The difference between Chlorophytum comosum and White Tradescantia

1. Plant Differences

The stem of the Chlorophytum comosum is recumbent, 30 to 60 cm long, branched, slightly fleshy, without pubescence, and the plant has small granular protrusions.

The stems of the white-flowered Tradescantia plant are creeping, smooth, and can be up to 60 cm long. The nodes are slightly swollen and roots easily form at the joints.

2. Leaf Difference

The leaves of the Chlorophytum comosum are opposite, heart-shaped and ovate, flat, about 1 to 2 cm long and 1 cm wide. The apex of the leaves is acute or obtuse with a prominent tip, the base is conical, the leaves are entire, and the petiole is 3 to 6 mm long.

The leaves of white-flowered spiderwort are alternate, oblong or ovate-oblong, with sharp tips and dark purple underneath. They are hairy only at the upper end of the leaf sheath and have white stripes.

3. Flower Difference

The flowers of the Chlorophytum comosum are single, terminal or axillary, about 1 cm in diameter, with a pedicel 1.2 cm long and many reddish-purple petals.

The flowers of white spiderwort are small, and many flowers are clustered into umbels. The flowers are white and covered by leaf-like bracts.