12 Types of Spider Plants to Grow

Spider plants aren’t the most attractive houseplants, but they are certainly reliable – they will always answer the roll call as ‘alive,’ even if gardeners would wish otherwise. Virtually unkillable, spider plants propagate profusely, producing a mass of plantlets that cascade down in bunches. At any rate, they’re far more preferable than real spiders. And although they may all look alike, they are, in fact, slightly variable – here are a few types of spider plants to add to your collection. 

 

1. Ocean Spider Plant   

‘Ocean’ is a compact variety with ivory stripes, perfect for a beachy, minimalistic exterior. Compared to Comosum ‘Variegatum,’ it has wider leaves. It also produces small, star-shaped flowers, giving it extra value. As it does not take up a lot of space, it’s a nice way to brighten up dark corners of the house. 

• Name: Chlorophytum Comosum 'Ocean'

• Light: Bright, indirect light  

• Water: Every four to five days  

2. Hawaiian Spider Plant     

Also known as the “Golden Light” or the “Golden Glow” plant, this spider plant is one of the rarer subspecies. It has chartreuse stripes running down its length, maturing to almost all green. In zones 9 – 11, it can be grown outside as perennials. Spider plants like the Hawaiian spider plant need to be watered when the top 1 – 2 inches of soil is dry. 

• Name: Chlorophytum Comosum 'Hawaiian'

• Light: Bright, indirect light  

• Water: Every seven to eight days   

3. Variegated Spider Plant

The most common spider plant, it sports the signature variegated stripes and spiky leaves. Spider plants will grow happily in water, including aquarium tanks, where owners will often let the leaves dangle over the glass ledge. Although it prefers a humid environment, it will tolerate most household humidity levels.  

• Name: Chlorophytum Comosum 'Vittatum'

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight  

• Water: Every four to five days    

4. Fire Flash Spider Plant 

Sometimes listed as ‘Green Orange,’ this spider plant subverts the usual expectations of its species, featuring broad foliage whose stems are imbued with a glowing orange. It does not produce plantlets. Because of its sprawling stature, it’s suitable for planting in open, airy spaces. 

• Name: Chlorophytum amaniense 'Fire Flash'

• Light: Bright, diffused sunlight  

• Water: Every five to seven days   

 

5. Bichetii Grass Spider Plant

This spider plant doesn’t propagate via plantlets, but rather through the tiny black seeds that can grow from their small white flowers. It has a more muted, grassy coloration, with a cleaner look that doesn’t tend to spill over like its cousins. While it can tolerate low-light conditions, constant exposure to gloomy environments can cause it to fade. During the winter, it may require misting to replicate its native humidity. 

• Name: Chlorophytum laxum 'Bichetii'

• Light: Partial shade   

• Water: Every five to seven days, less in winter    

6. Reverse Spider Plant  

Instead of the usual lime-green centers of spider plants, the reverse variety has ribbony green leaves bordered by white. It works well as a hanging plant and is often displayed on the mantle and left to dangle. 

• Name: Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum'

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight  

• Water: Every four to five days   

7. Zebra Spider Plant  

The Zebra plant presents full, ribbony leaves laced with white edges, though it does not grow very large. It is similar to the reverse spider plant, except its foliage coloration is brighter. Spider plants benefit from fertilizer during their growing season (summer and spring). Apply a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer biweekly to support growth. 

• Name: Chlorophytum laxum 'Zebra'

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight  

• Water: Every five to seven days   

8. White Lightning Spider Plant 

A more striking version of the staid spider plant, its leaves are predominately white with narrow stripes of green. In areas with low light, it tends to lose its visual appeal. Use air purifiers to maintain desirable humidity levels. Grow in soil with excellent drainage to prevent root rot and avoid overwatering – as always, it’s best to water less rather than more. 

• Name: Chlorophytum Comosum 'White Lightning'

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight  

• Water: Once a week    

9. Lemon Spider Plant       

At first glance, the Lemon appears a uniform shade of green. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll soon notice that the leaves, broader than those of a typical spider plant, are tinged with a lemon yellow. A new, uncommon cultivar, its leaves become more pronounced with optimal sun conditions.  

• Name: Chlorophytum Comosum ‘Lemon’

• Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade   

• Water: Once a week    

10. Bonnie Spider Plant        

There is always one plant that is not quite like the others. What sets this funky plant apart is its leaves, displaying a prominent curling pattern. When let loose to romp freely, plantlets abound, seemingly floating in the air. 

• Name: Chlorophytum Comosum 'Bonnie'

• Light: Bright indirect light to partial shade 

• Water: Every five to seven days   

11. Green Shamrock Spider Plant  

In a world of variegated houseplants, it may be the plain, non-variegated varieties that actually makes your home pop. The Green Shamrock is a solid green variety with a graceful growth habit. However, perhaps the real magic lies in its ability to automatically make any area of the house look more accented. In its natural habitat, it receives light through filtered forest canopies, which translates to bright, dappled light indoors. 

• Name: Chlorophytum Comosum 'Green Shamrock'

• Light: Bright, dappled light 

• Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings    

12. Atlantic Spider Plant  

The Atlantic Spider Plant is not noticeably different from other varieties, though if you study it for a while, you might notice that it has broader leaves. It boasts bi-colored striations and puts out small plantlets at the end of the foliage. 

• Name: Chlorophytum Comosum 'Atlantic'

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight  

• Water: Every four to five days