Chlorophytum comosum

Common Names:

• Spider Plant
• Airplane Plant
• Ribbon Plant

Phonetic Spelling:

• kloh-roh-FY-tum koh-MOH-sum

Description:

Chlorophytum comosum is a perennial, herbaceous plant that typically grows in a rosette form. It has arching, grass-like leaves that can reach up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) long.

The leaves are long, narrow, and often variegated with green and white stripes. They are smooth and can grow up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) long and 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) wide.

The plant produces small, star-shaped white flowers on long, wiry stems called stolons. These stems can grow up to 75 centimeters (30 inches) long and often produce plantlets (baby plants) at their tips.

Distribution/Location:

Native to tropical and southern Africa. It has become naturalized in many other parts of the world due to its popularity as a houseplant!

Environmental Concerns:

Conservation Status: Chlorophytum comosum is not considered endangered or threatened. It is widely cultivated and is common in domestic and commercial horticulture.

Additional Notes:

In its native habitat, Chlorophytum comosum contributes to the ecosystem by providing ground cover and habitat for various small animals and insects. It also plays a role in air purification when grown indoors, helping to remove common household toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene.