A Spider plant is presented to each new member as they join the Fellowship. Each plant is a daughter, granddaughter, or great granddaughter plant of one mother plant representing the interconnectedness between each of us.

Chlorophytum is one of the most popular of all house plants. This popularity is not surprising - it is quick growing with attractive archlng leaves. and in spring and summer the cascading wiry stems produce small whiteflowers followed by tiny plantlets. Left on the mother plant. these plantlets grow to give an attractive display. especially in a hanging basket. Removed from the mother plant they can be used to produce new plants. Above all the Spider Plant has the prime requirement for popularity - it is extremely adaptable. It will grow in hot or cool rooms. in sun or shade and doesn't mind dry air.

This is a wonderful plant for beginners only outright neglect will kill it. lt is a very quick grower, with long, straplike leaves coming from its center. Young plants, which can easily be grown from these plantlets, can be used for outdoor summer bedding. The plant, which originates from South Africa, grows well in hydroculture. Keep it well fed and pot-bound. When its stems fill the pot, and when the white, wormlike rhizomes bulge out over the surface, it can be divided easily. When buying try to buy one without any brown edges, or torn leaves. Cats seem to like to play with the hanging plantlets, But they may also eat the leaves.

Temperature: Average warmth - minimum 45°F in winter.

Light: A well-lit spot away trom direct sunlight. Grows in MOST locations, Althoug its variegation is most pronouced when the plant is near a window. Keep away from midday sun.

Water: Water liberally from spring to autumn. Water sparingly in winter. Water 2-3 times a week in summer once a week in the winter. Don't water if the temp drops below 40°F. Spider plants are sensitive to flouride in the water. To help prevent browning of leaf tips and edges, water with rainwater or distilled water.

Air Humidity: Mist leaves Daily in summer. Twice a week in the winter if temp. is above 60°F

Feeding: Feed every 14 days in growing seasons (spring-summer)

Repotting: Repot, if necessary. in spring. The plant doesn't mind being pot-bound.

Cleaning: Humidity spray is sufficient. DO NOT use leafshine.

Flowering Season: May flower at anytime, but more likely in summer.

Scent: None

Pruning: Cut out damaged leaves

Life Expectancy: The plants can grow indefinately, but it's best to renew stock every 3-4 years.

Ease/Difficulty: An excellent plant for all beginners to start with.

Propagation: Peg down plantlets(those vines, that have little plants growing on the end of it)in compost. Cut Stem when Rooted Alternatively divide Plants at repotting time.

Problems:

1. Brown scorch marks on leaves:
   Leafshine Damage, Only clean with sprayinf water.
2. Leaf Edges eaten away.
   Greenfly. Spray every 14 days with Pyrethrum or insecticidal soap until clear. Cut off eaten leaves at soil level.
3. Leaves dull and grayish with webs underneath. (aarrggghhh I hate these)
   Red Spider mites. (look UNDER leaves with a 10X glass for little moving red specks) Spray with Kelthane or insecticidal soap every 2 weeks until clear. Spray with water more often (at least daily) to improve humidity.
4. Plant Looks floppy and dull.
   Needs feeding. See above
5. Plantlets pull parent plant to one side.
   Repot parent, remove plantlet.
6. Leaves turn dark green and lose variegation.
   Too Dark. Move to lighter place. See above
7. Plant rotting in center.
   Overwatering, Allow to dry before watering again. BUT plant may die.
8. Leaves transparent and soft.
   Too Cold, Move to warmer place above 40°F, If frostbitten plant will die.
9. Tips of leaves turn Brown. (This is by far the most common)
   Too dry or to much direct sunlight. Water more frequently and move out of sun, but keep in good light. Flouride toxicity. Switch to rainwater or distilled water.
10. Leaves grow weak and lanky, become dry and lose color.
    Too hot and dry. Soak for 10-15 minutes in bucket of water. Drain. Water more frequently and keep in cooler place. Spray regularly.
11. New growth shows blacken or rotted areas.
    Soil is too acid, add a tablespoon of limestone into soil surface.