Everyone has heard of the spider plant, right? The airplane plant? Chlorophytum comosum for all the plant people. Ok right everyone knows what I am talking about. There are many different types of spider plants. So I decided to see how many different varieties were out there. This is what I have found.
Let’s start with the basic solid green spider plant
Categorized under the botanical name Chlorophytum comosum.
This was actually the hardest to find! Just because it’s all green doesn’t make it boring. It’s a great color green and because it’s solid green, without variegation, it’s actually a healthier plant. Variegated plants are typically weaker because the white part of the leaf doesn’t produce chlorophyll.
This is Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’, or common Spider Plant
This is the most popular variety of the spider plant. The leaves have interesting variegation, kinda streaky. It’s a great houseplant because it’s easy to grow, doesn’t need much care, it’s beautiful and it’s a natural air cleaner.
Below is Chlorophytum comosum ‘Reverse Variegatum’
Now this one is probably the second most common airplane plant. This one has a green center with white edges. It’s still easy to care for and a good air cleaner, with a more interesting variegation, if you’ve worn tired of the common spider plant.
Chlorophytum laxum “Zebra”
This one looks a lot like Chlorophytum comosum ‘Reverse Variegatum’ but has a yellower edge that eventually turns to a white. I bought it under the name of “Zebra” I find that it seems to stay a little shorter than rest. I like this variety.
I was told that this is called Hawaiian Spider Plant.
The coolest part of this plant is that the plant will start out with variegation and finally turn all green again. Then producing the babies, with variegation again. These if potted will grow into a large plant that is variegated before turning all green again. If the babies are left on the plant they will eventually turn green as well. So the plant will have various different combinations going on!
All the different types of spider plants prove to be super easy to grow, able to survive what most plants can’t. There are other varieties out there, but seem harder to purchase. There is a “Bonnie” which has more curly leaves so is characterized as a curly spider plant. Many people say it’s just a stressed plant. Learn more about spider plant care.
Houseplants are so wonderful for the soul and the mind, especially during the drab winter months. I hope this information helps you start your very own houseplant collection.