Chlorophytum comosum, the Spider Plant, is a species of Chlorophytum native to South Africa.

The spider plant is a very popular plant. It is tropical but also grows indoors in temperate countries. I grow it in New Zealand.

You can grow it in a pot or in a hanging basket. If grown in a hanging basket, the baby plantlets flows downwards, hence giving it the name spider. It also has branched stolons which produces little white flowers. It is a small beautiful plant that makes a good gift.

There are two types, a more popular ones are the variegated ones have streaks of white bands along the leaf. I also have the all green ones.

It is easy to propagate. You snip plantlets already with roots from the stolons and pot them separately. It is a popular plant with beginners and thrives well in any condition. Besides watering the soil, you can spray mists on the leaves. The latter is important if you have heating in winter. Otherwise the leaves will dry out and your plant will not look healthy.

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The spider plant is among the NASA studies that it is effective in absorbing formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air in homes or offices. Each plant type was placed in sealed, plexiglass chambers in which chemicals were injected. Philodendron, Spider plant and the Golden pothos were labeled as the most effective in removing formaldehyde. The above text was reprinted directly from the NASA site.

9/26/89: STUDY SHOWS COMMON PLANTS HELP REDUCE INDOOR AIR POLLUTION. RELEASE: 89-149 / http://www.denverplants.com/Pl antscape/html/cleanair_2.htm

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