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The Plant: Chlorophytum comosum - The
spider Plant - is a very well-known plant, easily recognisable
by its lush grass-like appearance with mid-green leaves striped
with creamy white or gold. Golden arching stems sprout from the
main plant and mini plants form at the end of these, perhaps
giving rise to its common name of Spider Plant, or Hen and
Chicken. These mini plants are easily snipped off and potted on
to make new plants.
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Its needs: Originating from South Africa, this plant enjoys
strong light, and should be potted in a loose mix incorporating plant
food. Warmth and humidity encourage healthy growth. Avoid sudden drops
in temperature.
Care: Keep Chlorophytum well watered, especially in summer. Snip
out damaged or dead leaves to maintain healthy appearance. Regularly
remove and pot up mini plants. If main plant becomes too large it can be
divided in spring.
Good for: Ideal for tumbling from hanging baskets, or
wall-mounted pots, happy to cascade from shelf or windowsill. A very
easy plant to grow, and quite fun to watch new plantlets form regularly.
Suitable for home or office. Can be planted outside in summer, but does
not tolerate the cold nights in autumn.
Chlorophytum was also high on the list of NASA
experiments with plants that were able to take toxic substances out of
the atmosphere.
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