When set in a hanging basket or on a pedestal where it can grow unhindered, the spider plant or ribbon plant from South Africa makes a dramatic trailing plant. As well as having long, curved, strap like leaves, the display is enhanced by long, arching stems bearing tiny white flowers or the numerous small plantlets.

Attractive cultivars include: C.c. ‘Picturatum,’ with a yellow central stripe; C.c. ‘Variegatum,’ which is green at the center and white or cream at the edges; and C.c. ‘Viltatum,’ which has green leaves with a broad white stripe running lengthwise down the center.

Size: Spread to 2 ft. (60 cm).

Light: Indirect sunlight.

Temperature: Normal room.

Moisture: Keep the soil mix thoroughly moist from spring to fall; slightly drier in winter.

Feeding: Feed with standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks from spring to fall.

Propagation: Young plantlets can be rooted into water or soil before or after being detached from the parent. If they are in water, pot up as soon as the roots are ¾ in. (2 cm) long.

Special needs: If the plant is allowed to dry out, it. will develop permanent brown tips on the leaves.