Spider plants are, for good reason, a favorite amongst gardeners and those who enjoy plants. They’re easy to care for, don’t need much looking after and can be propagated with ease.
In fact the whole process of propagating is really straightforward. So if you’ve got a spider plant that’s bursting with life and producing baby offshoots (also known as “spiderettes” or “pups”), you’ve got the perfect opportunity to propagate.
I’ve had a fair amount of experience with spider plants and there’s something very satisfying about taking these little offshoots and growing them into independent plants. This guide will show you how you can do it too.
What You’ll Need to Propagate a Spider Plant
Before staring it’s a good idea to get everything in order. These are the most important things you’ll need to successfully propagate your spider plant.
- Healthy spider plant with offshoots (obviously!)
- Sharp, sterilized scissors or pruners
- Small pots with drainage holes
- Well-draining potting soil (I recommend a mix with perlite)
- Water
- A shallow dish for water propagation (optional)
- A warm, well-lit space
Getting everything prepped beforehand makes the process much easier.
Step 1: Identify and Inspect the Spiderettes
The first thing to do is take a close look at your spider plant. You’ll notice small spiderettes growing on long stems, often hanging off the mother plant like little decorations. These spiderettes are your future plants – so treat them well!
Important Tip: Make sure the spiderettes are at least two inches long with visible roots before you attempt to propagate them. If they don’t have roots yet then give them a little more time attached to the parent plant.
Step 2: Decide on Your Propagation Method
There are two main ways to propagate spider plants: water propagation and soil propagation. I’m going to break down both methods for you and you can choose whichever suits your style.
Soil Propagation
This is my go-to method and it’s ideal if you prefer to let nature do its thing.
Soul propagation is fairly simple:
- Start by carefully snipping the spiderette from the parent plant using sterilized scissors. Make a clean cut close to the spiderette’s base.
- Fill a small pot with well draining potting soil. Spider plants don’t like their roots sitting in soggy soil so be sure your soil mix includes perlite or sand.
- Make a small hole in the soil and gently place the spiderette’s roots into the hole. Firm the soil around the base of the plant so it’s secure.
- Give the new plant a gentle watering to settle the soil and then place it in a warm, bright area, making sure its out of direct sunlight.
Pro Tip: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It’s a balancing act but spiderettes appreciate steady hydration while they’re establishing roots.
Water Propagation
If you like to see the roots develop right before your eyes then water propagation is is the way to go.
- Cut the spiderette from the parent plant as described earlier.
- Place the spiderette into a shallow dish or jar filled with water. The water should cover the roots but not touch the leaves.
- Put the jar in a well-lit location but be sure to avoid direct sunlight to prevent the water from getting too warm.
- Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent mold or bacteria from building up.
After a week or two you will notice new roots starting to grow. Once they’re at least an inch long you can transfer the spiderette to soil. The great part about this method is you get to watch the entire rooting process happen.
Step 3: Potting the Spiderette
Once the roots are well-established (either from soil or water propagation), it’s time to give your new spider plant a permanent home.
- Choose a small pot with drainage holes. Spider plants don’t like their feet wet so proper drainage is essential.
- Use a well draining potting mix. You can buy a pre made one or mix your own with equal parts of regular potting soil, perlite and peat moss.
- Fill the pot halfway with soil, place the spiderette in the center and fill in the rest with soil around it firming it down gently.
- Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain out.
Quick Insight: Don’t jump into a large pot too quickly. Spider plants grow better when they’re slightly root bound. You’ll know it’s time to up-pot when you start to see roots poking out of the drainage holes.
Watering and Care Tips
Spider plants are forgiving so you get a bit of leeway to make mistakes or neglect. But getting the watering right is key to keeping them really happy.
So, try to stick to something like this:
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Stick your finger into the soil to check.
- Avoid letting the plant sit in water. Always empty the saucer under the pot after watering.
- Spider plants don’t need much humidity but if the air is particularly dry (like in winter) an occasional misting can help.
Tip: If you notice brown tips on your spider plant’s leaves it could be a sign of fluoride or chlorine in your tap water. Try using filtered or distilled water to avoid this issue.
Choosing the Right Spot for Your Spider Plant
Spider plants are pretty flexible about where they live but there are a few things to keep in mind for the healthiest growth.
- Light: Bright, indirect light is best. Spider plants can handle low light but they may not produce as many spiderettes and the leaves may lose some of their vibrancy.
- Temperature: Spider plants thrive in temperatures between 55-80°F (13-27°C). They’re pretty tough but don’t let them sit in cold drafts or near heat vents.
- Air Quality: Spider plants are known to be great air purifiers. They’re particularly good at filtering out formaldehyde and carbon monoxide so they’re perfect for kitchens or living rooms.
Common Issues
Spider plants are resilient but sadly they’re not invincible. So you might encounter some issues.
These are a few of the most common problems and what you can do about them:
1. Brown Leaf Tips
Brown tips are one of the most common complaints. This is often due to chemicals in tap water, dry air or too much direct sunlight. Switching to filtered water and increasing humidity can help.
2. Leggy Growth
If your spider plant looks a bit sparse it’s probably not getting enough light. Try moving it to a brighter spot with indirect light and it should bounce back.
3. Root Rot
This happens when spider plants are overwatered or the soil doesn’t drain well. Make sure your pot has drainage holes and don’t let the plant sit in water for extended periods.
When and How to Repot a Spider Plant
Spider plants grow quickly so they eventually outgrow their pots. You’ll know it’s time to repot when:
- You see roots coming out of the drainage holes.
- The plant looks like it’s bursting out of the pot.
- It’s been over a year since the last repotting.
To repot simply choose a pot that’s one size larger, fill it with fresh soil and move the plant to its new home. Be sure to water it well after repotting to help it settle in.
Why Spider Plants Are Great for Beginner Gardeners
If you’re just getting into gardening spider plants are one of the easiest plants to start with. They’re low-maintenance, fast-growing and hard to kill. On top of that the propagation process is a fantastic way to multiply your plant collection with very little effort.
So you can see success and enjoy lots of little ‘spiderlings’!
Final Thoughts
Propagating a spider plant is one of the easiest and most satisfying things you can do when it comes to garnering or looking after plants. Whether you choose water or soil propagation the process is basically foolproof. Before you know it you’ll have a brand new plant.
With proper care, a little bit of patience and the right environment your new spider plant will thrive and maybe even start producing spiderettes of its own.
