This is the quintessential spider plant, instantly recognizable and the most common type found in homes and garden centers. From a botanical perspective, its defining feature is the creamy-white or pale yellow stripe that runs along the center of each arching, linear leaf. This variegation is a genetic mutation that results in a lack of chlorophyll in that central band. While this makes the plant highly attractive, it also means its photosynthetic capacity is slightly reduced compared to all-green varieties. The plant compensates for this by producing its famed stolons (runners) prolifically, from which new plantlets (spiderettes) develop. These plantlets allow the parent plant to propagate itself vegetatively, ensuring its genetic legacy continues even if its own growth is marginally slower due to its variegation.
Often confused with the 'Vittatum', the 'Variegatum' cultivar presents an inverse color pattern. Here, the margins of the leaves are a crisp white or creamy yellow, while the center of the leaf is a solid, deep green. This botanical arrangement is significant because the central portion of the leaf, which typically receives the most direct light, contains the highest concentration of chlorophyll. This allows the 'Variegatum' to be a slightly more efficient photosynthesizer than its 'Vittatum' cousin, potentially leading to faster growth under similar conditions. Like all spider plants, it is incredibly adaptable to a range of light levels, but its variegation will be most pronounced and stable in bright, indirect light. In low light, the green may begin to dominate as the plant strives to produce more chlorophyll.
This type, sometimes called the "original" spider plant, lacks any variegation and displays a uniform, deep green color across all its foliage. Botanically, this is the most efficient form of the species. With chlorophyll present in every cell of its leaves, it can maximize energy production from available light. This makes the green spider plant exceptionally robust and fast-growing, and it is notably more tolerant of lower light conditions than its variegated siblings. It will produce stolons and plantlets just as readily. For a plant enthusiast seeking the most vigorous and low-maintenance specimen, the all-green variety is an excellent choice, as it does not have the energy "handicap" associated with the variegated mutations.
The 'Bonnie' cultivar is a fascinating morphological variant. It shares the same variegation pattern as the common 'Vittatum' (a central white stripe) but its leaves are distinctly curled, twisted, and compact. This unique growth habit is due to a genetic variation that affects the cell structure and growth pattern on different sides of the leaf, causing it to twist as it develops. The compact and cascading nature of 'Bonnie' makes it an ideal plant for hanging baskets where its curly foliage and trailing plantlets can be displayed to full effect. From a growth standpoint, its twisted leaves may have a slightly different surface area-to-volume ratio, but it retains the same easy-going nature and air-purifying qualities as other members of the species.
