Colours and shapes
The spider plant’s spear-shaped leaves can reach a length of 45cm. The small, elegant white flowers grow on stalks from the heart of the plant, resembling lilies. The young plants grow on the stem, and can easily be removed and set up in a pot of their own. The spider plant’s roots are thick and fleshy and retain a lot of moisture, which means it can survive without fresh water for a while.
Symbolism
It may be a bit predictable, but this plant symbolises caring. It makes the perfect gift, wrapped up in brown paper, with a ribbon tied round the pot.
Origin
The spider plant was originally groundcover in the South African tropical rainforest, where you can find no fewer than 65 different species. It’s a member of the asparagus family, and is part of the same genus as the agave. It arrived in our living rooms in the 19th century.
