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Conservatory GreenhouseHouseplantsSynonym

Chlorophytum capense var. variegatum

spider plant

A clump-forming evergreen perennial with lance or strap shaped leaves, the leaves are variegated with a thick central strip of creamy white and dark green margins. Racemes of tiny white flowers are held on stem that can be up to 60cm long, with no plantlets on the flower stems, and this is a distinguishing feature of this species

Other common names
St Bernard's lily
Synonyms
Chlorophytum elatum 'Variegatum'
Chlorophytum capense var. variegatum

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Variegated Cream
Summer White Variegated Cream
Autumn Variegated Cream
Winter Variegated Cream
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing or North–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Genus

Chlorophytum are evergreen, rhizomatous perennials with linear or lance-shaped leaves and slender arching stems bearing loose racemes or panicles of small, starry white flowers, in some species also bearing plantlets

Name status

Accepted

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow as a houseplant, under glass or in frost-free environment. A very tough houseplant, tolerant of a wide range of conditions. Keep the plant looking healthy and fresh by re-potting and dividing every 2-3 years. See houseplant cultivation and Chlorophytum for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

Trim back flowering spikes once they have finished

Pests

Maybe susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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