Chlorophytum

Introduction: Chlorophytum, commonly known as the Spider Plant or Airplane Plant, is an intriguing aquatic or semi-aquatic plant used in both aquarium settings and terrariums. Its long, arching leaves and ease of care make it a versatile choice for various types of aquatic and terrestrial setups.

Origin: Chlorophytum comosum, the species often used in aquariums, is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, as well as parts of Asia. It’s well known for its ability to adapt to different environments, including both soil and water.

Scientific Name: The scientific name for this plant is Chlorophytum comosum.

Lighting Requirements: Chlorophytum thrives under moderate to bright light. In aquariums, it does best with 8 to 10 hours of light per day. While it can tolerate lower light levels, brighter conditions will promote better growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.

Care Level: On a scale of 1 to 10, Chlorophytum has a care level of 4, making it relatively easy to care for. It is suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists, as it is adaptable and hardy.

Preferred Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C)
• pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
• GH Level (General Hardness): 2 to 10 dGH
• KH Level (Carbonate Hardness): 2 to 8 dKH

Placement: In aquariums, Chlorophytum is typically used as a background or midground plant. Its long, arching leaves can provide a lush backdrop and create vertical interest in the tank.

Growth Rate: Chlorophytum has a moderate growth rate. It spreads well and can grow fairly quickly under the right conditions, though it may require occasional trimming to keep it from taking over the space.

CO2 and Fertiliser: CO2 supplementation is not strictly necessary for Chlorophytum, but it can benefit from it in aquariums to enhance growth. Regular liquid fertilization will support its development, particularly in environments with lower nutrient levels.

Potential Problems: Chlorophytum is generally hardy, but it can experience issues such as:

• Leaf Browning: Often a sign of poor water quality or inadequate lighting.
• Leggy Growth: Can occur if the plant does not receive enough light.

Compatible Fishes: Chlorophytum works well with a variety of peaceful fish species and invertebrates, including:

• Tetras
• Gouramis
• Rasboras
• Shrimp (e.g., Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp)
• Snails

Other Suitable Plants: To complement Chlorophytum and create a diverse aquascape, consider adding:

• Java Fern for a contrasting texture.
• Anubias species for low-growing, robust plants.
• Cryptocoryne species for additional foliage variety.
• Bucephalandra species for unique, slow-growing plants.

Tropical or Cold Water? Chlorophytum is adaptable but performs best in tropical water conditions with a stable temperature between 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C).

What Fish Can Eat It? Chlorophytum is generally not eaten by fish, making it a suitable choice for tanks with plant-nibbling species.

A Fun Fact: The Spider Plant’s baby plantlets, or “pups,” can be easily propagated, making it a fun and rewarding plant to grow. These plantlets can be used to start new plants, either in soil or directly in the aquarium.