Bonnie Curly Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Bonnie Curly Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
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Bonnie is the curly version of the classic spider plant: its green-and-cream leaves twist and loop like ribbons, and once it matures it sends out arching stems with baby plantlets you can root and share. It's compact, forgiving and nearly impossible to kill, and the ASPCA lists spider plant as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Quick facts
| Botanical name | Chlorophytum comosum 'Bonnie' |
| Also called | Curly spider plant, Bonnie spider plant, curly airplane plant |
| Pets | Non-toxic to cats and dogs (listed by the ASPCA) |
| Light | Bright, indirect light; tolerates lower light |
| Water | When the top inch of soil is dry, about every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Growth | Compact rosette with arching stems of baby plantlets |
| Care level | Very easy, great for beginners |
Why you'll love it
- Curly and compact: it stays tidier than a classic spider plant, with more texture.
- Free plants: mature plants grow babies you can root in water in a few weeks.
- Forgiving: it bounces back from missed waterings and handles a range of light.
Care guide
Light: Bright, indirect light keeps the leaves curly and the cream stripes crisp. It handles lower light too, but grows slower with straighter, greener leaves. Some gentle morning sun is fine; harsh afternoon sun can scorch the leaves.
Water: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, then let it drain. The thick roots store water, so it forgives a missed week. Water less in winter.
Brown tips? Spider plants are sensitive to fluoride and salts in tap water. Filtered, distilled or rain water helps, and you can trim brown tips with clean scissors.
Humidity and temperature: Normal household humidity is fine. Keep it between 60 and 80°F and away from cold drafts.
Soil and feeding: Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with a drainage hole. Feed monthly at half strength in spring and summer. It likes being a little snug in its pot, which also encourages babies.
Questions
Is a spider plant safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Many cats love to chew the leaves, and eating a lot of any plant can cause a mild upset stomach, so hanging it up is best for both your cat and your plant.
When will my plant grow babies?
Spider plants usually start producing baby plantlets once they're mature and slightly root-bound, in bright, indirect light. Young plants may take a season or two. Keeping it snug in its pot and in good light encourages them.
How do I propagate the babies?
Once a baby has small roots forming at its base, snip it off and root it in a glass of water or a small pot of moist soil. Or leave it attached, set it in its own pot of soil, and cut the stem once it takes root, usually in 2 to 4 weeks.
How is Bonnie different from a regular spider plant?
Bonnie's leaves curl and twist instead of arching straight, and it stays more compact. Care is the same. For the classic look, see our Hawaiian spider plant or reverse variegated spider plant.
Do spider plants clean the air?
Spider plant was one of the plants tested in NASA's 1989 Clean Air Study. In a real home, though, a few plants have only a small effect on air quality. Read what the research really found.
Explore more easy pet-safe plants or low light plants.
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- 5 stars: 5 (83%)
- 4 stars: 0 (0%)
- 3 stars: 1 (17%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)
So cute! Both my Bonnie's arrived in perfect condition.
I think she will end up looking okay but many leaves were bent and I was supremely confused why she has no roots. Still waiting on a final verdict …. She is pretty and I’m looking forward to watching her grow!
Thank you for the honest review, Bailey, and I am so sorry your plant arrived this way. Bent leaves and missing roots are not how our plants should ever show up at your door. Every plant we ship goes out rooted, so I am looking into what happened with yours. You are still well within our 30 day healthy plant guarantee, and I have emailed you directly to get a replacement plant out to you. We want you to be 100% happy with your plants.
Beautiful plant. Arrived well packaged and is thriving!!
Beautiful plant! I ordered the 8-inch bonnie curly spider plant to put in a hanging basket. It's perfect and exactly what I was looking for.
My curly spider plant is so full and beautiful! Arrived quick and in perfect condition.
The leaves are striking! It's the perfect size for my office desk. My spider plant was packaged very securely and even included heat packs. Wonderful online plant shopping experience and great customer service. Thank you!
