Spider Plant Varieties Compared: Curly vs Flat-Leaf, Green vs Variegated — and the Rarest Type
Discover all seven spider plant varieties — from classic Vittatum to curly Bonnie and low-light Shamrock — with a comparison table and guide to choosing the right type for your space.
Visit any garden centre and the spider plant on offer will almost certainly be ‘Vittatum’ — the green-and-cream-striped classic that’s been a fixture in British homes for decades. But Chlorophytum comosum has been selected and bred into a surprisingly varied range of cultivars, and the differences between them matter more than most people realise. Some varieties fade to solid green without adequate light. One produces far fewer babies than expected. Another slowly loses its colour as it matures, then recovers it entirely when you propagate a spiderette.
This guide covers all seven spider plant varieties worth growing — what each looks like, how it grows, how many runners it produces, and precisely which situation it suits best.
The Spider Plant Family
Six of the seven varieties here belong to a single species: Chlorophytum comosum, native to the coastal forests and open slopes of southern Africa [5]. The exception is the Zebra spider plant (Chlorophytum laxum), a closely related species with a distinctly different growth habit.
What all Chlorophytum share: thick, fleshy storage roots adapted to tolerate periods of drought; long, arching strap-like leaves; and, in most cultivars, trailing stolons that carry miniature plantlets at their tips. Both Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’ and C. comosum ‘Variegatum’ hold the RHS Award of Garden Merit (confirmed 2017) [1][2] — an independent assessment by RHS-appointed experts that marks them as reliable, recommended performers. The other varieties, while excellent plants, haven’t been formally assessed for AGM status.
The varieties divide broadly into variegated forms (leaves with white, cream, or yellow markings) and the all-green Shamrock. This distinction has direct practical consequences for how much light each type needs — explained in full below.
‘Vittatum’ — The Classic White-Centre Spider Plant
‘Vittatum’ is the spider plant most people picture: mid-green leaves with a broad, central creamy-white stripe running the full length of each blade. The leaves arch outward from a central crown, typically reaching 30–50cm in both height and spread [1]. The stolons (runners) are distinctively white — a quick identification shortcut that separates ‘Vittatum’ from ‘Variegatum’ at a glance.
In a good position with bright indirect light, ‘Vittatum’ is one of the most prolific spiderette producers among common houseplants. Mature plants routinely send out multiple runner-laden stems by their second growing season [4], and once established they seem almost eager to reproduce. Runner production is one of the main reasons it became the dominant variety in UK retail — a happy plant continuously offers new material to propagate, pass on, or simply display.
Both ‘Vittatum’ and ‘Variegatum’ have held the RHS Award of Garden Merit since its confirmation in 2017 [1][2], making them the benchmark against which the other varieties are measured.
‘Variegatum’ (Reverse Spider Plant) — White Edges, Green Centre
‘Variegatum’ is ‘Vittatum’s mirror image: deeper green foliage with white or cream margins running along each leaf edge rather than a central stripe. Leaves reach up to 45cm long and are slightly narrower than ‘Vittatum’s [6]. The stolons are green rather than white — the most useful identification shortcut between the two most common varieties. The two are sometimes sold interchangeably in error, so checking stolon colour at purchase is worth doing.
It’s also called the “Reverse” spider plant precisely because the variegation is inverted. One meaningful practical difference: ‘Variegatum’ produces noticeably fewer spiderettes than ‘Vittatum’ [6]. If maximum plantlet production is a priority — whether for propagation or to fill a hanging basket — ‘Vittatum’ is the better choice. For a more architectural, clean-lined look where crisp white margins set against deep green create a deliberately minimal aesthetic, ‘Variegatum’ has a graphic quality the busier ‘Vittatum’ stripe doesn’t quite replicate.
A compact hybrid in this white-edged style is ‘Ocean’ PBR (released 2004), now listed by the RHS among recommended varieties — similar white-margined appearance in a more contained, tidier form [3].
‘Bonnie’ (Curly Spider Plant) — The Compact Crowd-Pleaser
‘Bonnie’ carries the same central white stripe as ‘Vittatum’, but its leaves curl and spiral as they grow rather than arching straight outward. The result is a compact, rounded plant that rarely exceeds 20–35cm in spread — the most space-efficient spider plant available. Even the plantlets it produces on its stolons grow with the same curled leaves as the parent.
There are two more visual clues: ‘Bonnie’s stolons and flower stems are yellow [5], while ‘Vittatum’s are white. The curled leaf shape combined with yellow runners makes it easy to identify even without checking the label.
Care requirements are identical to ‘Vittatum’. The one practical adjustment is that ‘Bonnie’ typically grows in smaller pots due to its compact form, which means the compost dries out slightly faster — check soil moisture a little more frequently, particularly in summer. ‘Bonnie’ has grown considerably in popularity over the past several years; in many UK online houseplant shops it now appears more frequently in listings than ‘Vittatum’. Its compact, photogenic form suits small displays well and drives purchases in a way the standard varieties don’t.
‘Hawaiian’ (Golden Glow) — The Subtle Colour-Changer
Hawaiian is the variety that surprises most. Rather than the bold white or cream stripes of most spider plants, its leaves carry a subtle champagne or ochre tint — warm, glossy, and considerably more understated than the high-contrast variegation of the other types. Leaves sit in the 15–30cm range and have a slightly glossier texture than most comosum cultivars [5].
The most unusual behaviour in the group: Hawaiian’s variegation fades as the plant matures. An older mother plant may look almost entirely green, the champagne tones gradually replaced by uniform foliage. Propagate one of its spiderettes — root a baby in fresh compost — and the new plant grows in with full champagne variegation restored. The original genetic expression reasserts itself when the plant starts fresh without the physiological overhead of an established, ageing root system [5].
The warm tones in Hawaiian come partly from carotenoid pigments rather than purely from chlorophyll absence. Carotenoids can participate in photosynthesis to a limited degree — which is why Hawaiian’s colour fades more gradually than the stark white of ‘Vittatum’ or ‘Variegatum’, and why it tolerates slightly lower light than those varieties while still needing a reasonably bright position to maintain its distinctive colouring.
‘Shamrock’ — The Low-Light Champion
Shamrock is the non-variegated form of C. comosum: solid, deep green leaves with no stripes, edges, or markings. It’s the least commonly sold variety covered here, but the most practically useful in homes without abundant natural light.
The reason comes down to leaf anatomy. White and cream sections in variegated leaves contain no chloroplasts and contribute nothing to photosynthesis. A ‘Vittatum’ leaf with a broad white central stripe is harvesting light through only a portion of its surface area. Shamrock has no such limitation — every millimetre of every leaf is fully active photosynthetically. University of Wisconsin-Madison Horticulture Extension confirms that all-green spider plant forms tolerate lower light levels better than variegated cultivars [4]. In equivalent conditions Shamrock typically outgrows variegated forms because it can produce more energy from the same available light — the growth rate difference is noticeable over a single growing season.
For a north-facing room, a hallway without direct sun, or any position where a variegated plant has repeatedly faded and struggled, Shamrock is the clear choice. It still produces runners and spiderettes, has the same forgiving fleshy-root resilience as the other varieties, and won’t slowly bleach or revert the way ‘Vittatum’ would in the same conditions.
One naming caution: ‘Shamrock’ is sometimes confused with ‘Ocean’ PBR in plant listings. ‘Ocean’ is actually a compact variegated form with white edges — not a solid green plant at all. If you specifically want a non-variegated spider plant, confirm you’re buying ‘Shamrock’ or the plain species form of C. comosum.
‘Zebra’ (Chlorophytum laxum) — The Wide, Low Spreader
Zebra is the outlier: Chlorophytum laxum, a related but distinct species from C. comosum. The care profile is similar — bright indirect light, moderate watering, no waterlogged roots — but the growth form is substantially different from all the comosum varieties.
The leaves are narrower than most spider plants, with crisp white or yellow-white margins along each edge. Young leaves display yellow borders that transition gradually to white as the leaf matures [5]. The defining feature is the growth habit: Zebra grows approximately 20–30cm tall but spreads up to 45–60cm wide — consistently wider than it is tall. While all the comosum varieties build upright, arching crowns, Zebra makes a low, spreading mat of foliage with its light-coloured margins catching the light along every edge.
This growth form makes Zebra well-suited to shallow containers, low shelves, and positions where horizontal coverage is wanted rather than a vertical fountain effect. It produces runners and plantlets in the normal spider plant manner. Being a different species, it won’t hybridise with comosum varieties. It’s harder to source from mainstream UK garden centres but available from specialist houseplant retailers.
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→ Find the Right Pot‘Atlantic’ — The Neat Compact Form
‘Atlantic’ is a compact C. comosum cultivar with slightly broader, shorter leaves than ‘Vittatum’. The variegation pattern is similar — white centre blending into green with slightly darker margins — but the leaf shape is more squat and the plant’s spread stays naturally contained at around 20–35cm in typical indoor conditions.
This neat profile makes ‘Atlantic’ well-suited to hanging baskets where a structured, tidy cascade is the goal rather than the dramatic drape of a larger ‘Vittatum’. It produces runners and spiderettes at a reliable rate, and its compact form is less likely to overwhelm smaller display spaces. Stolons are white, like ‘Vittatum’.
Spider Plant Varieties Compared
| Variety | Leaf Pattern | Size | Runner Production | Light Minimum | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ‘Vittatum’ | White centre stripe, green edges; white stolons | 30–50cm | Prolific | Bright indirect | Classic hanging baskets; maximum babies |
| ‘Variegatum’ (Reverse) | Green centre, white/cream margins; green stolons | 30–45cm | Moderate | Bright indirect | Modern minimal décor; white-edge aesthetic |
| ‘Bonnie’ (Curly) | White centre stripe, curled leaves; yellow stolons | 20–35cm | Moderate–prolific | Bright indirect | Windowsills; small spaces; compact display |
| ‘Hawaiian’ (Golden Glow) | Green with warm champagne/ochre tint | 15–30cm | Moderate | Bright indirect (higher) | Unusual warm colour; fade-and-return trait |
| ‘Shamrock’ (Green) | Solid deep green — no markings | 30–50cm+ | Prolific | Low to bright | Low-light rooms; north-facing spaces |
| ‘Zebra’ (C. laxum) | Green with white/yellow margins; grows wide | 20–30cm tall; 45–60cm wide | Moderate | Bright indirect | Shallow containers; low spreading display |
| ‘Atlantic’ | White centre, broad short leaves; white stolons | 20–35cm | Moderate–prolific | Bright indirect | Neat hanging baskets; smaller spaces |
Why Variegated Varieties Need More Light
The difference in light requirements between variegated and all-green spider plants comes down to a straightforward imbalance in leaf anatomy.
White and cream sections in variegated leaves contain no chloroplasts — the organelles that capture light and drive photosynthesis. In a ‘Vittatum’ leaf, the broad white central stripe is photosynthetically inactive. The plant sustains itself entirely through its green zones, which must compensate for the non-productive portion of every leaf. In bright indirect light — an east-facing windowsill, or a position a metre or two back from a south or west-facing window — this trade-off is manageable. In lower light, the equation shifts: the plant can no longer capture sufficient energy through its green zones alone, and it responds by gradually filling white cells with chloroplasts as a survival mechanism. The result: characteristic stripes fade toward solid green over four to eight weeks of consistently dim conditions [7].
This isn’t disease or deficiency — it’s a reversible adaptation. Move a faded plant into bright indirect light and new growth will emerge with full variegation over the following weeks. Already-faded leaves won’t revert; what changes is that new leaves grow in with restored markings once conditions improve.
Not all variegated varieties respond identically. ‘Variegatum’ may hold its markings slightly longer than ‘Vittatum’ in marginal light, because the green central zone in ‘Variegatum’ is proportionally larger relative to the white margins than the reverse in ‘Vittatum’. But both will fade without adequate light.
The RHS specifically recommends all-green spider plant forms for lower-light positions [3], and the reason is precisely this chloroplast advantage. Shamrock has no non-photosynthetic tissue — it’s the most robust variety in low-light conditions by a clear margin.
One nuance worth noting for Hawaiian: its warm tones involve carotenoid pigments rather than purely chlorophyll absence. Carotenoids can participate in photosynthesis to some degree — which is why Hawaiian’s colour fades more gradually than the stark white variegation of ‘Vittatum’, and why it tolerates slightly dimmer conditions than the purely white-variegated types while still needing reasonable light to keep its characteristic champagne tones.
You might also find plant spider varieties helpful here.
Which Spider Plant Variety Is Right for You?
For a north-facing or genuinely low-light room
Choose Shamrock. Its all-green leaves have no photosynthetic dead weight — it grows more vigorously in limited light and won’t fade or revert the way variegated types will. If you want variegated markings in a low-light spot, supplementing with a small grow light is more reliable than fighting the plant’s biology.
For a narrow windowsill or compact shelf
Choose ‘Bonnie’. The curled leaves self-limit its spread naturally, and the compact form won’t overwhelm a small space the way a full-sized ‘Vittatum’ would. The curled texture also tends to look more intentional and considered in a tight display.
For a classic hanging basket with maximum spiderette production
Choose ‘Vittatum’. It’s the most prolific runner producer of the group, the most widely available, and the most forgiving across a range of conditions. The classic spider plant is classic for a reason.
For a modern, clean-lined aesthetic
Choose ‘Variegatum’. The white-edged leaves have a crisper, more architectural quality than the white-centred ‘Vittatum’ — they read as deliberate and graphic in contemporary décor. Accept the trade-off of fewer babies.
For something with an unusual, changing character
Choose Hawaiian. The subtle warm tones, the fade-with-age behaviour, and the variegation-restored-on-babies trait are all genuinely distinctive. In a collection where you want one variety to generate interest and conversation, Hawaiian earns its place.
For a low spreading display or shallow planter
Choose ‘Zebra’ (C. laxum). Nothing else in this genus naturally grows so much wider than it is tall. On a low shelf or tabletop it fills horizontal space in a way upright varieties can’t match.
For a neat, structured hanging basket
Choose ‘Atlantic’. Its shorter, broader leaves give a compact, tidy cascade — well-proportioned where ‘Vittatum’ might look a little unruly in a smaller basket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all spider plant varieties safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. All Chlorophytum comosum varieties — Vittatum, Variegatum, Bonnie, Hawaiian, Shamrock, and Atlantic — are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses according to the ASPCA. Chlorophytum laxum (Zebra) is also considered non-toxic. This makes spider plants among the safest houseplants for pet households across the board. For further pet-safe houseplant options, see our list of the best houseplants for beginners.
Why is my variegated spider plant reverting to solid green?
Almost always a light issue. In too-low light, the plant gradually fills its white tissue with chloroplasts as a survival response, and the stripes fade to green over four to eight weeks. Move the plant to bright indirect light — an east-facing windowsill, or a couple of metres back from a south-facing window with a sheer curtain — and new growth will emerge with full variegation restored. Existing faded leaves won’t revert, but they won’t spread the problem either once conditions improve. Occasionally, older mother plants also lose variegation naturally over time; propagating a healthy spiderette gives you a fresh, fully variegated plant. For other symptoms such as brown tips or yellow leaves, see our complete spider plant problems guide.
Is ‘Bonnie’ harder to care for than ‘Vittatum’?
No. The care requirements are identical: bright indirect light, moderate watering, no waterlogging, and a monthly balanced feed at half strength during the growing season. The one practical difference is that ‘Bonnie’ typically grows in smaller pots, which means the compost dries out a little faster. Check the soil slightly more frequently than you would for a larger-potted ‘Vittatum’, particularly in summer.
Do all spider plant varieties produce spiderettes?
Most do, though at different rates. ‘Vittatum’ and ‘Shamrock’ are the most prolific; ‘Variegatum’ is noticeably more restrained. The most common reasons a mature plant isn’t producing runners are: pot too large (spider plants need to be slightly root-bound before they trigger reproduction); too much nitrogen fertiliser (drives leaf growth over reproductive growth); or the plant is simply too young — plants under one to two years old rarely produce plantlets regardless of conditions. Our spider plant propagation guide covers the full troubleshooting process and all three methods for rooting spiderettes once they do appear.
Can I grow different spider plant varieties together in one pot?
You can, but more vigorous varieties — particularly ‘Shamrock’ and ‘Vittatum’ — will eventually outcompete slower-growing types like Hawaiian in a small pot, especially in lower light conditions. In a large, well-lit position, a mixed planting can make an attractive display. For the best long-term result, individual pots give each variety room to develop at its own pace without competition.
Sources
- Royal Horticultural Society. Chlorophytum comosum ‘Vittatum’ (v). https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/67933/chlorophytum-comosum-vittatum-(v)/details
- Royal Horticultural Society. Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’ (v). https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/91043/chlorophytum-comosum-variegatum-(v)/details
- Royal Horticultural Society. Spider Plants. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/spider-plants
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension — Wisconsin Horticulture. Spider Plant, Chlorophytum comosum. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/spider-plant-chlorophytum-comosum/
- North Carolina State Extension — Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Chlorophytum comosum. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/chlorophytum-comosum/
- North Carolina State Extension — Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum’. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/chlorophytum-comosum-variegatum/
- Gardeners’ Path. Why Do Spider Plants Fade or Lose Their Variegation? https://gardenerspath.com/plants/houseplants/spider-plant-fade/
