15 Lovely Varieties of Spider Plant, Some You May Not Known Existed

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Searching for your favorite varieties of Spider Plant? Well, this insect-inspired greenie offers over a dozen cultivars for you to explore.

Whether placed in hanging baskets, pots, or as ground cover, spider plants effortlessly enhance the beauty of any indoor or outdoor space.
Whether placed in hanging baskets, pots, or as ground cover, spider plants effortlessly enhance the beauty of any indoor or outdoor space.

The Spider Plant boasts long, slender leaves that gracefully arch outward from the center, reminiscent of spider legs.

However, unlike its arachnid counterpart, this plant won’t send us jumping in fear; instead, it’s a delightful piece of greenery to have at home. Bonus points: It also purifies the air!

Honestly, at first glance, the varieties of spider plant might all seem pretty similar.

But trust me, each one has its own unique features. Let’s dive in!

1. Milky Way Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum ‘Milky Way’)

The Spider Plant boasts over a dozen varieties, each distinguished by a unique array of features and characteristics. Image: Yercaud-elango/Wikicommons
The Spider Plant boasts over a dozen varieties, each distinguished by a unique array of features and characteristics. Image: Yercaud-elango/Wikicommons

The Milky Way Spider Plant gets its name from the rich green leaves, featuring a sprinkling of small, white spots throughout, resembling stars in a galaxy.

Originating from the coastal regions of South Africa, this plant features narrow, strap-shaped leaves that emerge from a central point.

Notably, the leaves exhibit a unique feature—they are not flat but rather appear channeled or folded down the middle.

Thrive in bright, indirect light, making it well-suited for indoor environments. It prefers moderate temperatures and regular watering.

2. Golden Tiger Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Golden Tiger’)

Typically, the primary distinguishing factor among Spider Plant varieties lies in the patterns and arrangements of stripes adorning their leaves.
Typically, the primary distinguishing factor among Spider Plant varieties lies in the patterns and arrangements of stripes adorning their leaves.

The Golden Tiger Spider Plant boasts long, arching leaves adorned with vibrant golden-yellow stripes that stand out against the green foliage.

These prominent stripes create a striking contrast, giving the plant a bright and sunny appearance that adds warmth to any space.

3. Zebra Spider Plant (Chlorophytum laxum ‘Zebra’)

The Zebra Spider Plant is known for its long, thin green ribbons accented by wide yellow margins.

Despite its compact size, reaching a height of 12 inches, it can spread out up to 2 feet.

With proper care, this plant generously produces abundant plantlets that are easily propagated.

4. Bichetii Spider Plant (Chlorophytum laxum ‘Bichetii’)

Among these variations, notable examples include the Golden Tiger, Zebra, Green, and several others. Image: David J. Stang/Wikicomons.
Among these variations, notable examples include the Golden Tiger, Zebra, Green, and several others. Image: David J. Stang/Wikicomons.

The Bichetii Spider Plant features light green streamers edged in buttery yellow, resembling grass at first glance.

However, the leaves still boast yellow stripes, which only manifest on the outer part of them.

Unlike other spider plant varieties, it reproduces through tiny black seeds that grow from its white flowers, rather than producing plantlets.

This unique plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and prefers higher humidity levels for optimal growth.

5. Green Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum ‘Green’)

The Green Spider Plant distinguishes itself with its vibrant green leaves, devoid of any variegation.

In fact, the leaves bear a striking resemblance to the bushes of spider lily (Hymenocallis littoralis), if you ask me.

Its capacity to retain moisture and withstand higher indoor temperatures allows it to grow up to 2 feet tall and wide.

This variety thrives in bright, dappled sunlight.

We also have cultivars with predominantly yellow or entirely green leaves, such as the White Stripe and Green Spider Plant varieties. Image: Green Spider Plant.
We also have cultivars with predominantly yellow or entirely green leaves, such as the White Stripe and Green Spider Plant varieties. Green Spider Plant.

6. ‘Bonnie’ Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’)

Bonnie Spider Plant, recognizable for its curly leaves.
Bonnie Spider Plant, recognizable for its curly leaves.

Bonnie Spider Plant stands out for its curly, green and white striped leaves, adding a touch of uniqueness to any space.

It thrives in bright, indirect light and should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. 

7. Mandula Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Mandula’)

The Mandula Spider Plant can be identified by its leaves, which are almond-shaped or elongated ovals with cream edges.

With a mature size ranging from 12 to 18 inches in height and spread, this compact spider plant is versatile and suitable for various indoor spaces, including hanging baskets, shelves, or as part of a mixed plant arrangement.

8. Variegated ‘Bonnie’ (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie Variegated’)

 In other instances, the distinction lies in the shape of the leaves. Image: Variegated Bonnie Spider Plant
In other instances, the distinction lies in the shape of the leaves. Image: Variegated Bonnie Spider Plant

The Variegated ‘Bonnie’ Spider Plant stands out with its curly leaves, notable for their prominent yellow stripes against the green backdrop.

With proper care, it can reach heights and widths of up to 8 inches.

This variety thrives in bright light but should be shielded from direct sunlight and drafts to maintain its health and vibrancy.

9. Reverse Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Reverse Variegatum’)

The Reverse Spider Plant, also known as Spider Ivy or the Airplane Plant, stands out from other varieties with its particularly shiny leaves, resembling blades.

This variety grows in dense clumps and can reach up to 2 feet in ideal conditions.

It is an excellent option for a hanging plant, as its plantlets can hang down up to 2 feet.

We also have the Chlorophytum comosum 'Reverse Variegatum', more shortly called Airplant Plant.
We also have the Chlorophytum comosum ‘Reverse Variegatum’, more shortly called Airplant Plant.

10. White Stripe Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘White Stripe’)

Chlorophytum Comosum 'White Stripes'
Chlorophytum Comosum ‘White Stripes’

Nope, White Stripe doesn’t mean the plant’s leaves come in completely white or yellow color.

They still have green edges, but from a distant look, the white stripes’ dominance will make it look just white.

The white stripe is broad and extends the length of each leaf, creating a clean and elegant contrast against the green background.

This variety can grow up to 12 to 18 inches tall and wide.

11. Airplane Plant Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’)

Chlorophytum comosum, also known as the airplane plant, earned its nickname because its small spiderettes often resemble the twirling propellers of an airplane.

Additionally, the name might stem from its reputation as an excellent air purifier.

This variety can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide and thrives in bright, indirect light with temperatures between 70°F and 90°F.

Pruning and removing yellowing leaves are essential for maintaining its health.

Additionally, there are variants characterized by thicker and rounder leaves. Image: Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum'
Additionally, there are variants characterized by thicker and rounder leaves. Image: Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’

12. Fire Flash Spider Plant (Chlorophytum amaniense ‘Fire Flash’)

Orange Spider Plant, or Chlorophytum Amaniense 'Fireflash'. Image: Afanasovich/Wikicommons
Orange Spider Plant, or Chlorophytum Amaniense ‘Fireflash’. Image: Afanasovich/Wikicommons

The Fire Flash Spider Plant stands out as perhaps the most distinct cultivar of the spider plant.

Its long, rippling leaves feature bright orange stems that resemble flickering fire.

This unique variety can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide, thriving in bright, diffused light and high humidity.

Unlike other spider plants, it reproduces through white flowers but does not produce plantlets.

13. Hawaiian Spider Plant (Chlorophytum viridescens ‘Hawaiian’)

Chlorophytum viridescens ‘Hawaiian’
Chlorophytum viridescens ‘Hawaiian’

Honestly, I have no idea why this Spider Plant variety earns its Hawaiian name.

It’s often mistaken for the Green Spider Plant due to its predominantly green leaves with fairly fringed edges.

However, it does have stripes of lighter shades, although they’re not as vibrantly contrasted as those of the Green Spider Plant, which lacks any stripes of other shades whatsoever.

Despite these similarities and differences, it remains relatively compact, reaching a maximum height and spread of 12 inches.

This variety thrives in bright, diffused light and moderate temperatures.

14. Variegated Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’)

The Vittatum Spider Plant is remarkable for its ability to grow as large as an Agave plant.
The Vittatum Spider Plant is remarkable for its ability to grow as large as an Agave plant.

The plant is a clump-forming herb, growing up to 0.5 meters in height. It features linear leaves that are green or striped with white.

Flowering stems carry loose panicles of small, white, starry flowers, with plantlets forming at the flowering nodes.

It is a versatile cultivar that can thrive both in soil and floating on the water’s surface in an aquarium.

It features bright green leaves with a broad white stripe along the midrib. With proper care, it can potentially reach 2 feet tall and wide.

15. Ocean Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum ‘Ocean’)

Chlorophytum comosum ‘Ocean’
Chlorophytum comosum ‘Ocean’

Chlorophytum comosum ‘Ocean’ boasts broader, shorter variegated leaves, featuring a green center and ivory white edges.

16. Bracket Spider Plant (Chlorophytum capense)

The Bracket Spider Plant is a distinctive variety known for reproducing through spear-shaped leaflets adorned with small white flowers.

Reaching heights of up to 12 inches and spreading up to 24 inches, this variety thrives in bright, filtered light and moderate temperatures. It’s an excellent choice for outdoor groundcover in specific climates.

Chlorophytum Capense, also called Spider Plant, but has thicker, spade-like leaves
Chlorophytum Capense, also called Spider Plant, but has thicker, spade-like leaves

Final Thoughts

The Spider Plant is an incredibly practical choice for any household. Its innate beauty shines even without flowers, with a mesmerizing array of varieties to choose from.

Not only does it purify the air in our homes, but it’s also remarkably adaptable to neglect, making it perfect for even the least enthusiastic gardeners.

Whether you’ve discovered the Spider Plant cultivar your heart desires or need confirmation on which variety it is, happy gardening!