From a botanical perspective, the plant commonly known as the spider plant is *Chlorophytum comosum*, a herbaceous perennial native to southern Africa. As a species, it is highly adaptable and propagates efficiently through stolons, which produce plantlets. Over time, horticultural selection has given rise to several distinct cultivars, prized for their variations in foliage. The three varieties in question—Bonnie, Variegatum, and Vittatum—are all cultivars of *C. comosum*, meaning they have been developed for specific aesthetic traits while remaining the same species. Their primary differences lie in leaf morphology and variegation patterns, which are stable genetic mutations maintained through vegetative propagation.
‘Vittatum’ is one of the most classic and widely recognized spider plant varieties. Its most defining characteristic is its variegation pattern. The leaves exhibit a broad, central, creamy-white or ivory stripe (the "vitta") running the length of the leaf blade, with medium green margins on either side. This is a result of a mutation affecting chlorophyll production in the center of the leaf. From a growth habit standpoint, ‘Vittatum’ tends to have leaves that arch more gracefully and are often slightly wider and more pliable than some other varieties. The plantlets it produces on its stolons will be genetic clones, displaying this same central-stripe variegation. It is generally a slower grower compared to fully green varieties due to its reduced chlorophyll content.
‘Variegatum’ is essentially the inverse of ‘Vittatum’. Its variegation pattern consists of a central core of dark green leaf tissue, bordered by crisp, white to creamy-yellow margins. This marginal variegation is a key identifying feature. The leaves of ‘Variegatum’ are often described as stiffer and more upright compared to the arching form of ‘Vittatum’. The contrast between the dark green center and the bright edges is very pronounced. Like ‘Vittatum’, it is a chlorophyl-deficient cultivar, so its growth rate is moderately paced. It is crucial to note that in the horticultural trade, the name "Variegated Spider Plant" is sometimes used loosely, which can lead to confusion between ‘Variegatum’ and ‘Vittatum’; however, for precise identification, the reversal of the green and white patterns is the definitive characteristic.
The ‘Bonnie’ cultivar is distinct not only in its coloration but, more notably, in its leaf morphology. ‘Bonnie’ is a curly or waved variety, with leaves that twist and curl along their length rather than growing straight or simply arching. In terms of variegation, ‘Bonnie’ typically mirrors the ‘Vittatum’ pattern, featuring a central creamy-yellow stripe with green margins, but it can also occasionally show a pattern similar to ‘Variegatum’. The combination of the curled leaf form and variegation makes it unmistakable. This mutation affects the growth cells on different sides of the leaf base, causing the distinctive twisting action as the leaf expands. ‘Bonnie’ is also known for being more compact than the standard varieties, making it well-suited for smaller spaces. Its plantlets will also be curly, ensuring the trait is passed on vegetatively.
To aid in visual identification, here is a direct comparison from a botanical standpoint:
‘Vittatum’: Arching leaves with a broad, central white stripe and green margins.
‘Variegatum’: More upright leaves with a dark green center and white margins.
‘Bonnie’: Strongly curled or twisted leaves, typically with a central white stripe and green margins.
The health and intensity of variegation in all these cultivars can be influenced by light conditions. Bright, indirect light will promote the most vibrant contrast, while low light may cause the leaves to revert to a greener state as the plant maximizes chlorophyll production for energy.
