200 Species of Genus Chlorophytum

My Fascination with Chlorophytum: The Spider Plant and its Kin

As a plant enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to the unique beauty and resilience of Chlorophytum, commonly known as spider plants. These evergreen perennials, with their cascading foliage and charming “spiderettes,” have a special place in my heart. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia, Chlorophytum boasts nearly 200 species, each with its own distinct characteristics.

A Diverse Genus

While the common spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum, is a familiar sight in many homes, the genus offers a surprising variety of forms. From the variegated leaves of Chlorophytum laxum to the striking orange-red petioles of Chlorophytum amaniense ‘Fire Flash,’ there’s a Chlorophytum to suit every taste. Some lesser-known species, like Chlorophytum borivilianum, even have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine.

Here are:

  1. Chlorophytum acutum (C.H.Wright) Nordal
  2. Chlorophytum affine Baker
  3. Chlorophytum africanum (Baker) Baker
  4. Chlorophytum alismifolium Baker
  5. Chlorophytum alpinum Benth. ex Baker
  6. Chlorophytum altum Engl. & K.Krause
  7. Chlorophytum anceps (Baker) Kativu
  8. Chlorophytum andongense Baker
  9. Chlorophytum angulicaule (Baker) Kativu
  10. Chlorophytum angustiracemosum Poelln.
  11. Chlorophytum angustissimum (Poelln.) Nordal
  12. Chlorophytum ankarense H.Perrier
  13. Chlorophytum appendiculatum H.Perrier
  14. Chlorophytum applanatum Nordal & Thulin
  15. Chlorophytum arcuatoramosum R.B.Drumm.
  16. Chlorophytum aridum Oberm.
  17. Chlorophytum arundinaceum Baker
  18. Chlorophytum asperum J.C.Manning
  19. Chlorophytum assamicum D.Borah & A.P.Das
  20. Chlorophytum basitrichum Poelln.
  21. Chlorophytum baturense K.Krause
  22. Chlorophytum belgaumense Chandore, Malpure, Adsul & S.R.Yadav
  23. Chlorophytum benguellense (Baker) Meerts
  24. Chlorophytum benuense Engl. & K.Krause
  25. Chlorophytum bharuchae Ansari, Sundararagh. & Hemadri
  26. Chlorophytum bifolium Dammer
  27. Chlorophytum blepharophyllum Schweinf. ex Baker
  28. Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & R.R.Fern.
  29. Chlorophytum bowkeri Baker
  30. Chlorophytum brachystachyum Baker
  31. Chlorophytum bracteatum Hua
  32. Chlorophytum brevipedunculatum Poelln.
  33. Chlorophytum breviscapum Dalzell
  34. Chlorophytum bulbinifolium Hoell & Nordal
  35. Chlorophytum burundiense Meerts
  36. Chlorophytum calyptrocarpum (Baker) Kativu
  37. Chlorophytum cameronii (Baker) Kativu
  38. Chlorophytum camporum Engl. & K.Krause
  39. Chlorophytum capense (L.) Voss
  40. Chlorophytum caudatibracteatum Engl. & K.Krause
  41. Chlorophytum caulescens (Baker) Marais & Reilly
  42. Chlorophytum chelindaense Kativu & Nordal
  43. Chlorophytum chevalieri Poelln.
  44. Chlorophytum chinense Bureau & Franch.
  45. Chlorophytum chloranthum Baker
  46. Chlorophytum clarae Bjorå & Nordal
  47. Chlorophytum collinum (Poelln.) Nordal
  48. Chlorophytum colubrinum (Baker) Engl.
  49. Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques
  50. Chlorophytum cooperi (Baker) Nordal
  51. Chlorophytum cordifolium De Wild.
  52. Chlorophytum crassinerve (Baker) Oberm.
  53. Chlorophytum cremnophilum van Jaarsv.
  54. Chlorophytum crispum (Thunb.) Baker
  55. Chlorophytum cyperaceum (Kies) Nordal
  56. Chlorophytum dalzielii (Hutch. ex Hepper) Nordal
  57. Chlorophytum debile Baker
  58. Chlorophytum decaryanum H.Perrier
  59. Chlorophytum decipiens Baker
  60. Chlorophytum delicatulum Osborne, Vollesen & Bjorå
  61. Chlorophytum dianellifolium (Baker) H.Perrier
  62. Chlorophytum distichum H.Perrier
  63. Chlorophytum diwanjii Mujaffar, A.P.Tiwari & Chandore
  64. Chlorophytum dolichocarpum Tamura
  65. Chlorophytum ducis-aprutii Chiov.
  66. Chlorophytum fasciculatum (Baker) Kativu
  67. Chlorophytum fernandesii (Poelln.) Meerts
  68. Chlorophytum filifolium Nordal & Thulin
  69. Chlorophytum filipendulum Baker
  70. Chlorophytum fischeri (Baker) Baker
  71. Chlorophytum gallabatense Schweinf. ex Baker
  72. Chlorophytum galpinii (Baker) Kativu
  73. Chlorophytum geayanum (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly
  74. Chlorophytum geophilum Peter ex Poelln.
  75. Chlorophytum glaucoides Blatt.
  76. Chlorophytum glaucum Dalzell
  77. Chlorophytum goetzei Engl.
  78. Chlorophytum gothanense Malpure & S.R.Yadav
  79. Chlorophytum gracile Baker
  80. Chlorophytum graminifolium (Willd.) Kunth
  81. Chlorophytum graniticola Kativu
  82. Chlorophytum graniticum H.Perrier
  83. Chlorophytum graptophyllum (Baker) Marais & Reilly
  84. Chlorophytum haygarthii J.M.Wood & M.S.Evans
  85. Chlorophytum herrmannii Nordal & Sebsebe
  86. Chlorophytum heynei Baker
  87. Chlorophytum hiranense Nordal & Thulin
  88. Chlorophytum hirsutum A.D.Poulsen & Nordal
  89. Chlorophytum holstii Engl.
  90. Chlorophytum humbertianum H.Perrier
  91. Chlorophytum humifusum Cufod.
  92. Chlorophytum hypoxiforme (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly
  93. Chlorophytum hysteranthum Kativu
  94. Chlorophytum immaculatum (Hepper) Nordal
  95. Chlorophytum inconspicuum (Baker) Nordal
  96. Chlorophytum indicum (Willd. ex Schult. & Schult.f.) Dress
  97. Chlorophytum inornatum Ker Gawl.
  98. Chlorophytum intermedium Craib
  99. Chlorophytum kolhapurense Sardesai, S.P.Gaikwad & S.R.Yadav
  100. Chlorophytum krauseanum (Dinter) Kativu
  101. Chlorophytum krookianum Zahlbr.
  102. Chlorophytum lancifolium Welw. ex Baker
  103. Chlorophytum laxum R.Br.
  104. Chlorophytum leptoneurum (C.H.Wright) Poelln.
  105. Chlorophytum lewisae Oberm.
  106. Chlorophytum limosum (Baker) Nordal
  107. Chlorophytum littorale Nordal & Thulin
  108. Chlorophytum longifolium Schweinf. ex Baker
  109. Chlorophytum longiscapum Dammer
  110. Chlorophytum longissimum Ridl.
  111. Chlorophytum macrophyllum (A.Rich.) Asch.
  112. Chlorophytum macrorrhizum Poelln.
  113. Chlorophytum macrosporum Baker
  114. Chlorophytum madagascariense Baker
  115. Chlorophytum malabaricum Baker
  116. Chlorophytum malayense Ridl.
  117. Chlorophytum mamillatum Elden & Nordal
  118. Chlorophytum modestum Baker
  119. Chlorophytum molle (Baker) Meerts
  120. Chlorophytum monophyllum Oberm.
  121. Chlorophytum namaquense Schltr. ex Poelln.
  122. Chlorophytum namorokense H.Perrier
  123. Chlorophytum nepalense (Lindl.) Baker
  124. Chlorophytum nervosum Nordal & Thulin
  125. Chlorophytum nidulans (Baker) Brenan
  126. Chlorophytum nimmonii Dalzell
  127. Chlorophytum nubicum (Baker) Kativu
  128. Chlorophytum nyasae (Rendle) Kativu
  129. Chlorophytum nzii A.Chev. ex Hepper
  130. Chlorophytum occultum A.D.Poulsen & Nordal
  131. Chlorophytum orchidastrum Lindl.
  132. Chlorophytum orchideum (Welw. ex Baker) Meerts
  133. Chlorophytum palghatense K.M.P.Kumar & Adsul
  134. Chlorophytum parkeri (Baker) Marais & Reilly
  135. Chlorophytum parvulum Chiov.
  136. Chlorophytum paucinervatum (Poelln.) Nordal
  137. Chlorophytum pauciphyllum Oberm.
  138. Chlorophytum pauper Poelln.
  139. Chlorophytum pendulum Nordal & Thulin
  140. Chlorophytum peralbum Poelln.
  141. Chlorophytum perfoliatum Kativu
  142. Chlorophytum petraeum Nordal & Thulin
  143. Chlorophytum petrophilum K.Krause
  144. Chlorophytum pilosicarinatum (Poelln.) Meerts
  145. Chlorophytum polystachys Baker
  146. Chlorophytum pseudocaule Tesfaye & Nordal
  147. Chlorophytum pterocarpum Nordal & Thulin
  148. Chlorophytum pubiflorum Baker
  149. Chlorophytum pusillum Schweinf. ex Baker
  150. Chlorophytum pygmaeum (Weim.) Kativu
  151. Chlorophytum radula (Baker) Nordal
  152. Chlorophytum ramosissimum Nordal & Thulin
  153. Chlorophytum rangei (Engl. & K.Krause) Nordal
  154. Chlorophytum recurvifolium (Baker) C.Archer & Kativu
  155. Chlorophytum reflexibracteatum Poelln.
  156. Chlorophytum rhizopendulum Bjorå & Hemp
  157. Chlorophytum rigidum Kunth
  158. Chlorophytum ruahense Engl.
  159. Chlorophytum rubribracteatum (De Wild.) Kativu
  160. Chlorophytum rutenbergianum Vatke
  161. Chlorophytum saundersiae (Baker) Nordal
  162. Chlorophytum scabrum Baker
  163. Chlorophytum senegalense (Baker) Hepper
  164. Chlorophytum serpens Sebsebe & Nordal
  165. Chlorophytum sharmae Adsul, Lekhak & S.R.Yadav
  166. Chlorophytum sikkimense P.Rai
  167. Chlorophytum simplex Craib
  168. Chlorophytum sofiense (H.Perrier) Marais & Reilly
  169. Chlorophytum somaliense Baker
  170. Chlorophytum sparsiflorum Baker
  171. Chlorophytum sphacelatum (Baker) Kativu
  172. Chlorophytum sphagnicola Meerts
  173. Chlorophytum staudtii Nordal
  174. Chlorophytum stenopetalum Baker
  175. Chlorophytum stolzii (K.Krause) Weim.
  176. Chlorophytum subligulatum H.Perrier
  177. Chlorophytum subpetiolatum (Baker) Kativu
  178. Chlorophytum suffruticosum Baker
  179. Chlorophytum superpositum (Baker) Marais & Reilly
  180. Chlorophytum sylvestre Bardot-Vaucoulon
  181. Chlorophytum tenerrimum Peter ex Poelln.
  182. Chlorophytum tetraphyllum (L.f.) Baker
  183. Chlorophytum tillariense S.R.Yadav & Chandore
  184. Chlorophytum tordense Chiov.
  185. Chlorophytum transvaalense (Baker) Kativu
  186. Chlorophytum trichophlebium (Baker) Nordal
  187. Chlorophytum triflorum (Aiton) Kunth
  188. Chlorophytum tripedale (Baker) H.Perrier
  189. Chlorophytum tuberosum (Roxb.) Baker
  190. Chlorophytum ustulatum (Welw. ex Baker) Meerts
  191. Chlorophytum velutinum Kativu
  192. Chlorophytum vespertinum Vollesen
  193. Chlorophytum vestitum Baker
  194. Chlorophytum viridescens Engl.
  195. Chlorophytum viscosum Kunth
  196. Chlorophytum waibelii K.Krause
  197. Chlorophytum warneckei (Engl.) Marais & Reilly
  198. Chlorophytum zambiense Bjorå & Nordal
  199. Chlorophytum zavattarii (Cufod.) Nordal
  200. Chlorophytum zingiberastrum Nordal & A.D.Poulsen

Easygoing Companions

One of the reasons I adore Chlorophytum is its adaptability. These plants are incredibly low-maintenance, thriving in a variety of conditions. Whether placed in bright, indirect light or a shadier corner, they seem to take it all in stride. Their resilience makes them perfect for both seasoned plant parents and those just starting their green journey.

Air-Purifying Prowess

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Chlorophytum plants are known for their air-purifying qualities. Studies have shown that they can effectively remove harmful pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene from indoor environments. This makes them not only a beautiful addition to any space but also a beneficial one.

Propagation: Sharing the Joy

The ease with which Chlorophytum can be propagated is another aspect I appreciate. The “spiderettes,” or plantlets, that dangle from mature plants can be easily rooted to create new individuals. This allows for effortless expansion of my plant collection and provides a sustainable way to share the joy of Chlorophytum with friends and fellow enthusiasts.

A Symbol of Resilience

For me, Chlorophytum represents resilience and adaptability. Its ability to thrive in diverse conditions and readily produce new life serves as an inspiration. In a world that often demands constant adaptation, these plants remind me of the importance of flexibility and perseverance.

A Continuing Journey

My exploration of the Chlorophytum genus is an ongoing journey. I’m constantly amazed by the diversity and resilience of these plants. With each new species I encounter, my appreciation for this remarkable genus deepens. Whether it’s the familiar charm of the common spider plant or the unique allure of a lesser-known variety, Chlorophytum continues to captivate and inspire me.

Scroll to Top