“Bonnie” spider plants are a small but charismatic variety of Chlorophytum comosum. This guide will detail how to grow and nurture a Bonnie spider plant.
What are Chlorophytum Comosum “Bonnie” Spider Plants?
Originally indigenous to tropical parts of Southern Africa, “Bonnie” spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum “Bonnie”) grow to a smaller size than other specimens, usually reaching 8 inches high and 10 inches wide. They are slightly less robust than other varieties but are still hardy enough to thrive indoors.
Appearance and Characteristics
“Bonnie” spider plants have curling dark green fronds that reach a shorter length compared to other types of Chlorophytum comosum. “Bonnie” spider plants can be variegated or non-variegated, with the former sporting pale cream or white stripes along the center of each frond.
Quick Summary
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum “Bonnie”
Native to: Southern Africa
Care: Easy
Size: Up to 8 inches tall and 10 inches wide
Common Problems: Mealybugs, Spider mites, Overwatering
Toxicity: Not toxic to people or pets
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How to care for Chlorophytum Comosum “Bonnie”
Sunlight
“Bonnie” Chlorophytum comosum requires bright light from an indirect source such as an east-facing window. This level of light is necessary to maintain the variegated strips on the curled leaves. If not enough light is provided, these markings will fade away.
If subjected to too much intense direct sunlight, especially on summer afternoons, these plants can suffer from burns.
Watering
Because of their hardiness, “Bonnie” spider plants can survive even if their soil gets fairly dry. Water them if the top couple of inches of growing medium feels dry when tested with a finger or a hygrometer. In most regions, this equates to about once per week.
Always use room-temperature distilled or filtered water to prevent cold shock or contamination from chemicals.
Humidity & Temperature
“Bonnie” spider plants are robust enough to handle lower humidity levels. Ideally, these should be maintained at around 60% through misting every few days. Other options include using humidifiers or pebble trays or letting the plant sit in a steamy bathroom.
These plants require a minimum temperature of 55ºF (13ºC) but can perform well up to a maximum temperature of 80ºF (27ºC). Avoid letting the temperature drop below 50ºF (10ºC) as this will harm the plant.
Cleaning
If dust begins to collect on the leaves of a “Bonnie” spider plant, simply use a marginally damp cloth to wipe it off.
Fertilizing & Soil
Chlorophytum comosum “Bonnie” requires loose, neutral soil with good drainage. The growing medium also needs to provide good aeration for the roots to avoid fungal infections or root rot. A mix of coconut coir, houseplant compost, and sand or perlite is ideal.
To encourage strong growth of its popular curly fronds, a “Bonnie” spider plant should be fed a dose of diluted liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks during the spring and summer. Don’t fertilize at all in the winter.
Repotting
“Bonnie” spider plants actually like to be slightly pot-bound. This means that they only need to be repotted every one or two years in the spring. If the roots have started protruding from the bottom of the pot, the plant needs repotting.
Select a pot that is one size larger than the old one. Incorporate some of the old pot’s soil into some fresh growing medium of similar composition.
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How and When to Prune
“Bonnie” spider plants only really need pruning if you want to keep the plant at a certain size. Choose some of the older fronds and prune them right back to the base of the soil.
If lots of undesired plantlets are protruding from the plant, these can also be pruned. Any pruning is best done in the early spring to give the specimen a chance to recover during a fresh growing season.
Problems with Chlorophytum Comosum “Bonnie”
Mealybugs and spider mites
Mealybugs and spider mites are tiny insects that siphon sap from plants, which stunts growth. The main symptom of a mealybug infestation is a buildup of waxy white mildew underneath the leaves. Spider mites are indicated by brown or yellow spots dotting the foliage.
Both pests can be disposed of by administering a mix of neem oil and warm water or by using soap-based insecticides.
Overwatering
If “Bonnie” spider plants have waterlogged soil, their roots can start to rot. If the roots are giving off a bad smell and appear mushy, they’re rotting. Allow the growing medium to dry out before pruning away rotten roots. Only water if the top few inches of soil feel dry.
How to Propagate
“Bonnie” spider plants produce thin stems topped with plantlets or “spiderettes”. These spreading growths are used to propagate the plant and typically have their own young fronds and root nodes. Remove the plantlets from their stem and place them in small pots with the root nodes pushed into the soil. The roots will fan out after between two and four weeks.
Common FAQs
How much light does a Chlorophytum comosum “Bonnie” need?
The “Bonnie” variety requires bright, indirect sunlight. If the plant doesn’t get enough light, the variegated strips on the leaves can fade away.
What is so special about Chlorophytum comosum “Bonnie”?
Chlorophytum comosum “Bonnie” is special because of its wavy, curled fronds. This gives this small variety lots of character and impact.
Are Chlorophytum comosum “Bonnie” good indoor plants?
Because they are fairly robust and have easily achievable ideal conditions, “Bonnie” spider plants are ideal indoor plants, especially for novice houseplant growers.
Can a Chlorophytum comosum “Bonnie” grow in low light?
While “Bonnie” spider plants can tolerate low-light conditions, this may result in a loss of the pale stripes on their foliage. Always provide indirect but bright light to avoid this.
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Summary
Chlorophytum comosum “Bonnie” is a charismatic and compact plant thanks to its curling, often variegated fronds. This variety is pretty hardy and therefore makes a fantastic indoor plant for novices and experts alike. They depend on bright, indirect light and moderately humid conditions to grow at their best.