'Variegatum' spider plant guide
Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum', also called reverse variegated spider plant, white-edged spider plant
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine
- Temperature
- 15 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 7°C (45°F).
- Soil
- Any well-draining houseplant mix
- Feeding
- Balanced liquid fertilizer, monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Non-toxic to cats and dogs
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) wide, with trailing runners
- Propagation
- Root the babies in water or soil
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Variegatum' spider plant different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the spider plant care guide.
What it is
‘Variegatum’ is a spider plant with green centers and creamy white edges. It is the reverse of ‘Vittatum’. The leaves tend to be a bit shorter and stiffer, and the plant looks more compact. It makes runners and babies like any spider plant.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Variegatum’ | Green center, white edges | The white sits on the outside |
| ‘Vittatum’ spider plant | Green edges, white center stripe | The white runs down the middle |
| ‘Ocean’ spider plant | Green center, white edges, compact | Shorter and tighter, with fewer runners |
Care differences
None to speak of. The white edges brown first when the soil dries out or the tap water is hard. Rainwater or filtered water helps.
Keeping the edges
Pull out any all-green leaves or babies. They grow faster than the variegated ones and can crowd them out.
Grow it from a baby
Snip a baby off the runner and root it in water or moist soil. Roots form in one to two weeks.
Buying it
‘Variegatum’ is common at garden centers and big box stores. Hanging baskets often hold this kind. Check the label, or look at where the white sits on the leaf.