How to Root New Spider Plants

Spider plants are wonderfully decorative and each spring they send out new spiders on long stems. Part of the appeal is, of course, the cascading babies that continue to grow right on the stem. Should you find yourself desiring more than one spider plant, propagating these striking beauties to create additional plants is easy. Follow a few simple steps to root and grow new spider plants from the babies.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spider Plant
• Baby Spiders from Mother Plant
• Glass container
• Water
• Plant Pot
• Potting Soil
• Water Soluble Fertilizer

Snip Away

1. 
    

   Snip several 3 by 4 inch baby spiders from the mother plant. Simply cut the stem close to the baby plant. You may notice white nodules on the base of the baby. These are actually root nodules and will quickly develop into roots once the baby is removed from the mother plant.

2. Place the baby in a glass of fresh water so that just the bottom of the plant rests in water. Set the glass on the window sill and check daily for new roots. Be sure to maintain fresh water in the container so that it covers the new roots.

3. Remove the new spider plant from the container once adequate roots have formed. Roots will begin to form within the first few days. Within a two to three weeks, your new plant should have plenty of new roots.

4. Fill a small plant pot halfway with a good potting soil mixture. Gently place the plant in the mixture being careful not to break young roots.

5. Continue to fill the plant pot with potting mixture and firm down around the roots. The base of the new plantlet should be even with the soil line with the roots beneath the soil.

6. Water thoroughly with fresh water and keep moist for the first week or two. Once you begin to see new growth, it is time to let the plant dry out slightly between waterings.

7. Fertilizer with water soluble fertilizer mixed on 1/2 strength every 10 to 14 days during the growing season. Fertilize less frequently during winter months.

Tips & Warnings

• If you prefer, baby spiders can be started right in moist soil in a plant pot, but it is more difficult to tell when they have taken root.
• Pot several babies in the same pot for a fuller plant.
• In order to produce babies, spider plants like to be root bound. Resist the urge to re-pot your plant until absolutely necessary. Signs that you should re-pot a spider plant include wilted leaves or soil that dries out excessively, even with regular watering.

[KathyMS]

on 7/29/2009 This is an excellent article! Thanks so much for the information.

[jonathansgramma]

on 11/25/2008 Thanks, I found this very helpful. I'm gonna put these babies in some water!