Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Groundcovers
Indigenous (native to tropical and southern Africa) | Easy Care | Groundcovers
Most people think of the spider plant as a houseplant, but in a coastal garden like ours it makes an excellent, fast-spreading, evergreen groundcover for semi-shaded areas.
The familiar arching, green-and-white striped leaves (Variegatum and Vittatum forms) form dense clumps that produce cascading baby plantlets on long, arching stems, which root wherever they touch the ground. It fills in shady, difficult spots under trees and along shaded borders where many groundcovers fail. It handles coastal conditions, moderate drought and poor soil, and it is one of the easiest plants to establish and multiply. The small white flowers on the arching stems are modest but attract insects.
20 to 40 cm tall. Spreads by plantlets to form dense colonies.
Fast. It fills in quickly through plantlet production.
Groundcover in semi-shade, under trees, along shaded borders, hanging basket, container, bank cover in sheltered positions. One of the best options for tricky shaded areas.
Semi-shade to shade. It handles full sun in a coastal garden, though the leaves may bleach in hot, direct afternoon sun. The variegated forms hold their colour best in bright, indirect light.
Any reasonable soil. It is not fussy and grows in sandy, clay and poor conditions. Compost helps but is not essential.
Moderate. Water while establishing, then it copes with dry spells, though it looks best with some moisture. It stores water in its thick, fleshy roots, so it is more drought-tolerant than it looks.
A light feed in spring encourages lusher growth and more plantlets. Not demanding.
Remove tired or brown leaves and trim back excess plantlets to control spread. That is all it needs.
Ask about availability. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right plant for your spot.
