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Botanical name: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’
Probably the most cultivated houseplant in the world, this variety is grown primarily for its interesting foliage; great for containers, or cascading from hanging baskets; tolerates drought and deep shade, but perfers bright indirect sun.
Other names: Airplane Plant, Ribbon Plant
| Hardiness zone | 9a |
|---|---|
| Foliage type | deciduous * |
| Plant form | upright spreading |
| Mature height | 24 inches |
| Spread | 24 inches |
| Light requirements | partial shade to shade |
| Moisture requirements | dry to moist |
| Plant origin | import |
* deciduous = loses leaves in winter
Variegated Spider Plant's attractive grassy leaves remain dark green in color with prominent white stripes and tinges of lime green throughout the season. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are ornamentally significant.
Variegated Spider Plant is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.
This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
Insects
Variegated Spider Plant is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Mass Planting, General Garden Use, Container Planting, Hanging Baskets
Variegated Spider Plant will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.
This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by multiplication of the underground bulbs; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
Variegated Spider Plant is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
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