Chlorophytum comosum
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 Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum'
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| Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques |
Chlorophytum comosum, the Spider Plant, is a species of Chlorophytum native to South Africa.
Spider Plants have long narrow leaves that are 20-40 cm long and 5-20 mm broad, which grow from a central rosette. It also produces branched stolons with small white flowers and baby plantlets.
It is a very popular houseplant. The most widely grown is the variegated cultivar 'Variegatum', with one or two broad yellowish-white bands running along the length of each leaf, but natural, all-green plants are also grown.
The Spider Plant is very easy to propagate. They can be propagated by splitting its main rosette, or more easily by removing plantlets from the stolons and potting them separately. It is an especially popular plant with beginners, as it is easy to grow and propagate and is very tolerant of neglect, being able to thrive in nearly any type of condition.
Although Spider Plants are generally considered to be non-toxic, ingestion can often result in vomiting and temporarily altered behavior[citation needed].
Studies conducted by NASA have shown it to be particularly effective in absorbing formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air in homes or offices.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- BEST OF NASA SPINOFFS- a list of technologies and scientific data that resulted from research by NASA (through NASA.gov)
- More information on pollutant-absorbing plants
