Chlorophytum comosum is part of the Asparagaceae family and is native to tropical and southern Africa. Linear leaves have a central dark green stripe and white margins. The leaves arch backwards to form a fountain-like shape. Its arching racemes bear white flowers with a plantlet in the inflorescence.
Genus name comes from the Greek ‘Chloro’ meaning green and ‘phyto’ meaning plant. The specific epithet comes from the Greek ‘Kome’ meaning ‘tufts of hair’.
Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive.
Water: Allow the first 2-3 inches of mix to dry out. Before watering, ensure the substrate isn’t compacted, if it is, aerate it with a few pokes of a skewer or blunt stick, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes.
Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: 15-26˚C.
Humidity: Average home humidity is fine.
Chlorophytum comosum is non-toxic.