There are more than 200 spider plant varieties, and most of the ones you’ll find for sale are ideal for beginners. Despite there not being much difference between spider plant varieties, it’s worth taking a look at them before visiting a store.
So, that’s exactly what we’ll do here. Read on to find out more about the best 5 spider plant varieties for a balcony.
Why Choose a Spider Plant?
We’ve already suggested the main reason: they’re easy. A spider plant can tolerate far more abuse than most houseplants. Plus, once they’re mature, they’ll start producing pups, meaning you can grow your collection exponentially.
Better yet, most varieties of spider plants like being pot bound. This means you don’t have to worry as much about potting them up – a great thing for beginner gardeners!
Top 5 Spider Plant Varieties
The only real differences between spider plant variations are size and variegation. They’re all easy to care for, and most look best in hanging pots. Only grow them outdoors if you have a shady spot, as they can get sunburnt.
1. Variegated Spider Plant: Best all-rounder
Known as vittatum, this is the most popular kind of spider plant. Its leaves are green on the edges and cream in the middle. A variegated spider plant can grow up to 2ft. tall and wide, making it one of the bigger varieties.
It’ll start popping out babies after a few years, which look great if left on the mother plant. Hang it in a pot to get the most from this large droopy plant.
2. Hawaiian Spider Plant: Best for compact growth
This is one of the few spider plant varieties without variegation. Its leaves can range from a deep green to champagne depending on age and sunlight. Considering its native climate, it likes moist soil and a shady spot.
It only grows up to 12 inches, making it one of the smaller varieties of spider plants. As such, it’ll work best on small balconies or sat on a table or shelf.
3. Bonnie: Best for tables and surfaces
While most spider plants work best in hanging pots, Bonnie suits a standing pot. Its leaves are curlier, meaning it doesn’t droop as much as other kinds. This is why it works best on a surface: you don’t get as much drama from it.
Bonnie’s leaves can grow up to 18 inches long, and it grows fast. You’ll also find a variegated version, which has white edges to its leaves.
4. Zebra Spider Plant: Best for striking color
Other spider plant varieties have yellow or cream parts to their leaves. Zebra plants, however, contrast deep green against white. As such, they’ll work best in modern or monochromatic spaces (or anywhere with a lot of white). The size is similar to Bonnie spider plants, and they’re just as easy to care for.
5. Bichetii Grass: Best for railing planters
Bichetii grass is one of the few spider plant variations that doesn’t produce offshoots. It works best in large planters (such as on railings or the ground) as a covering plant.
It grows more like grass than a spider plant, but its care needs are the same as all the others. If you want some bulky foliage to line your balcony railing, a few planters stuffed with these would look great.
Final Thoughts on Varieties of Spider Plants
Unlike something like pothos, there’s not as much difference between spider plant varieties. Even so, some are better suited to situations than others. Hopefully, you’ve now got a bit more information about the right kind of spider plant for your balcony needs.