Chlorophytum comosum, known as the Spider plant or the Airplane plant, is one of the easiest houseplants to grow, and it is perfect for gardeners.
The spider plant is a perennial native to the African continent that blooms with white flowers. It is one of the easiest houseplants. It rarely faces diseases or other issues. It is also non-toxic to pets.
The good news is it is also one of the easiest plants to propagate. If you want to multiply your spider plant, look no further. The answer is here.
Read from the guide, and you’ll know how to propagate spider plants.
Spider Plant Propagation Methods
The most common method of propagating spider plants is growing spider plant babies. Three methods to propagate spider plant babies exist. The methods will be discussed below.
Propagating Spider Plant Babies in Soil
Potting is the simplest and quickest method to propagate the Spider plant. Look at the spider plantlets hanging from the mother plant.
If you see small nubs or root formations below the plant, cut it off, plant it in a light soil mix in a pot with drainage holes in the bottom, and then use sterilized scissors to cut the plantlets. [1]
Pots with drainage holes will be good pots to plant the new babies in. All the excess water will drain down from below.
Also, you could use a propagation box to initiate root formation and transplant it into the soil.
Keep the soil a little moist at all times. The roots of the spider plants babies develop well in moist soil.
Mist the plant to maintain humidity or keep the plant in a humid room like a bathroom.
If the baby spider plants do not form roots, you could cut them off and plant them directly into the soil and use rooting hormone powder to help the baby sprout roots faster.
If you don’t know what root hormones are, read more about what are root hormones and how they will help your spider plant babies root faster.
Place the new plant in a well-lit space—one with bright and indirect sunlight. Don’t place the pot in direct sunlight, or the leaves might burn.
Propagating Spider Plant Babies in Water
To root spider plant babies in water, take a clear vase and place the cuttings in a certain way so the bottom portion of the plant is dipped into the water.
Adjust the plants when you see leaves immersed in the water. The leaves will rot otherwise.
Change the water every two to three days to avoid root rot. In a week or two, when the small root nubs form, plant the baby spider plants into the soil and let it adapt to its new environment.
Propagating Spider Plant Babies through Stolons
Propagating the stolon is the best and most natural method and leads to successful spider plant propagation.
Stolon is the long stem-like growth in which the new growth of spider plant babies grows. It, in short, means to grow spider plant babies while still attached to the mother plant.
You don’t need to cut the stolon off from the mother plant. Do not plant the spider plant babies in their own pot.
Retain the plantlets and root them in a container directly next to the mother plant. The plant will get the nourishment it needs from the mother plant.
Remember to keep the soil moist in the new pot since the roots grow fast in moist soil.
Once the spider plant babies are fully rooted, you can repot them into their own pots. [2]
Table of Contents
What Are Spider Plant Spiderettes?
Spider plant babies or Spiderettes are the smaller versions of spider plants that grow out of the mother plant.
The spider plant flowers in the summer, and the flowers produce spider plant babies. The babies will soon mature. You will soon be able to propagate them to grow new spider plants.
What Type of Potting Soil to Use for Spider Plants
Spider plants thrive in well-draining soil with aeration around the root area. It does not like a tight soil mix. Choose potting soil mixed with vermicompost for nutrition and perlite for aeration.
Avoid using regular garden soil. It will be too heavy for the plant.
Also, remember to have the soil slightly moist – but not drenched as this may cause root rot.
FAQ
Should I Cut The Baby Plant Off My Spider Plants?
It depends on the method you use to propagate spider plants. If you propagate spider plant babies in water, remove the spider plant babies from the parent plant to let the starter roots develop. If you plan to use the soil method to propagate a spider plant, cut the spider plantlets when you notice starter root formations and plant them in soil. If you want to grow the plant while still attached to the mother plant, don’t cut the baby plantlets and let them grow in a small pot beside the mother plant.
When Can I Transplant The Spider Plant Babies?
The parent plant matures and sends out multiple runners with white flowers. These flowers become new plants. We recommend waiting for the new roots to form below the plantlets so when you grow the new plants, the root formation will be quick and the new plants will grow fast.
Can I Plant The Baby Spider Plant In The Same Pot As The Mother Plant?
Planting the rooted baby plants in the same pot as the parent plant is a great tactic to make your plant thicker and bushier. You could also start several plantlets in one container to achieve a bushy new plant. Dipping the plant’s bottom in a light rooting mix will help with fast and new growth. Be sure not to put the new plant in with the mother. If the mother plant is root-bound, first repot the parent plant and then put the plantlets upright in the same pot.
Looking for other types of spider plants and how to care for them? Read further about:
Conclusion
Gardeners should use these gardening tips and add this gorgeous plant to their garden. Get one spider plant and add several full-grown plants to your hanging baskets.
Test out all the methods of propagation and choose the one you like the best. Make your garden refreshing and vibrant with pretty plants. Neighbors will soon be envious in no time.
References
Lindsey Hyland grew up in Arizona where she studied at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. She continued her gardening education by working on organic farms in both rural and urban settings. She started UrbanOrganicYield.com to share gardening tips and tactics. She’s happy to talk about succulents and houseplants or vegetables and herbs – or just about anything in a backyard garden or hydroponics garden.