Solid green spider plants are one of the more unique varieties of Chlorophytum comosum because of their vivid green color. This guide will explain how to grow and maintain these robust, low-maintenance houseplants.
What are Green Spider Plants?
Green spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum “Solid Green”) are a closer representation of wild spider plants. Most spider plants purchased today have some form of intentionally cultivated variegation that are specifically bred for popularity. Indigenous to tropical regions of southern Africa, Solid green spider plants do not have this human influence.
Appearance and Characteristics
Solid green spider plants have the quintessential arching fronds of Chlorophytum comosum. But instead of sporting pale variegation on their leaves, Solid green spider plants have vibrant green foliage that lacks any sort of variegation. The Solid green variety is a perennial evergreen that produces small blooms that eventually develop into spider-like plantlets.
Quick Summary
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Native to: Africa
Care: Easy, suitable for beginners
Size: Up to 2 feet tall and wide
Common Problems: Mealybugs, Scale, Spider mites
Toxicity: Not considered toxic to humans or animals
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How to care for Green Spider Plants
Sunlight
Because of the lack of variegation on their flowing fronds, Solid green spider plants can cope with lower amounts of sunlight than other Chlorophytum comosum varieties. That said, they still grow best in bright but indirect light.
An east-facing window is the best position for these plants because it provides enough light without exposing the leaves to intense afternoon sun. If left in direct sunlight, the green fronds may fade and burn.
Watering
Solid green spider plants can handle some neglect as they don’t have extensive water requirements. Water them if the top couple of inches of growing medium feels dry. This shouldn’t occur more than once per week in most climates. Use filtered, room-temperature water.
Humidity & Temperature
Despite hailing from tropical climates, Solid green spider plants do perfectly well indoors if provided with enough humidity. Around 60% is ideal, which can be created through regular misting or by letting the plant sit in a steamy bathroom. Humidifiers and pebble trays are also options.
The ideal temperature gradient for Solid green spider plants runs from 55ºF at a minimum up to a maximum of 80ºF (13 to 27ºC).
Cleaning
Dust can collect on a Solid green spider plant’s long fronds. Simply use a mildly damp cloth to remove the dust. Alternatively, give the plant a brief shower with some warm water.
Fertilizing & Soil
Solid green spider plants perform best when given light, well-draining soil. There also needs to be good airflow within the growing medium to keep the roots free of rot. Supplementing a good houseplant mix with some coconut coir, sand, or perlite ensures a good balance of nutrition and drainage.
To create bushy fronds, provide a dose of diluted liquid fertilizer either fortnightly or monthly throughout the spring and summer. Cease fertilizing before the winter as the plant will naturally go dormant.
Repotting
Even Solid green spider plants that grow vigorously won’t need repotting too often. These plants like to be slightly pot-bound and should only be repotted every two or three years during the springtime. Only move up a single pot size each time.
Combine some growing medium from the old pot with a fresh batch of a similar soil mixture to help the plant continue to grow. If the roots start to peek out of the drainage holes it’s time to repot the plant.
How and When to Prune
Solid green spider plants won’t need too much pruning. If you’ve got too many plantlets to deal with, then cut these back and discard them.
If the plant looks too crowded, some of the foliage can be removed once a year during the spring to thin the plant out. Cut each frond right back to the soil.
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Problems with Solid Green Spider Plants
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are very small pests that can stunt a plant’s growth by extracting sap. If clouds of milky white mildew start appearing underneath the plant’s fronds, mealybugs are present. Dispose of the infestation using neem oil or insecticidal soaps.
Scale
Brown scales that appear on plants are a byproduct of scale insects, which also consume sap. These pests can be removed using neem oil, soap-based insecticide, or organic pesticides.
Spider mites
Another sap-sucking pest that can plague Solid green spider plants, spider mites often cause brown or yellow dots to emerge on foliage. Deal with them in the same manner as the other pests above.
How to Propagate
Propagating Solid green spider plants is incredibly straightforward. During the growing season, long, thin stems topped with fledgling plantlets (also known as spiderettes) begin to emerge. These will consist of some young fronds and root nodes on the bottom.
These spiderettes can be separated from the main plant and planted with the root nodes positioned just under the soil. The roots should take between two and four weeks to emerge.
If your looking to grow more spider plants, then take a look at the complete guide on how to propagate spider plants
Common FAQs
How much light does a Solid Green Spider plant need?
Compared to other types of Chlorophytum comosum, Solid green spider plants require less sunlight. However, indirect but bright light levels are still needed.
What is so special about Solid Green Spider plants?
Because of their completely green fronds, Solid green spider plants have a more unique appearance than other Chlorophytum comosum plants and are slightly rarer.
Are Solid Green Spider plants good indoor plants?
Solid green spider plants are very tolerant houseplants that grow very easily. Their impressive arching fronds give instant impact for relatively little effort, even for novice houseplant keepers.
Can a Solid Green Spider plant grow in low light?
Solid green spider plants can grow in slightly lower light levels than other spider plants, but still need indirect but bright sunlight to really thrive.
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Summary
For houseplant owners who want something different than the quintessential variegated spider plant varieties, Solid green spider plants are a great choice. This variety is even easier to grow and is incredibly robust, allowing it to survive missed waterings and other mishaps.