Bonnie Curly Spider Plant

Bonnie Curly Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum 'Bonnie') is the curly form of the spider plant, a compact clump 20 to 30cm high and about 40cm wide. The leaves curl and twist as they grow, green with a white centre stripe, and even the plantlets on their trailing stems curl. It is well suited to hanging pots and shelves, and is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Why you'll love it

• Curls from top to bottom. Leaves spiral and twist rather than arch, and the baby plants curl too, giving the whole plant a tousled look.
• Compact size. It stays smaller than the classic spider plant, so it fits narrow shelves and small hanging pots.
• White centre stripe. Each green leaf carries a white stripe down the middle, which shows up well as the leaves turn.
• Simple to keep. It has the same forgiving nature as other spider plants and recovers quickly from a missed watering.
• Safe with pets. Non-toxic to cats and dogs, though a hanging pot keeps curious cats from chewing it.

Where it works best

Hanging pots. The curled leaves and plantlets look their best at eye level, tumbling over the rim of a small basket.

Shelves and ledges. A compact habit suits bookshelves, bathroom ledges and window sills with bright, indirect light.

Sheltered patios. In frost-free areas it grows well in a shaded pot outdoors, protected from hot sun and drying wind.

Growing Bonnie Curly Spider Plant in Australia

Light and position. Give it bright light without hot direct sun, which burns the foliage. In dimmer rooms it still grows, only more slowly and with fewer plantlets. Good light also keeps the curl tight, and leaves grown in dim rooms tend to straighten.

Potting mix. A premium, free-draining potting mix is all it asks. The fleshy roots hold water and soon pack the pot, so repot into the next size up once roots show at the drainage holes.

Water and feed. Let the top few centimetres of mix dry between waterings and water less through winter. A half-strength liquid fertiliser every few weeks from spring to autumn keeps growth steady.

Leaf tips and tidying. Brown leaf tips are mostly caused by fluoride in tap water, dry indoor air or dry soil. Switch to rainwater or filtered water where you can, and trim brown ends with clean scissors.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bonnie Curly Spider Plant in 100mm pots in packs of 10 and 200mm pots in packs of 6. Unpack on arrival, water well and place in bright, indirect light. Leaves may sit a little flatter after transit and curl again as new growth comes through. Our growers do not hold every size all year, so a size can show as on backorder at times. An order for a backorder size is confirmed with you before anything ships.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Indoor plants that are safe around pets
• More house and indoor plants
• Easy houseplant tips for spider plants
• Indoor plant tips for beginners

Common questions

Why are the leaves less curly than I expected?

Curl is strongest in bright, indirect light and on slightly dry plants. Low light and heavy watering produce straighter leaves.

Do the babies curl as well?

Yes. The plantlets carried on the trailing stems have the same twisted leaves, and they can be potted up to make new plants.

Is it toxic to cats?

No, spider plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing can still damage the plant, so hang it out of reach if needed.