Spider plant Chlorophytum comosum
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Asparagaceae family, native to Tropical and southern Africa. It grows 20–40 cm (8–16 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Spider plant at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 26–52 weeks after planting, for 13–29 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tropical and southern Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Spider plant toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA (cats may still nibble and vomit).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Spider plant
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Spider plant
- How far apart should I plant Spider plant?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Spider plant need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Spider plant need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Spider plant?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Spider plant flower?
- About 26–52 weeks after planting, for 13–29 weeks.
- Is Spider plant poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA (cats may still nibble and vomit).
- What grows well with Spider plant?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Spider plant. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Arching runners carry baby plantlets; a groundcover under trees in frost-free gardens and a top houseplant elsewhere.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis
- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana