, you can water less frequently.
Soil and Fertilizing
They aren’t picky about soil, but a good mix helps.
- Use a standard, well-draining potting mix. You can add a handful of perlite for extra drainage.
- Fertilize lightly during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength, once a month. Don’t over-fertilize, as this can cause brown leaf tips.
Dealing with Common Issues
Even easy plants have the occasional problem. Here’s how to fix them.
- Brown Leaf Tips: This is very common. Causes include fluoride in tap water, low humidity, or salt buildup from fertilizer. Use distilled or rainwater if possible, and flush the soil occasionally with water to remove salts.
- Pale Leaves: Usually means the plant needs more light. Move it to a brighter location.
- Not Producing Babies: Spider plants often need to be slightly pot-bound to produce offsets. Also, ensure it’s getting enough indirect light. A little stress from being root-bound can encourage it to reproduce.
Propagating Spider Plants: Make More for Free
One of the great joys of spider plants is how easily they create new plants. Here’s the simple method.
- Wait for the plantlet (or “spiderette”) on the runner to develop small, nub-like roots at its base.
- You can choose to: a) Cut it off and place it in a glass of water until roots grow longer, or b) Cut it off and plant it directly into a small pot of moist soil.
- Keep the soil lightly moist for the first few weeks if planting directly. Once you see new growth, you know it has rooted successfully.
FAQ About Spider Plants
Are all spider plants safe for pets?
Yes! According to the ASPCA, spider plants are non-toxic to both cats and dogs. They are a perfectly safe choice for pet owners, though some cats are attracted to the long leaves for play.
Which spider plant variety grows the fastest?
The all-green variety (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Solid Green’) is often the fastest grower because its solid green leaves produce the most chlorophyll. The variegated types may grow a little slower but are still vigorous.
Why are the leaves on my spider plant losing their stripes?
If a variegated spider plant reverts to solid green, it’s usually due to insufficient light. The plant is producing more green chlorophyll to survive in lower light. Move it to a brighter spot, and new growth should show the variegation again.
How often should I repot my spider plant?
Spider plants like to be a bit crowded and actually produce more babies when slightly pot-bound. Repot every 2-3 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Only go up one pot size (about 2 inches wider in diameter).
Choosing from the many types of spider plants is mostly about which look you love most. Whether you choose the classic striped ‘Vittatum’, the playful curly ‘Bonnie’, or the lush solid green variety, you’re bringing home one of the easiest and most rewarding houseplants available. With just a little basic care, it will grow full and produce an abundance of plantlets for you to enjoy or share with friends.