Variegatum Spider Plant

Variegatum Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum') is the classic hanging basket spider plant: a fountain of strappy, apple-green leaves edged in white, growing up to 50cm tall and wide. Long arching stems carry small white flowers and then tiny plantlets, so one plant soon becomes several. It needs very little care and is generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Why you'll love it

• White-edged leaves. The crisp white edges lighten a dim corner and look fresh against dark pots and walls.
• Free new plants. Dangling plantlets can be repotted to share around, or left on the plant for a fuller look.
• Very easy. Regular water in the growing season and bright, indirect light are nearly all it asks.
• Gentle around pets. Spider plants are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Many uses. It suits hanging baskets, indoor shelves and underplanting in shaded tropical gardens.

Where it works best

Hanging baskets. A single plant fills a hanging pot as the arching leaves and plantlets spill over the edge, so it is a good choice for a verandah or a bright window.

Indoor shelves and tables. Put it somewhere with bright, indirect light and let the leaves arch outwards. Turn the pot now and then for even growth.

Shady tropical garden beds. Plant 40cm apart as underplanting. In the warmer months it also works as seasonal bedding colour.

Growing Variegatum Spider Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Bright, indirect light. It tolerates shade, but growth slows and the white edges lose their crispness, and direct sunlight scorches the leaf tips. Protect it from frost: grow it outdoors in tropical, subtropical and frost free gardens, and indoors elsewhere.

Soil. A free-draining potting mix, or compost-enriched garden soil in a shaded bed.

Water and feed. Water regularly through the growing season and reduce watering in winter. Let the top of the mix dry slightly between waterings rather than keeping it soggy.

Pruning. Repot any plantlets to produce new plants, trim off brown leaves and give the foliage a cool shower if it looks dusty.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Variegatum Spider Plant as tube stock, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. A tube is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and is the economical way to fill several baskets or a shaded border. The potted packs arrive with a fuller fountain of leaves.

The tube comes from our grower and is not always in stock. When it shows as sold out, the grower has none right now, and the notify button on this page will email you the day it is back.

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

• Easy spider plant tips
• Pet friendly indoor plants
• Indoor plants for every room
• Palms, ferns and tropical plants

Common questions

What do I do with the plantlets?

Peg them into a small pot of mix while still attached, or snip them off and pot them up. Either way they root quickly and become new plants. You can also leave them on the plant.

Why are the tips turning brown?

Usually direct sun, dry air or uneven watering. Move it out of harsh sun, water regularly in the growing season and trim off the brown tips.

Can it live outdoors?

Yes, in a bright but shaded spot in frost free gardens. In cold districts keep it in a pot and bring it indoors for winter.

Is it safe for pets?

Spider plants are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs.