The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is one of the most popular houseplants around. With its long arching leaves and easy care requirements, it’s no wonder spider plants can be found in homes and offices everywhere But there has been some debate over whether spider plants are actually succulents or not. In this article, we’ll examine the characteristics of spider plants and succulents to finally determine whether spider plants fall into the succulent category.
What are Succulents?
First, let’s start by defining what makes a plant a succulent. Succulents are plants that have adapted to store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, stems, or roots. This allows them to survive in arid environments where water is scarce. Some common examples of succulents include cacti, aloe vera, agave, and jade plants.
Succulents are characterized by:
- Thick, fleshy leaves, stems, or other structures to store water (mentioned 12 times)
- Waxy coating or thick cuticle to prevent water loss (mentioned 4 times)
- Shallow root systems to absorb surface moisture quickly (mentioned 3 times)
- Ability to thrive in dry environments with minimal water (mentioned 7 times)
- Slow growth rate to conserve resources (mentioned 2 times)
- Camouflaged or small leaves to reduce water loss (mentioned 1 time)
Because of these unique adaptations, succulents can grow well in places where other plants would wither and die. To tell if a plant is a succulent or not, we need to look for these key traits.
Spider Plant Characteristics
Now let’s examine the anatomy and features of spider plants to see how they stack up against typical succulent attributes.
Some key characteristics of spider plants include
- Long, thin leaves arranged in a rosette pattern (mentioned 5 times)
- Ability to produce plantlets, or baby spider plants, on flowering stems (mentioned 4 times)
- Native to tropical and subtropical climates (mentioned 2 times)
- Enjoy warm and humid conditions (mentioned 3 times)
- Leaves are not as thick or fleshy as typical succulent leaves (mentioned 2 times)
- Require more frequent watering than succulents (mentioned 6 times)
- Need bright, indirect light (mentioned 5 times)
- Not as drought tolerant as true succulents (mentioned 8 times)
Right off the bat, we can see some significant differences between spider plants and textbook succulents. The most notable being that spider plants lack the thick, water-storing leaves that are the hallmark of succulents. Spider plants also don’t share the same ability to thrive in hot, dry environments.
Verdict: Spider Plants Are Not Succulents
So are spider plants succulents? After comparing their features side-by-side, we can definitively say that spider plants are NOT succulents.
Although they do have slightly fleshy leaves, they lack many of the key anatomical adaptations that allow true succulents to survive drought conditions. Spider plants are native to tropical regions and require more frequent watering and higher humidity than succulents.
However, the fact that spider plants are not succulents does not make them any less of a great houseplant! Here are some reasons why you should grow them:
- Excellent for beginner gardeners since they are so easy to care for
- Known for helping purify indoor air by removing toxins (mentioned 2 times)
- Produce baby spider plantlets, allowing you to propagate new plants easily (mentioned 3 times)
- Add a beautiful cascading element and greenery to any space
- Tolerate a wide range of light and watering conditions
- Not toxic for pets like some other houseplants can be (mentioned 1 time)
So while spider plants and succulents share some superficial similarities, their structural anatomy and care needs clearly show they belong to different plant families. Spider plants have certainly earned their reputation as a versatile, hardy, and gorgeous houseplant that provides a trailing burst of green in any indoor environment.
Caring for Your Spider Plant
Now that we’ve settled the debate, let’s go over some tips for keeping your spider plant healthy and happy:
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When the top one to two inches of soil are dry, water. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom holes. (mentioned 4 times).
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Light: Bright, indirect light is best but they can tolerate partial shade. Direct hot sunlight will scorch leaves. (mentioned 3 times)
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Soil: Use a general potting mix with good drainage. Add perlite or sand to improve drainage if needed. (mentioned 2 times).
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Fertilizer: Apply a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. (mentioned 1 time)
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Humidity: Average room humidity is fine, but higher humidity promotes faster growth. Mist leaves or use a humidifier. (mentioned 2 times)
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Propagation: Easily propagate by planting the spider plantlets that form on stems. (mentioned 4 times)
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Pests: Watch for mealybugs and spider mites. Wipe leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat. (mentioned 2 times)
With the proper care, your spider plant will produce plenty of babies to share with friends while purifying your indoor air!
Final Thoughts
Spider plants and succulents may seem similar at first glance, but upon closer inspection it’s clear these houseplants have key differences in their structures and care needs. By understanding what defines a succulent, we can conclusively say spider plants do not qualify for this botanical category. But that takes nothing away from the charm and usefulness of these fantastic houseplants! Their trailing green foliage and natural air purification abilities make spider plants a staple in homes everywhere.
