Get Savvy About Spider Breeds: 8 Green, Variegated and Curly Types Of Spider Plants

The spider plant is one of the most popular of all houseplants. For this reason, it may have come to feel a little common, possibly even boring. But thanks to its popularity, there are now many different types of spider plants available, many with unique traits. From green to striped to solid green and even curly, you’re sure to find a special spider plant variety to liven up your collection. So for anyone looking to grow a spider that thrives and delights, it’s well worth getting wise to some of the coolest and most resilient houseplants around.

Choosing the Best Spider Plant Varieties

Amongst the different types of spider plants, there are three main categories. Variegated types are the most common, and these are distinguishable for their striped leaves. Green types have solid green foliage. The least common types of spider plants are curly-leaved.

All the more unusual-looking spider plant varieties are as easy to grow as the original. They need some warmth and humidity, indirect light, and consistent moisture in well-drained soil. In order to avoid some of the more common winter houseplant mistakes, you will also need to make sure they are well cared for during the colder months. But the more challenging with new varieties is sourcing them. Some of these spider types are harder to find – but they are worth the search! Happy hunting.

1. Variegatum

All spider plants are from the species Chlorophytum comosum. Variegatum is the traditional variety that you probably picture when you think of a spider plant. It has long, slender leaves that arch from a central rosette. These leaves are green with thin white margins. They are a mainstay of hanging baskets as well as containers, and make great plants for living rooms. As the most common type, variegatum is easy to find where houseplants are sold.

2. Vittatum

For something just a little different, look for vittatum. This variegated type has the opposite pattern from variegatum. The center of each leaf is white and has green margins. With more white on the leaves than green, this variety grows a little more weakly, which is something to bear in mind if you are looking for houseplants that like sun. Less green means less chlorophyll for harnessing the energy from sunlight. However, all spider plants are tough and grow quickly, so this isn't a major problem.

3. Bonnie

Lovers of plants that twist and turn will adore this curly type of spider plant. Although it is less common than other varieties, it is increasingly popular and getting easier to find. Bonnie is smaller and more compact than other spider plant types and has unique, curling leaves. It will only grow up to about eight inches (20cm) tall, so it’s got a natural advantage of plant lovers who are short on space.

4. Shamrock

Shamrock is one of the solid green varieties of spider plants. Its growth habit is the same as variegatum and vittatum. It has the same rosette of slender, arching leaves. What makes it different is that each leaf is green with no variegation. This will be a little harder to find than the common variegated types, but it’s a cool choice for growers looking for something a little different.

5. Hawaiian

Hawaiian, also called Golden Glow for its yellow-green coloring, is one of the brighter types of spider plant you can grow. This variegated type includes dark green, yellow-green and cream for a unique cultivar. Its growth habit is similar to traditional variegated types with long, slender leaves and trailing pups – so it’s a fine and novel choice for anyone hoping to propagate spider babies.

6. Ocean

This is a newer variegated type of spider plant. The leaves are green with white margins but are wider than other types. The leaves are also shorter. These alterations give Ocean a spikier appearance. It's also fairly compact and small, growing up to eight inches tall and only a little wider. You can grow this spider plant outside in warm weather, but remember to bring it back indoors overwinter before the first frost.

7. Bichetii

This plant is often referred to simply as a spider plant, but it's actually a related species called Chlorophytum laxum or Chlorophytum bichetii. It looks a lot like a variegated spider plant, but it has a more compact and upright growth habit. It doesn't have the same sprawling shape, so if you're looking for something a little tidier, try this plant, which is also called Saint Bernard's lily or bichetii grass.

8. Fire Flash

For something truly unique, look for Fire Flash. This variety grows up to two feet (60cm) wide and tall, and has much wider leaves than other types of spider plant. The name comes from the orange center of the plant, which makes it look like a glowing fire. The orange fades into green along each leaf, which is held on a hairy orange stem. An alternative name for this type is the orange spider plant.

Other Creative Houseplant Ideas and Inspirations

• Looking for the hottest houseplant ideas for your home this year? Read our houseplant trends to suss out the bold and the brilliant for ultra modern interior greenery.
• Add a unique dash to your interior with extraordinary easy-care varieties of houseplants that bring character and reliability to indoor gardens.
• Fancy easy flowering houseplants with a twist? Try our rundown of the most charming kalanchoe houseplant varieties to grow in your home for a quirky show of color and cool.
• Stuck for ideas to fill a particular room of your home? Steal some inspiration from our perfect houseplant combinations for bathrooms, bedrooms, and more.
• Need new pots, trays or tools for your indoor gardening projects? Browse the Gardening Know How Shop’s special Indoor Gardening section for your essential home garden kit.

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