Due to their minimal maintenance, ease of multiplication, and beautiful foliage, spider plants are becoming more and more popular as houseplants. A spider plant to suit any aesthetic preference can be found thanks to its great diversity, which exceeds 200 types.
Featuring everything from eye-catching variegated leaves to unique colors and shapes, this in-depth guide will help you distinguish between various spider plant species. Investigate these 21 types of spider plants to add life to your living space, regardless of whether you’d rather go for a classic or a more unusual option.
Different Types of Spider Plants
Bonnie Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie,’ or more commonly known as the Bonnie Spider Plant, is a distinguished plant characterized by its gracefully twisted leaves. This variety, featuring a delightful blend of creamy white and green hues on the edges, is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functions as an air-purifying plant. Bonnie, reaching lengths of 8 to 18 inches, thrives in bright, indirect, or artificial light and requires watering only when the soil is completely dry. It looks particularly stunning when displayed in a hanging basket, showcasing its attractive form and creating a splendid scene.
Variegated Bonnie Spider Plant
The Variegated Bonnie Spider Plant, scientifically labeled Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie Variegated’ and commonly known as Bonnie Variegated, adds the perfect touch to any living room. With its green leaves adorned by creamy white stripes, this plant’s curled foliage presents an aesthetically pleasing display, especially when placed in a hanging basket. As a fast-growing and beginner-friendly plant, it reaches a height of 8 to 18 inches. Combining well with Dracaena and ZZ plants, the Variegated Bonnie Spider Plant effortlessly enhances the visual appeal of any indoor space.
Hawaiian Spider Plant
The Hawaiian Spider Plant, scientifically identified as Chlorophytum Viridescens and commonly known as Golden Glow, stands out as one of the most captivating and elegant indoor plants, distinct from its more common relatives. Its young leaves boast bright white, cream, and light green variegation, evolving into a deep green shade as they mature. Growing to heights of 18 to 24 inches and spreading 12 to 18 inches, this plant thrives with bright light and regular watering for optimal growth, presenting a visually striking and unique addition to indoor spaces.
Atlantic Spider Plant
The Atlantic Spider Plant, scientifically known as Chlorophytum Comosum, originates from South Africa and Asia. Renowned for its air-purifying qualities, this plant features attractive white ribboned foliage with green margins. Growing to heights of 25-50 cm and spreading 10-25 cm, the Atlantic Spider Plant is remarkably easy to maintain. Thriving in both bright light or shade and moist soil, it also makes for an attractive hanging plant, contributing to a visually pleasing and adaptable indoor environment.
Reverse Variegatum Spider Plant
The Reverse Variegatum Spider Plant, scientifically labeled Chlorophytum comosum variegatum, is incredibly easy to cultivate. Reaching heights of 2 feet and widths of 3 feet, it displays modest white flowers and spider-like shoots. Its distinctive leaf pattern, the reverse of Chlorophytum comosum “vittatum,” features green centers with white margins on long strap-like leaves originating from a crown in the middle. Flourishing with some direct or bright light, this plant thrives under optimal growth conditions when provided with suitable lighting.
Ocean Spider Plant
As a stunning indoor plant, the Ocean Spider Plant (scientifically known as Chlorophytum Comosum ‘Ocean’), enhances the aesthetic appeal of interior spaces by showcasing leaves with creamy white margins and green centers. This plant produces small white flowers and its slender, delicate stems – often called runners – add to the layering effect of the foliage. It grows to a mature height of approximately 18 inches and a width of 12 inches. Thriving in well-drained soil, bright indirect light, and moderate watering, it is a delightful addition to any indoor environment.
Airplane Spider Plant
The Airplane Spider Plant, scientifically named Chlorophytum comosum, stands out in the spider plant family for its unique features. Renowned for its white fleshy roots, this variety showcases resilience in dry conditions. Its light green leaves, arranged in a scattered manner, grow as a perennial reaching heights of 2-3 ft. With yellow margins on the light green leaves, this plant appreciates partial direct sunlight. Rarely flowering, it makes for an excellent ornamental plant when grown in a pot.
Purple Spider Plant
The Purple Spider Plant, scientifically named Cleome hassleriana and commonly referred to as Spider Plant ‘Violet Queen,’ is a rapidly growing annual. Dubbed the “purple spider flower,” it boasts lush green leaves, sweetly fragrant deep purple flowers, and grows to a height of three to four feet with a one to two feet spread. It thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate watering. This plant, particularly enchanting in the cold season, creates a spectacular sight with its beautiful blooms.
Shamrock Spider Plant
The Shamrock Spider Plant, scientifically labeled Chlorophytum comosum and commonly known as Shamrock or Ocean, stands out as a rare variety among spider plant cultivars. Flourishing both indoors and outdoors, its growth accelerates when placed outside. Particularly impressive when suspended in hanging baskets, this perennial plant boasts vibrant green leaves with pointed tips, adorned with creamy white margins that flourish in ample sunlight. Star-shaped white flowers embellish the apex, while cascade runners serve as effective propagating materials
Vittatum Spider Plant
The Vittatum Spider Plant, also known simply as the Spider Plant but scientifically labeled Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum,’ is a highly valued evergreen perennial for its ease of cultivation. It grows effortlessly, featuring delicate, green leaves with notable white stripes in the center. This plant reaches a height of 12 to 24 inches and spreads evenly. Producing small predominantly white flowers, it thrives in well-drained soil and indirect light. Vittatum creates a visually appealing and harmonious combination when paired with Begonias and Impatiens.
Fire Flash Spider Plant
Known officially as Chlorophytum Orchidastrum but commonly referred to as the Orange Spider Plant, the Fire Flash Spider Plant is an alluring, perennial tropical herb. It’s evergreen beauty goes by various names like Green Orange Spider Plant, Fire Glory, and Sierra Leone Lily. Requiring minimal maintenance, it grows to a height of 2 feet with a spread of 1 to 2 feet, boasting large, egg-shaped, vibrant green leaves. Flourishing in moist soil, partial shade, and moderate watering, this plant adds a touch of tropical charm to any setting.
Zebra Spider Plant
The Zebra Spider Plant, scientifically known as Chlorophytum laxum and commonly referred to as Spider Plant ‘Zebra Grass,‘ shares many similarities with the ‘Reverse Variegatum.’ However, its distinctive feature lies in the brighter yellow leaf margin compared to the reverse variegatum. The center of the leaf is green, and it produces attractive white flowers. Although not as tall as some other spider plants, it grows wider, making it an ideal choice for partial shade. This unique plant is best suited as a hanging plant, adding a touch of distinctiveness to any indoor space.
Chlorophytum Spider Plant
The Chlorophytum Spider Plant, scientifically known as Chlorophytum capense, closely resembles Chlorophytum comosum but lacks the hanging characteristics. With narrow and pointed leaves, this variety stands out with its dense green foliage. The plant produces primarily star-shaped white flowers. Growing up to 1 foot in height and spreading up to 2 feet, it thrives in locations with partial sunlight to full sun exposure.
Mandarin Orange Spider Plant
The Mandarin Orange Spider Plant, scientifically named Chlorophytum amaniense ‘Fire Flash’ and commonly known as the Mandarin plant, stands out as the most vibrant among spider plants. With shiny green leaves and striking orange stems, it captivates with its eye-catching appearance. When grown indoors, it reaches a height of 50 cm, while outdoor planting can double its size. This low-maintenance plant thrives in bright indirect light or partial shade, cautioning against direct sunlight. Despite its vintage charm, the Mandarin Orange Spider Plant remains a timeless and appealing choice for plant enthusiasts.
Variegated Spider Plant
The Variegated Spider Plant, scientifically named Chlorophytum comosum ‘variegatum,’ is a perennial rhizomatous plant native to South Africa, growing up to 1-2 ft long. Featuring narrow green leaves adorned with creamy-white stripes, approximately 45 cm long, it creates a special visual appeal. Producing small starry white flowers in clusters, this drought-tolerant and easy-to-grow plant thrives in various conditions. Placing it in a hanging pot enhances its decorative charm, making it an excellent addition to your home decor style.
Green Spider Plant
The Green Spider Plant, scientifically known as Chlorophytum comosum, is considered a rare gem in the spider plant family. Its notable feature lies in its foliage – the leaves are a deep green without the characteristic cream or light yellow stripes. Although commercial production ceased after 1970, the Green Spider Plant can still be propagated if someone is fortunate enough to have it at home. This unique plant produces flowers, standing out solely due to the absence of diversity on its leaves, making it a distinctive and noteworthy addition to any plant collection.
Curly Spider Plant
The Curly Spider Plant, scientifically labeled as Chlorophytum comosum, originates from tropical regions and South Africa. This perennial beauty holds a special allure for gardening enthusiasts with its uniquely twisted, round leaves. With a deep green color and white stripes in the center, these broad and curled leaves create an attractive display. The plant produces white flowers, typically in the spring. Ideal for potting, the Curly Spider Plant can enhance your workspace or corner walls, bringing a natural and elegant touch to your indoor environment.
Bichetii Spider Plant
The Bichetii Spider Plant, scientifically known as Chlorophytum laxum, stands out with its main attraction – the gracefully arching green leaves. Resembling the variegatum spider plant, it distinguishes itself with smaller leaves. The light green leaves have white or cream margins, a soft and smooth surface. Similar to most spider plant varieties, it produces small white flowers. However, unlike variegatum, Bichetii does not generate baby plants, adding a unique charm to its overall appeal in the spider plant family.
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