22 Must-read Chlorophytum Comosum Spider Plant Care Tips

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Chlorophytum Comosum is a stunning and easy-to-care-for plant that is sure to spruce up any indoor garden. This houseplant is well-loved in the community of plant collectors because of its distinctive appearance and feel.

In this post, we’re sharing the most important tips and tricks you’ll need to know to successfully raise a Chlorophytum Comosum!

If you want to buy one for yourself, we have a few reasonable options for you to explore. Continue reading to learn more about this Chlorophytum’s interesting attributes.

What Is Chlorophytum Comosum?

The Chlorophytum Comosum is sometimes called Spider Plant, Spider Ivy, and Ribbon Plant. It has green, variegated, or white, lanceolate leaves and is best known for its spider-like foliage.

As a perennial in the Asparagaceae family, this stunning plant thrives well near a sunny window when grown as a houseplant.

Outdoors, the Chlorophytum Comosum has a high survivability rate in hardiness zones 9-11.

Origin And Family

The Spider Plant is a member of the Asparagaceae family. This variety of Chlorophytum comes from the forests of Central and Southern Africa. As an indoor plant, it has done well in most households when it has a lot of access to humidity.

This stunning plant was first described in 1794 by Carl Peter Thunberg as Anthericum Comosum. However, in 1862, it was classified as a Chlorophytum by Jacques after being moved to several different genera. It yields insignificant small white star flowers occasionally throughout the year.

Where To Buy

There are many places where you can get Chlorophytum Comosum. You can purchase one at a local nursery, but it will typically cost more, and you would need to haul the plant in your car. We’ve found that ordering plants online is a more cost-efficient option. Etsy has regular discounts and a wide selection of cuttings and full-grown plants.

The Chlorophytum Comosum is very affordable to buy, with prices between $10 for young plants to $20 for larger or more mature plants.

Chlorophytum Comosum Plant Size

The Chlorophytum Comosum as a houseplant reaches a height of 1-2 feet and a width of 1-2 feet. It typically grows fast. Place it near a sunny window for optimum plant development.

Chlorophytum Comosum Care Needs

Your Chlorophytum Comosum, with its spider-like foliage, will flourish if you take good care of it. This plant loves humidity and relatively dry soil throughout the year.

Water your Chlorophytum when the top half of the soil is dry. Make sure to give it a full drench, allowing water to run down the bottom of the pot. In terms of lighting, bright indirect light is best for this plant. This beauty is one of those tough plants that can withstand a bit of neglect.

Take a look at the more specific growing tips we’ve written below to keep your Chlorophytum Comosum healthy and happy!

Care Difficulty

With its light, water, and humidity needs, the Spider Ivy is typically considered one of the easiest houseplants to care for. To successfully grow this plant, you’ll need to be particular with the amount of light and well-draining soil.

Growth Rate

The Ribbon Plant reaches a height of 1-2 feet when grown inside a home. This plant will usually grow more actively during the spring and summer months.

Most Chlorophytum species, including the Comosum, are known to grow at a fast pace.

#Artist #KenNwadiogbu’s “Another Journey To Remember” through a #Chlorophytum comosum – Spider Plant at our office in #Wokingham
@kennwadiogbu pic.twitter.com/Y0COAIE353

— Flight Logistics – ShipArt (@flightlg) May 18, 2022

Potting

Chlorophytum plants generally prefer a pot with good drainage. A medium-sized plastic, terracotta, clay pot, or hanging basket works fine. Drainage holes are important to keep excess water from drowning the roots of your Spider Plant. This plant looks best as a hanging plant.

Repotting

Moving your Chlorophytum Comosum into a bigger pot allows more space for its roots to expand. You will typically know that it’s time to repot you see roots protruding out of the drainage holes. The best time to repot is during its growing season.

Typically, you’d want to repot this stunning plant every two to three years. It is ideal to replace old nutrient-deficient soil with a fresh batch of standard commercial potting soil when filling up the new pot.

Soil

The Spider Ivy does best in standard commercial potting soil. The roots of this plant prefer a relatively dry environment, so make sure you choose components with the right moisture-retention properties for your soil. Use peat moss, perlite, coco coir, pine bark, and vermiculite to create your own soil mix.

Root rot and other diseases can be avoided with efficient drainage. Consider adding chunky and gritty materials to your soil to improve aeration.

These are some good substrate options for your plant:

pH

You’ll want to aim for a neutral pH, somewhere between 6.0-and 7.5. A standard commercial potting soil will have a pH level already close to this range, so you shouldn’t need to worry too much.

If you are seeing some problems with your plant, you could do a pH test on the soil to see if this is the culprit.

Water

Like many popular indoor plants, Spider Plant is a humidity-loving plant that needs relatively dry soil throughout the year.

During the spring and summer, water your plant when the top half of the soil is dry. Drench the soil until water drains out the hole at the bottom of the plastic, terracotta, or clay pot. If you’re using a collection tray, make sure to toss out the water to fend off root rot and other diseases and prevent soggy soil.

While Spider Plant care is quite easy, this can be quite choosy with the water it likes to drink. It prefers filtered or distilled water, and even rainwater over your regular tap water. It’s sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride; compounds that are found in tap water.

During the winter months, you won’t need to water as much. Continue to water your plants deeply but do it less frequently.

Light

Chlorophytum Comosum prefers bright indirect light or partial shade for approximately 8-12 hours daily. Keep in mind that you’re attempting to replicate how it grows in the forests of Central and Southern Africa. In most cases, placing this plant near a sunny window works fine.

When its foliage shows signs of overheating and is starting to get brown tips, you’ll know your Chlorophytum Comosum is getting too much light. Conversely, if your variegated spider plant starts to get pale and limp, that means the plant needs more light. Avoid putting your Chlorophytum Comosum in direct sunlight or full sun, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

Fertilizer

The Spider Ivy’s growing season is in the spring and summer. During this time, fertilize your plant once a month using a balanced water-soluble fertilizer.

In the colder seasons, when this plant’s development naturally slows, you don’t need to fertilize at all.

Propagating Chlorophytum Comosum

Reproducing your Chlorophytum Comosum can be done with the right propagation method. Below are some options to choose from, along with detailed instructions to help you out.

One of artist ⁦@sophielongart⁩’s bees through a #Chlorophytum comosum – #SpiderPlant at our office in #Wokingham pic.twitter.com/eXQ7TvslzF

— Flight Logistics – ShipArt (@flightlg) May 18, 2022

Stem Cuttings In Soil

One basic method to grow a Spider Plant is by directly planting stem cuttings into the soil. If you don’t already have this plant, you can purchase a cutting from Etsy or from your local Facebook Marketplace.

It is best to propagate during early spring to summer so it will be easier for your plant to recover from transplant shock.

1. Cut. Using clean shears, cut off a healthy section of the mother plant. A cutting is ideally at least three inches tall and should include a few leaves and nodes.

2. Plant. Bury the stem’s nodes in a pot or container filled with damp potting soil. Pinch the soil around the stem or use wooden skewers to hold the plant in place. Too much movement can disrupt root growth.

3. Maintain. Place your container near a window in bright, indirect light. Remember to keep the soil moist.

4. Wait. You can expect new roots in about 2-3 weeks. An emerging shoot is the best indicator that your cutting has successfully grown roots and that small plantlets are on the way!

Division

Division is a propagation method typically used for plants that have pups shooting out from the roots.

You can divide the stem clusters of your Ribbon Plant by following these steps:

1. Dig up. Take the plant out of its container. You should be able to see where the plant’s natural divisions are.

2. Separate. With your fingers, gently separate the sections apart. You may need to use shears to cut any entangled roots.

3. Repot. Plant each section in new pots filled with the same soil that they’re used to.

Humidity And Aeration

Chlorophytum Comosum is a popular plant that loves high humidity. For best results, keep the humidity level between 50%-70% at all times.

Use a simple hygrometer to check the air moisture level in your Chlorophytum Comosum’s area. If the reading is too low, you can improve the humidity through the following methods:

• Plants release moisture from their leaves through the process of transpiration, so they’ll benefit from each other if you keep houseplants closely together.

• Place a flat tray of pebbles and water underneath your plant’s pot. The evaporating water provides some nourishment to the plant.

• Purchase a humidifier for your plants. This will constantly release steam and raise the humidity in a room.

Temperature

Like most Chlorophytum plants, your Ribbon Plant will do best in a cool location. Keep the temperature between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Houseplants can be sensitive to drastic shifts in temperature, so make sure you keep your Ribbon Plant away from sources of heat such as vents, hand dryers, furnaces, and other appliances. In the same way, don’t expose your plant to chilly drafts and frost spells during the winter.

Flowers

The Chlorophytum Comosum can produce insignificant white starry flowers occasionally throughout the year.

Non-Toxic

Children and pets won’t be poisoned by Spider Ivy. According to the ASPCA, ingesting it will not hurt dogs or cats, and there are no toxic components in the plant.

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Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

The Chlorophytum Comosum is a plant that’s resistant to several bugs, issues, and diseases. In the sections below, I’ll lay out some of the common issues for the Chlorophytum Comosum, as well as some tips and tricks for treating them.

Spider Mites

Unfortunately, spider mites are a widespread problem, particularly for plant collectors with a Ribbon Plant. You will know your plant has spider mites if there are brown or yellow patches on its leaves, silky webbing in between branches, and leaves that take a long time to unfurl.

To fight a spider mite infestation, bring your infected plant to the sink, the tub, or outdoors and thoroughly wash all the green leaves with a strong spray of water. Repeated application of neem oil, horticultural oil, and insecticidal soap can help you get rid of spider mites as well.

Ladybugs, lacewings, and minute pirate bugs can help control your spider mite population if you want a non-chemical approach.

White Flies

Whiteflies are gnat-like pests that feed on the sap of your houseplants. Having them on your Spider Plant can be a big inconvenience. They deposit eggs which will hatch into larvae that eat the undersides of your plant’s leaves.

You can get rid of Whiteflies using a general pesticide. You may either buy it online or make one using the recipe below:

• To create your base, mix these ingredients together: 5 drops of dish soap (make sure it doesn’t have any bleach in it!) + 1 cup of vegetable or olive oil

• For every cup of water, add 1.5 tsp of the prepared mixture

• Shake the solution well and then transfer it to a spray bottle.

• Spray all surfaces of the infected plant, especially on the underside of leaves.

Aphids

Aphids are tiny bugs that will eat the leaves of your Spider Ivy, resulting in black and brown patches.

Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat this common problem. Weak concentrations of dish detergent can also kill aphids without harming your plant. Choose a product that is free of fragrances, such as Ivory Liquid for example.

Start by diluting 1 teaspoon of dish soap in 1 gallon of water, then increase the ratio as necessary. Spray this solution on your affected plant, especially on the underside of leaves where aphids can be usually found.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs can potentially infest your Ribbon Plant. They leave a white powdery film, and they secrete honeydew which causes black sooty mold on the leaves. Plants infested with mealies will have yellow dropping leaves

Remove adult mealies using a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol. They usually die and turn an orange color upon contact. Proceed to spray the rest of the leaves with diluted alcohol.

There are so-called root mealies that will bury themselves and target the roots. Dehydrate them by sprinkling Diatomaceous Earth powder on the topsoil in between waterings. You can also add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide when you water.

折鶴蘭 | Chlorophytum comosum – spider plant pic.twitter.com/Zp3FHwIOCI

— Nick Akers (@t_NickAkers) July 22, 2020

Brown Leaf Tips

One common cause of browning edges on your Spider Plant’s leaves is a build-up of salts and minerals in the soil. This typically happens if you apply too much fertilizer, or if you use chemically-treated tap water.

Another reason for browning leaf tips is the lack of moisture. Water your plant appropriately, and improve your indoor humidity.

Drooping Leaves

If you notice drooping leaves on your Chlorophytum Comosum, it might be thirsty of in need or more moisture in the air. Plant leaves will usually remain fresh and perky for a longer period if you keep a humidifier nearby.

Another cause of downward-curling leaves is overexposure to bright light. In this case, you can simply move your plant away from the nearest source of light and heat.

Yellow Leaves

Several factors can cause the leaves of a Spider Ivy to become yellow. One possibility is that it doesn’t get enough sunlight. It could also be that the plant gets too much or too little water.

Yellow leaves should be pruned to encourage new growth and prevent the spread of deterioration. Besides, they can be unattractive and worrying to look at. Simply trim the leaves off with a sharp, sterile pair of shears.

Root Rot

Root rot is a common killer of Ribbon Plant. The rotting starts at the roots and then quickly spread to the stem and foliage. Remember, you should only water when the top half of the soil is dry.

Another cause of root rot is poor drainage in the soil. This herbaceous plant requires standard commercial potting soil that stays relatively dry.

Other things you can do to avoid root rot include: drilling holes at the bottom of your pot, choosing high-porosity materials such as terracotta and unglazed ceramic planters, and lengthening the gap between watering schedules.

Similar Plants

Love Spider Plant? Here are some other similar plant options you should try:
Asparagus Fern: – This is a tropical plant with unique features that make an excellent addition to any plant lover’s collection. Its feathery-like leaves may look soft, but be careful because this cute-looking plant has sharp cladodes.

Conclusion

With its attractive characteristics, Chlorophytum Comosum is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a new houseplant. This is a great houseplant choice, especially for beginners, Your efforts to care for this plant will be rewarded with beautiful exotic flora that you will enjoy having in your home!

Can’t get enough plant guides? Check out these other options below.

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