spider plant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Everyday, Gardening/Horticulture
Quick answer
What does “spider plant” mean?
A popular, easy-to-grow houseplant (Chlorophytum comosum) known for its long, slender, arching leaves, often with a central white stripe, and for producing plantlets (spiderettes) on long stems.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A popular, easy-to-grow houseplant (Chlorophytum comosum) known for its long, slender, arching leaves, often with a central white stripe, and for producing plantlets (spiderettes) on long stems.
The plant can refer to the specific species or broadly to its many variegated cultivars; culturally, it symbolizes resilience, easy care, and is stereotypically associated with 1970s home decor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; both use 'spider plant' as the standard term.
Connotations
Similar connotations of being a common, low-maintenance houseplant.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “spider plant” in a Sentence
[verb] a spider plant (water, propagate, repot)spider plant [verb] (thrives, produces, hangs)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spider plant” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mature plant will spider out, producing lots of plantlets.
- It's starting to spider, so we can pot the new shoots.
American English
- The plant spidered beautifully this season.
- I need to spider that plant to get more starters.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- She prefers the spider-plant look for her sunroom.
- The spider plant cuttings are ready.
American English
- He has a spider plant collection.
- The spider-plant vibe is very retro.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in horticultural trade contexts (e.g., 'sales of spider plants increased').
Academic
Used in botanical or horticultural papers describing the species.
Everyday
Very common in conversations about houseplants, home decor, and gardening tips.
Technical
Used in horticulture with specific cultivar names (e.g., 'Chlorophytum comosum "Vittatum"').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spider plant”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spider plant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spider plant”
- Misspelling as 'spiderplant' (should be two words or hyphenated: spider-plant).
- Confusing it with other trailing plants like 'String of Pearls'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, spider plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs, though ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
Water moderately when the top inch of soil feels dry; overwatering is more harmful than underwatering.
Brown tips are usually caused by fluoride in tap water, low humidity, or under-watering. Using distilled or rainwater can help.
They tolerate low light but thrive best in bright, indirect light. Variegation may fade in very low light.
A popular, easy-to-grow houseplant (Chlorophytum comosum) known for its long, slender, arching leaves, often with a central white stripe, and for producing plantlets (spiderettes) on long stems.
Spider plant is usually informal, everyday, gardening/horticulture in register.
Spider plant: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪdə ˌplɑːnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspaɪdɚ ˌplænt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a spider hanging on a web; the spider plant hangs its 'babies' on long, thin stems like a spider on a thread.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT IS A SPIDER (producing offspring like a spider on threads); RESILIENCE (the plant is hard to kill).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of a spider plant?