About

Chlorophytum is a genus of evergreen perennials known for their rapid growth and compact size, making them suitable for indoor environments. The leaves are elongated and strap-shaped, available in solid green or with variegated patterns featuring white and green stripes. During the spring, these plants may produce small, subtle white flowers. As they mature, Chlorophytum generates long stems that bear offsets at their ends, simplifying the process of propagation.

About the genus

Chlorophytum consists of evergreen, rhizomatous perennials characterized by narrow, linear or lanceolate leaves. These plants feature slender, arching stems that support loose clusters or panicles of small white flowers, which may appear star-like in some species. Certain varieties also produce plantlets.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H2

Plant details

Plant type
Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial, Houseplants
Habit
Bushy, Trailing
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Hanging basket, Houseplants
Native to
Trop. & subtrop.

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow as a houseplant, under glass or in frost-free environment. A very tough houseplant, tolerant of a wide range of conditions. Keep the plant looking healthy and fresh by re-potting and dividing every 2-3 years. See chlorophytum or houseplant cultivation for further advice
Pruning
Trim back flowering spikes once they have finished and if new plantlets are not needed
Propagation
Propagate by seed, by division or root plantlets
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free