If you want to add more houseplants without spending a dime, you should learn how to propagate spider plants. It’s incredibly easy that even kids and new gardeners can easily do it. All you need to do is divide the root ball, replant them and pot them. That’s all!
Now let’s see the method in detail!
3 Easy Ways to Propagate Spider Plants
You can propagate spider plants easily by rooting cuttings in soil or water. Simply clip and replant the stolons (also known as runners or baby offsets) or divide the root ball to create new plants. While spring and summer are ideal for propagation, spider plants grow so easily that you can propagate them throughout the year.
How to Propagate Spider Plant in Water
Propagating a spider plant in water is quick and easy! You’ll see tiny roots forming in just 7–10 days. However, avoid using tap water, as spider plants are sensitive to fluoride. Follow these simple steps:
- Fill a shallow glass jar with distilled water.
- Trim a strong offshoot from the parent plant and remove any lower leaves that might rot in water.
- Submerge only the base of the Spiderette in the jar.
- Keep the container in bright, indirect sunlight and change the water regularly.
- Once the roots reach 2”-3”, transplant the baby plant into the soil.
Note: Water propagation works fast, but some cuttings find it difficult to adapt to soil later. If you want a higher success rate, try propagating in soil instead.
Tip: if you want to watch the roots develop up close, Place the Spiderette on a wet paper towel in a shallow dish. Keep it moist, and you’ll see roots sprouting just as quickly.
How To Propagate Spider Plant Into The Soil
Soil propagation helps spider plant roots grow stronger and more resilient. You can use a Spiderette cutting, but for the best results, choose plantlets with small root nodes at their base as these develop into roots more easily.
Another method is grounding the Spiderette while it’s still attached to the parent plant. Let it root in soil first, then cut it from the runner once it’s strong and established. This way, the plant transitions smoothly without stress.
Cutting off the Spiderettes From the Mother Plant
Growing Spiderettes in the soil is simple and leads to strong, healthy roots.
- Choose a container with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
- Pick a healthy offshoot from the parent plant and trim it off.
- Make a small hole in the soil, place the baby plant cut-side down, and lightly cover the base to keep it upright.
- Gently water the soil and place the pot in bright, indirect sunlight.
- In a few weeks, the roots will establish, and your new spider plant will be ready to thrive!
Soil Propagation With Spiderettes Still on the Stolon
You can grow a Spiderette while it’s still attached to the parent plant, allowing it to absorb nutrients and moisture for a stronger start. Here’s how:
- Fill a container with a slightly moist, well-draining potting mix.
- Make a small hole in the soil and place the baby plant in it while keeping it connected to the parent via the runner. Cover the base with soil to keep it upright.
- Thoroughly water the soil and place the pot in bright, indirect light.
- Allow the Spiderette to grow and develop roots while still attached to the parent.
- Once the roots are strong, snip the stolon and let the new plant thrive on its own.
Spider Plant Propagation by Division
Dividing a spider plant is a great way to create new plants while keeping the parent healthy. This method works best when the main plant outgrows its pot. Instead of repotting, follow these simple steps to divide and propagate:
- Carefully take the parent plant out of its pot without disturbing the root ball too much.
- Use your hands or pruners to gently divide the root mass into multiple sections. Ensure each section has healthy roots and leaves.
- Fill separate containers with well-draining potting soil.
- Place each section into its own pot and cover the roots with soil.
- Water thoroughly and keep the new plants in bright, indirect sunlight.
Spider Plant Care & Propagation Tips
- Spider plants thrive indoors in warm temperatures but they don’t tolerate temperatures below 50°F.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water regularly, at least once a week, and reduce watering in the fall and winter months.
- While spider plants can grow in various soil types, they thrive in loamy, well-draining soil.
- Feed your spider plant monthly with fertilizer during the growing season (spring to fall).
- Spider plants prefer light shade or bright, indirect light.
- Repotting – Repot when the roots outgrow the container or divide the plant to propagate new ones.
