Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum

Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’, better known as the Variegated Spider Plant, is a classic houseplant for good reason. Its long, arching leaves are striped with creamy white margins around a fresh green centre, creating a bright, cascading shape that works especially well on shelves, plant stands and in hanging pots.

As it matures, the plant produces long trailing stems carrying small white flowers followed by miniature plantlets, or “spiderettes”, which can be left in place for a fuller cascading look or easily propagated into new plants. Fast-growing, adaptable and forgiving, it is an excellent choice for beginners as well as anyone looking for an easy way to add volume and movement to an indoor plant collection.

Plant Care

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but adapts well to medium light. Avoid prolonged harsh direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. Brighter conditions generally help maintain stronger variegation.

Water: Water when the top few centimetres of soil have dried. Keep the soil lightly moist during active growth, but avoid letting the plant sit in water. Reduce watering during winter.

Humidity: Average household humidity is usually sufficient. Slightly higher humidity can help reduce dry or crispy leaf tips.

Temperature: Comfortable in typical indoor temperatures of around 15–25°C. Protect from cold drafts and prolonged temperatures below approximately 10°C.

Soil: Use a loose, well-draining houseplant mix that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Fertiliser: Feed approximately once a month during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertiliser. Reduce or stop feeding during winter.

Good to Know

Spider Plants can develop brown leaf tips, especially when exposed to very dry air, inconsistent watering or a build-up of minerals and salts in the soil. Removing damaged tips and occasionally flushing the potting mix with water can help keep the foliage looking fresh.

The small plantlets produced on mature plants are extremely easy to propagate. Simply place one into soil while still attached to the parent plant, or remove it once it has developed small roots and pot it separately.

Pet safety: Chlorophytum comosum is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a popular choice for pet-friendly homes.

Botanical name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’
Common name: Variegated Spider Plant
Family: Asparagaceae
Growth habit: Arching, clumping and trailing
Difficulty: Easy