Chlorophytum

Chlorophytum is a genus of evergreen perennial herbaceous plants in the family Asparagaceae. The genus is native to tropical and southern Africa. The most well-known species is Chlorophytum comosum, commonly known as the spider plant, which is widely cultivated as a houseplant due to its ease of care and air-purifying qualities.

Spider plants are characterized by their long, arching leaves that are typically green, but cultivars exist with white or yellow variegation along the leaf margins or center. They produce small, white, star-shaped flowers on long, trailing stems called stolons. These stolons often develop into small plantlets, also known as "spiderettes" or "babies," which can be easily detached and propagated to create new plants.

Other species within the Chlorophytum genus include Chlorophytum orchidastrum, known for its vibrant orange leaf stalks, and Chlorophytum elatum. While Chlorophytum comosum is the most commercially significant and widely recognized, other species are also cultivated for ornamental purposes. These plants generally prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering during their growing season. Propagation is straightforward, primarily through the separation of plantlets or by division of the root mass.