6 Types of Spider Plants to Grow in Your Home

Spider plants are beloved for their easy care and propensity for producing offsets or “babies.” This guide explores some of the best varieties to grow indoors.

Spider plants are some of the most popular and easy to grow houseplants around. Their unique growth habit and propensity for producing offsets, also known as “spiders” or plantlets, make them fun to care for.

These low-maintenance plants are excellent choices for beginners or anyone wanting lush, trailing greenery to brighten up indoor spaces. With the right conditions, spider plants will thrive for years while helping purify the surrounding air.

While there are over 70 spider plant varieties, only a handful are readily available and commonly grown as houseplants. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best spider plant types to consider adding to your home.

1. Chlorophytum Comosum (Ribbon Plant)

This is likely the spider plant variety you’re most familiar with. The Chlorophytum comosum features long, arching stems covered in grassy-textured green and white striped or variegated leaves.

The white portions contain less chlorophyll, giving the foliage its signature striped pattern which varies from plant to plant. Ribbon plants readily produce offsets that hang down on long stems like little spiders.

This variety makes an excellent hanging basket plant that trails beautifully. The foliage adds tons of texture and visual interest without taking up much space.

2. Chlorophytum Comosum ‘Vittatum’ (Reverse Variegated)

As the name implies, this cultivar is essentially the reverse of the standard spider plant variegation. Rather than green and white striped leaves, the vittatum sports bright green stripes against a creamy-white background.

The reverse variegated spider plant has broader, more arching leaves and stems compared to the regular comosum variety. Its offsets also exhibit the same contrasting variegation.

While a bit less vigorous than the standard type, the reverse variegated spider plant variety provides stunning foliage colors that really pop against all that white.

3. Chlorophytum Laxum (Lawn Plant)

The botanical name gives away this spider plant cultivar’s more compact, dense growth habit. Rather than long, arching stems, laxum varieties have shorter foliage that resembles a thick patch of grass.

While capable of producing offsets, this type may not yield as many plantlets as other spider plants. But its densely clumping form still makes it a beautiful choice for beds, borders or groundcover plantings.

Variegated forms of the lawn plant feature green and yellow striped leaves. It’s a more petite, indoor-friendly spider plant variety ideal for small spaces or miniature gardens.

4. Chlorophytum Bichetii ‘Starbrighter’ (Hawaiian Spider Plant)

Native to Australia and the South Pacific islands, this unique spider plant cultivar adds a bold tropical flair to houseplant collections. Also known as the curly or crispy wave spider plant, it features narrow, rippled leaves that contort into interesting shapes.

The stems and centers of the foliage sport bright yellow-green or chartreuse hues that really stand out against darker green margins and edges. While it does produce offsets, they tend to be fewer in number than other varieties.

Hawaiian spider plants are incredibly eye-catching and vigorous growers once they get established. Their funky, ruffled leaves make for a very lively potted specimen.

5. Chlorophytum Amaniense (Spider Plant Violet)

For those who prefer a bit more color, this small spider plant variety may fit the bill. The amaniense cultivar features shorter green and white variegated foliage, similar to the comosum type.

But its real claim to fame is producing clusters of small violet-blue flowers periodically throughout the year. While not as showy as some blooms, they still provide an extra pop of interest.

At around 6 inches tall, the spider plant violet makes an excellent miniature accent plant for dish gardens or tabletops. It’s easy to care for but slightly slower growing than the larger, more common cultivars.

6. Chlorophytum Capense (Ocean Plant)

With their incredibly deep green, crinkly leaves and tendency to form compact, solid clumps, ocean plants like capense offer a totally different look from typical trailing spider plants.

As the name implies, they thrive in coastal conditions with salty ocean air. Ocean plants produce fewer plantlets and instead focus on forming super dense rosettes of ruffled foliage.

While not really a “true” spider plant by definition, they still make excellent compact houseplants for decorative pots or planted en masse as a lush, succulent-like ground cover.

Caring for Spider Plants

One of the biggest draws of spider plants is how easy they are to care for. All varieties require well-draining soil and bright, indirect light to prevent issues like root rot or stretching.

Allow the soil to dry out a bit between thorough waterings. Spider plants can become quite drought tolerant once established. During the growing season, they benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Higher humidity helps spider plants thrive, though they can tolerate average household conditions. Misting the foliage periodically or using pebble trays filled with water is recommended.

Pruning the plants back periodically keeps them looking neat and prevents spider plants from becoming overcrowded. You can also simply clip off the offsets or plantlets and pot them up to share.

When grown properly, spider plants can live for many years while helping to filter indoor air and provide vibrant greenery. No matter which variety you choose, their easy-going nature makes them perfect for beginners.

Spider Plant Toxicity

It’s important to note that all spider plant varieties are considered non-toxic to humans and pets.

Unlike many houseplants which contain mildly toxic compounds, spiders plants contain no poisonous substances, making them perfectly safe to have around kids or furry friends. The leaves may potentially cause minor stomach upset if ingested, but beyond that pose no serious risks.

This quality further adds to spider plants’ appeal as highly desirable houseguests that brighten up living areas without worry. They’re perfect for those seeking pet-friendly species in non-toxic indoor gardens.

Where to Buy Spider Plants

Given their widespread popularity and easy-to-grow nature, spider plants are available almost everywhere. Most garden centers and nurseries offer at least one or two varieties year-round.

Big box stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, grocery stores and even some hardware stores often carry small spider plants in their seasonal plant sections as well.

If you’re looking for less common spider plant cultivars like variegated or curly leaf types, your best bet is exploring some of the fantastic online plant retailers like:

• Costa Farms (costafarms.com)
• Steve’s Leaves (stevesleaves.com)
• Logee’s Plants (logees.com)
• Hirt’s Gardens (hirtsgardens.com)

Check for healthy, well-established plants from reputable sellers and inspect any mail orders thoroughly before unpacking. Clear signs of pests, damage or disease are not acceptable.

With dozens of varieties available showing off vibrant colors, patterns and textures, there’s bound to be a spider plant perfectly suited for your home and personal tastes. Their easy care and air-purifying abilities only add to their immense appeal.

Follow the basic spider plant care tips above, and these houseplants practically take care of themselves while providing lush, trailing beauty for years. Get ready to watch them produce plenty of fun “spiders” to share with friends and family too!