The Amazing Spider Plant

When selecting a houseplant, many people choose the spider plant, or Chlorophytum comosum. These plants are beautiful, can be displayed in a wide variety of ways, and are extremely easy to care for, and are fast growing. They thrive in both sunlight and shade and are a great plant for the beginning plant enthusiast.

Spider plants are native to South Africa and are part of the lily family of plants. They have also become naturalized to California and Australia. These plants can be found with solid green leaves or green and white verigated leaves. They look great in hanging baskets or on a pedestel where they can hang down in all their glory. They also produce small, white flowers.

Spider plants are also knows as ribbon plants and airplane plants.

Spider plants are among the easiest plants to propogate. New plants shoot off of the mother plant. Simply clip these babies off, dip in rooting hormone, and stick the plant into a new pot filled with potting soil. You can also place the baby in a glass of water until roots form, then plant in standard potting soil. Make sure the pot has good drainage.

Once you've started a spider plant, you will find that they are very easy to care for. Spider plants should be planted in a pot with good drainage. Too much water will turn the leave tips brown, so let the soid dry out in-between waterings. They don't like flouridated water so either use distilled water or tap water which has sat out for 24 hours.

Feed your plants with plant food during the spring and summer. They are dormant during the fall and winter months and don't need to be fed during that time.

Spider plants will grow either in direct sunlight or indirect sunlight. However, if they don't develop little spider plants it may be because they are getting too much sun or not enough light.

Spider plants grow towards the light, so rotate them on occasion so they grow upright, not off to one side.

One of the few problems spider plants have is the browning of the tips of the leaves. This can be caused by a build of of salts in the soil and won't harm the plant. Occasionally, it is a good idea to give the plants a good watering which flushes salts out through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Be careful, though, consistantly over watering you plant can also cause the leaf tips to turn brown! Brown tips can simply be snipped off with a pair of scissors.

Many houseplants, including spider plants, remove toxins from the air, improving indoor air quality. They can remove carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and some allergens. Plants can also increase the humidity levels in your home.

In addition, a bunch of plants beautifully displayed can enhance the décor of your home. They promote a soothing, relaxing environment.

These plants can frequently be found in hanging baskets because their long leaves and offshoots give the plant a dramatic look which lends itself to hanging displays. However, consider placing a large spider plant on a pedestal or in an urn for a more classical look. Several spider plants lined up in a windowsill can create a bold, modern look.

The ease of care and flexibility of these plants means that they display beautifully in a wide variety of settings and decors, both indoors and out.