Picturatum Spider Plant

Picturatum Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum 'Picturatum') grows as an arching clump 30 to 40cm high and about 60cm wide, each green leaf marked with a creamy-yellow stripe down the centre. That makes it the reverse of the white-edged forms, and a little warmer in tone. Long stems carry small white flowers and plantlets, and the plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Why you'll love it

• A warm central stripe. Green margins with a creamy-yellow centre give a softer look than the cooler white-edged spider plants.
• Trailing plantlets. Long stems carry small white flowers and then baby plants, which hang around the pot like a mobile.
• Forgiving nature. It tolerates missed waterings, average light and air conditioning without complaint.
• Non-toxic to pets. Safe for cats and dogs, although cats are fond of chewing the leaf tips.
• Quick to fill out. Spider plants grow fast in warm weather, so a small plant makes a full pot within a season.

Where it works best

Hanging baskets. A basket near a bright window shows the striped leaves from below and gives the plantlets room to trail.

Shelves and plant stands. The arching habit softens the hard edges of shelving and sits well beside upright foliage plants.

Shaded garden beds. Outdoors in frost-free areas it brightens the ground beneath trees, spreading gently as plantlets take root.

Growing Picturatum Spider Plant in Australia

Light and position. Bright, indirect light suits it best: near a window but out of hot direct sun, which scorches the leaves. It copes with lower light, growing more slowly and making fewer plantlets. Good light keeps the yellow stripe strong, and deep shade can dull it.

Potting mix. Use a free-draining premium potting mix. The thick, fleshy roots store water and fill a pot quickly, so move the plant up a pot size when roots push out of the drainage holes.

Water and feed. Water when the top few centimetres of mix feel dry, and ease back in winter. Feed with a liquid fertiliser at half strength every few weeks through the warm months.

Leaf tips and tidying. Brown tips usually trace back to fluoride in tap water, dry air or mix left dry too long. Rainwater or filtered water helps, and brown ends can be snipped off with clean scissors.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Picturatum Spider Plant in 140mm pots in packs of 10, enough to fill a row of baskets or plant a shaded bed. Unpack on arrival, water well and keep the plants in bright shade while they settle. Any leaf creased in transit can be cut off at the base. Not every size is held by our growers all year, which means a size can show as on backorder from time to time. We confirm any backorder order 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

• Browse more indoor plants
• Pet friendly indoor plants
• Spider plant care: easy houseplant tips
• How to keep your indoor plants alive

Common questions

Which stripe does Picturatum have?

The stripe runs down the centre of the leaf in creamy yellow, with green on both edges. White-edged forms have the pattern the other way around.

Why has my plant stopped making babies?

Plantlets form on mature plants in good light. A young plant, a dim position or a pot that is far too large will all delay them.

How often should I repot?

Usually every year or two. When the fleshy roots lift the plant in its pot or push out of the drainage holes, move it up one size.