The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is popular for its distinctive appearance and simple care. For outdoor spaces, many plants offer similar aesthetic qualities or growth habits. This article explores suitable outdoor alternatives that echo the familiar spider plant.
Defining Similarities to Spider Plants
Spider plants are recognized for several traits. They are low-maintenance, thriving with minimal intervention. Their arching or cascading growth habit makes them suitable for containers, hanging baskets, or groundcover. A key characteristic is their ability to produce “plantlets” or “spiderettes” on long stems, which are miniature versions of the parent plant that easily root and grow. They are also resilient, adapting to various conditions, and often feature green foliage, sometimes variegated with white or cream stripes.
Outdoor Plants That Produce Runners or Plantlets
Strawberry Begonia
Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera) mimics the spider plant’s propagation by producing runners. It features fuzzy, rounded leaves, often with silvery veins and reddish undersides, forming a rosette. Long, slender stolons emerge, developing small plantlets at their tips that root to form new plants. These plantlets resemble miniature versions of the parent, creating a cascading effect.
Strawberry Begonia thrives in partial to full shade, preferring consistently moist, well-draining soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9, tolerating cooler temperatures. Its stoloniferous growth and attractive foliage make it suitable for groundcover in shady spots or as a trailing plant in hanging baskets and containers.
Ajuga
Ajuga, or Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans), is a groundcover that spreads via stolons, similar to spider plants. These horizontal stems creep along the soil surface, rooting at their nodes to establish new plantlets, forming a dense mat. Ajuga leaves vary in color from deep green to bronze, purple, or variegated, often with a glossy texture. In spring, short spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers emerge.
Ajuga is adaptable, tolerating a range of conditions, but performs best in partial to full shade with well-draining soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 10, demonstrating cold tolerance. While it doesn’t produce aerial plantlets like spider plants, its vigorous spreading habit through rooted stolons creates a similar effect of self-propagation and filling space. It is a choice for covering bare ground, preventing weeds, or softening edges in garden beds.
Outdoor Plants With Similar Foliage and Growth Habits
Liriope
Liriope, or lilyturf (Liriope muscari), visually resembles spider plants with its grass-like, arching foliage. It forms dense clumps of slender, dark green leaves, solid or variegated with cream or yellow stripes. Liriope exhibits a clumping growth habit, gradually expanding its footprint. In late summer, spikes of purple or white flowers rise above the foliage, followed by black berries.
This plant is tough and low-maintenance, tolerating a wide range of conditions from full sun to partial shade. Liriope adapts to various well-draining soil types and is drought-tolerant once established. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 10, suitable for many climates. Liriope is commonly used as a border plant, groundcover, or in mass plantings, providing an evergreen texture similar to the spider plant’s arching leaves.
Ophiopogon
Ophiopogon, or Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus), offers foliage characteristics akin to spider plants. It features fine, strap-like leaves that form dense, low-growing clumps. While typically dark green, varieties like ‘Nigrescens’ offer striking black foliage. Ophiopogon shares the clumping, grass-like appearance that gives spider plants their texture.
Mondo Grass thrives in partial to full shade, tolerating some sun in cooler climates. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and is drought-tolerant once established. Ophiopogon is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 10. Its compact, clumping growth makes it ideal for edging, rock gardens, or as a small-scale groundcover.
Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) offers a trailing growth habit that can evoke the cascading look of a spider plant in hanging displays. It is known for its bright, chartreuse-yellow, coin-shaped leaves that form a dense mat as it spreads. While its foliage shape differs from the strap-like leaves of a spider plant, its vigorous trailing nature and bright color make it a visual alternative for containers and groundcover.
Creeping Jenny performs best in full sun to partial shade, where its foliage color is most intense. It prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate drier periods once established. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, demonstrating broad adaptability. Its rapid, low-growing spread makes it a choice for spilling over the edges of pots, window boxes, or as groundcover.
General Outdoor Care for These Alternatives
Growing these outdoor plant alternatives involves understanding general outdoor gardening principles. Site selection is important; ensure the chosen location matches the plant’s specific light and soil requirements, considering your local hardiness zone. Most prefer well-draining soil to prevent root issues. Incorporating organic matter can improve soil structure and fertility.
Outdoor plant watering differs from indoor care. Container plants generally require more frequent watering than those in the ground, especially during hot, dry periods. Always check soil moisture before watering, aiming for consistently moist but not waterlogged soil.
Fertilization supports healthy growth, typically applied during the growing season according to product instructions. Regular observation helps identify and address pest or disease issues early, often through cultural practices or organic solutions. Winter care, such as mulching or bringing tender container plants indoors, may be necessary in colder climates to protect them from frost.