Chlorophytum comosum - Spider plant

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.

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.