Spider plant

(Chlorophytum comosum `Vittatum')

August 1996

DESCRIPTION:

Long, slender, graceful leaves curve from central rosette and have a central white stripe.

FOLIAGE COLORS:

Green and White, Green

CONTAINER:

Small planter (hanging basket).

LIGHT:

Medium to high. Does well near an east, west, or south window, filtered light, or location receiving 1000 footcandles or more.

WATER:

Frequent. Water thoroughly, keep soil evenly moist to touch (not saturated). Don't let sit in water.

TEMPERATURE:

Cool, medium, warm. Nights 10 degrees cooler than days.

HUMIDITY:

High

FERTILIZER:

Fertilize every 2 months. Don't overfertilize.

SOIL MIX:

1 part sterilized garden loam, 1 part clean coarse sand or Perlite, and 1/2 to 1 part sphagnum peat moss.

PROPOGATION:

Division, plantlets

SELECTION GUIDE:

Select sturdy, shapely, healthy plant free from insect and disease damage. New leaf growth is desirable. Avoid those with yellow or brown leaf margins, wilted or water soaked leaves.

CARE:

Easy. Tolerates wide range of conditions. Good for beginners.

OTHER CULTIVARS:

`Mandaianum' - dwarf to 6 " with yellow center stripe; `Variegatum' - white margin.

PROBLEMS:

Scale insects: Scrape off. Isolate. If severe, dispose of plant.
Fertilizer burn: Leach pot 3 times with water between fertilizer applications.

COMMENTS:

Easy to grow if given bright light (not full sun) and kept evenly moist. Leaves fade when plant needs water. Most often used in hanging baskets.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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