Spider plant (Chlorophytum transvaalense)
Care, watering, light and tips for Spider plant on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Indirect light
- Temperature: 10–35 °C
About Spider plant
Chlorophytum transvaalense, commonly known as Gold Green Lily, is a rhizomatous perennial herb that forms dense clumps. Its elongated leaves display a vibrant lime green to golden yellow hue, making it an excellent choice for adding a bright pop of color in shaded gardens or as an indoor plant. It's ideal for borders, rockeries, or hanging baskets.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It prefers a location with partial shade or bright indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Keep the substrate slightly moist, but avoid waterlogging, especially in winter. Use a well-draining substrate rich in organic matter. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot; it's best to wait until the top layer of the substrate dries out before watering again.
How to save a dying Spider plant
- Warning signs
- Pale, soft leaves with brown or black tips. No new growth. Constantly wet or extremely dry soil.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. If waterlogged, repot with fresh, dry soil. If dry, water thoroughly. Move away from direct sun.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot) or intense direct sun (scorches leaves). Also, lack of humidity or poor draining soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's often very resilient. If the plant's center is still alive, it can recover. Prune damaged parts and maintain proper care.