The Spider Plant is one of the most recognisable and beloved indoor and shaded-garden plants in Australia. It is famous for its gracefully arching, variegated foliage—typically featuring a central white or cream stripe bordered by vibrant green. As the plant matures, it sends out long, yellowish wiry stems that bear small, starry white flowers, followed by “pups” or “spiderettes.” These baby plants hang down from the mother plant, creating a beautiful tiered effect that looks like a web of cascading greenery.
In addition to its ornamental value, Chlorophytum Comosum is a powerhouse for air purification, known to help remove common household toxins from the air. It features thick, tuberous white roots that store water, making it incredibly resilient and forgiving of occasional neglect. Whether grown in a hanging basket, a pot, or as a groundcover in a tropical garden, it brings a bright, fresh, and lush feel to any space.
Care Tips
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Position: Thrives in bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate lower light levels, its growth will slow and the variegation may become less distinct. Avoid direct, harsh Australian afternoon sun, as this will scorch the thin leaves.
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Climate: Prefers temperate to subtropical conditions. It is relatively frost-sensitive, so in cooler parts of Australia, it is best kept indoors or in a very protected, warm spot during winter.
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Soil: Requires a well-drained potting mix or garden soil. A standard high-quality potting mix works perfectly as long as it doesn’t stay waterlogged.
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Watering: Moderate water needs. Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry out before watering again. The plant is drought-tolerant thanks to its fleshy roots, but it appreciates regular moisture during the height of summer.
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Fertilising: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser at half-strength once a month during spring and summer to encourage the growth of runners and plantlets.
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Pruning: Low maintenance. Simply trim off any brown tips (often caused by low humidity or fluoride in tap water) and remove old, yellowing leaves at the base. You can also snip off the spiderettes to propagate new plants.
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Maintenance: If the plant becomes root-bound, the thick roots can actually crack plastic pots. Repot every couple of years if you notice the roots pushing up through the soil surface.
