Chlorophytum comosum
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 Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum'
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| Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques[1] |
The Spider Plant, Chlorophytum comosum, is a species of Chlorophytum native to South Africa.
Spider plants have long narrow leaves that are 20–40 cm (8–15 in) long and 5–20 mm (0.2–0.8 in) 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, entirely 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 or putting them in a glass of water.
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.[citation needed]
Spider plants have also been shown to reduce indoor air pollution.[2]
At the spot where a leaf would normally develop a node, these plants will produce adventitious roots down into the soil, and new above ground shoots.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Chlorophytum comosum information from NPGS/GRIN. www.ars-grin.gov. Retrieved on 2008-03-17.
- ^ B. C. Wolverton, Rebecca C. McDonald, and E. A. Watkins, Jr. Foliage Plants for Removing Indoor Air Pollutants from Energy-efficient Homes. Retrieved on 2007-05-03.
[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
