How to Propagate a Spider Plant

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By K Mueller Stroup
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (8 Ratings)

I prefer to use small containers to

Once a spider plant (Chlorphytum) becomes "root bound," it creates replicas of itself, or as some people refer to as "babies" which are very easy to propagate.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A spider plant with "babies."
Clippers
A small container or larger container with chopsticks or some other instrument to keep the small plant out of the water (this leads to rotting)
A baby plant
A little patience while the plant takes root
A small pot in which to transfer the small plant

Step 1

Adult Spider Plant With Babies on Shoots

First you will need to have an adult plant (or mother) with "babies" attached to trailing stems.
Step 2

You can propagate (or replicate) the plant in one of two ways - either by cutting the plant off and placing it into water or, as is done in their natural South African habitat, you can place containers with dirt to "catch" the baby.
Step 3

If you select the second method, you will want to hold the tiny plant in place with a hairpin or bent paper clip until it is well rooted.
Step 4

If you select the first, more common method, you will place the plant in water and wait until it has a healthy root system and then place it into a pot with potting soil. Be sure to place gravel or broken clay pots in the bottom to allow for drainage.

Comments

melineke said

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on 1/18/2009 Hey writergig, just go pluck off a baby that has roots, take it home and plant it in some dirt. Keep it watered but let it dry somewhat between waterings. You have to have good drainage too. The only two ways to kill them is to over water them and under water them. Lyn

Carok said

on 8/29/2008 My mom had a spider plant; when she passed away, a neighbour took it in, and then she gave it to me when she moved. Now, 6 years later, it's got babies and I am thrilled to learn how to extend its life even further; when the babies root, I MIGHT give one to each of my sisters. I'm sentimental - and so are they. My dad would have just killed the thing off!! (not a plant kind of guy). Thanks for the great info.

Ceile said

on 12/8/2007 I had no idea that South Africa was the Spider Plant's native habitat! Thanks for that info! I'm really good at 'rooting' plants in water, but....after that, the poor things struggle with me. LOL I'll try these tips and maybe I can have a lovely 'spidey' with 'babies'!