The spiral spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’, is a popular houseplant celebrated for its distinctive curly foliage. Its arching, whimsical leaves cascade gracefully, making it a visually appealing and elegant addition to any indoor space. This cultivar offers a playful variation on the traditional straight-leaved spider plant. Its ease of care makes it a favored choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
What Makes a Spider Plant Spiral
The unique spiraling effect is a characteristic feature of specific cultivars, primarily Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’, also known as ‘Curly Locks’. This distinctive curling is a natural genetic trait, meaning its spiral shape is genetically predetermined rather than influenced by growing techniques. ‘Bonnie’ forms a dense rosette of arching, curly leaves, often with a green edge and a creamy-white stripe down the center. This cultivar is also more compact than its standard counterparts.
Care for Your Spiral Spider Plant
Light Needs
Spiral spider plants prefer bright, indirect light to maintain vibrant variegation and encourage healthy growth. Place the plant a few feet from a window or in a north or east-facing window is often ideal. Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves, leading to faded colors or brown, crispy tips. Conversely, insufficient light may result in slower growth, less pronounced spiraling, and a loss of variegation.
Watering
Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings before thoroughly saturating the plant. Ensure excess water drains completely from the pot after each watering to prevent root rot. Spider plants can be sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in tap water; using filtered, distilled, or rainwater can be beneficial.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining, aerated potting mix is ideal for spiral spider plants to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. A general-purpose potting mix with perlite, bark, or coarse sand provides necessary drainage while retaining moisture. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.
Temperature and Humidity
Spiral spider plants thrive in average indoor temperatures, ranging from 60 to 75°F (16 to 24°C). Moderate to high humidity, around 40-60%, is preferred and encourages faster growth. If the air is too dry, especially in winter, increasing humidity can be achieved by misting leaves, using a pebble tray, or grouping plants together.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month. A balanced formula, such as a 10-10-10 NPK ratio, supports leafy growth and strong root development. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil or reduced production of plantlets. Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Propagating Spiral Spider Plants
Spiral spider plants are easily propagated through the “spiderettes” or plantlets they produce. These miniature offspring dangle from the mother plant on long, wiry stems, resembling spiders on a web, and indicate a healthy mother plant.
To propagate, select healthy spiderettes that have begun to form small roots at their base. You can either leave the plantlet attached to the mother plant while it roots or snip it off. For rooting, place the base of the plantlet in a small container of water, ensuring the leaves remain above the waterline. Alternatively, plant the spiderette directly into a small pot filled with moist, well-draining potting mix, gently pressing the soil around its base. Both methods have a high success rate, with new roots typically developing within a few weeks.
Common Challenges
While generally easy to care for, spiral spider plants can encounter common issues.
Brown leaf tips are a frequent concern, often resulting from low humidity, fluoride or chlorine in tap water, or over-fertilizing. Allowing tap water to sit out overnight can help dissipate some chemicals, and increasing humidity alleviates dryness.
Yellowing leaves can signal overwatering, where roots sit in soggy soil, leading to root rot. Inconsistent watering, nutrient deficiencies, or inappropriate lighting and temperature can also contribute to yellowing foliage. Adjusting light exposure to bright, indirect conditions can help.
Pest infestations, while not common, can occur, with spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs being potential culprits. Regular inspection and wiping leaves with a damp cloth can help prevent and manage these issues. Insecticidal soap can be applied for more persistent problems.