Chlorophytum comosum
-
Spider plant
Family Anthericaceae
Description:
Various sources describe this genus as composed of one
hundred sixty-five to three hundred species. They are native to Africa and Asia. The spider plant is native to South Africa. This plant makes a
clump of grass-like leaves with small, white flowers on stalks that arch above
the leaves. It may be best known as a house plant. The common name refers to
the small, spider-like plants that develop on the old, hanging flower spikes.
Location:
See this plant on the northeast side of building 10.
Size:
A herbaceous plant to about nine to twelve inches tall.
Care Instructions:
Light: part shade to full shade
Water: responds well to irrigation, drought tolerant once established
Soil: not soggy, no other special requirements
Spider plant will grow outdoors in the warmer parts of Jacksonville, especially
with a little cold protection. Plants have survived winter temperatures in the
upper teens F. This is a plant for a shady, well-drained spot with protection
from cold, winter winds. It has thick roots that help store moisture, making it
fairly drought tolerant. It can grow as a groundcover, spreading rapidly in the
right spot by plantlets that develop on its flower spikes.