The Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’, often called the Bonnie Spider Plant or Curly Spider Plant, is a fantastic twist on the classic houseplant. Unlike the straight leaves of its common relative, ‘Bonnie’ is celebrated for its compact, arching growth habit and its beautifully twisted, ribbon-like leaves. The foliage is variegated, featuring a creamy-white stripe down the centre of the green leaf. This plant is a powerhouse for health and hardiness, and it’s famous for producing small “pups” or plantlets on its trailing stems, which can be easily rooted to create new plants.
Caring for Your ‘Bonnie’
- Growing Conditions: This plant is wonderfully forgiving. It thrives in a position with bright, indirect light, which helps to maintain the variegation of its leaves. While it can tolerate lower light, too much direct, harsh sun can scorch the foliage. It’s also adaptable to a wide range of indoor temperatures.
- Watering: Water thoroughly, allowing the top couple of centimetres of soil to dry out between waterings. It’s best to be slightly cautious, as too much water can lead to root rot. If you notice brown tips on the leaves, it can often be caused by tap water chemicals or infrequent watering.
- Feeding: Feed your Spider Plant with a liquid houseplant fertiliser, diluted to half-strength, once a month during the warmer growing months (spring and summer).
- Pruning: Pruning is simple. Remove any brown or damaged leaves at the base. You can also snip off the small “pups” or plantlets and pot them up to easily propagate new plants for friends.
Usage in the Home
The ‘Bonnie’ Spider Plant is an excellent choice for hanging baskets, where its arching, trailing habit and the baby plantlets can be best appreciated. It also looks great on a tall shelf or a table, bringing a soft, bright green accent to any room. It’s highly regarded as one of the best air-purifying plants, making it a great addition to bedrooms or home offices.
