fbpx

Do I Have To Plant Spider Plant Babies

If you want to get more flowers without spending any money, it’s very easy to make spiderettes, or baby spider plants, from an existing plant. It’s easy to learn how to root spider plantlets, even if you’ve never gardened before. Keep reading to find out more about how to make more spider plants.

Do I Have To Plant Spider Plant Babies

When to Propagate a Spider Plant

When is the best time to grow more spider plants? The best time is in the spring and summer, when the plants are constantly growing. The plant comes from South Africa, where it grows naturally in warm, muggy conditions. It likes to spread when it’s warm outside.

Growing Plantlets from Spider Plants

There are two simple ways to plant spider plant babies. Take a close look at the spiderettes that are hanging off of your grown plant. On the bottom of each one, you’ll see small knob-like projections and tiny roots. To make more spider plants, all you have to do is put the spiderette in a pot with any light potting mix. Make sure the bottom of the pot has holes for water to drain.

You can leave the baby plant connected to the parent plant until it grows roots. Once it does, cut the runner to separate the baby plant from the parent plant. You could also cut the runner right away to split the baby plant from the parent plant. Either way, spiderettes will root quickly, but if you have a spider plant that hangs, the second way is better.

How to Root Spider Plantlets in Water

The best and fastest way to make more spider plant babies is to plant spiderettes in potting soil. But you can put the spiderette in a glass of water for a week or two and then plant the spiderette in dirt after it has roots. This step isn’t required, but some people like to root a new plant the old-fashioned way, by putting it in a jar on the kitchen window sill.

Caring for Spider Plant Babies

Start several spider plant babies in the same pot if you want a thick, growing plant. In the same way, if you want your adult spider plant to be fuller, put a couple of spiderettes next to it.

As needed, water the spider babies’ young to keep the earth slightly damp, but not soaked, until the plant shows signs of healthy new growth that it has rooted. Your new spider plant is almost there, so you can go back to taking care of it normally.

How to Take Care of and Grow Spider Plants

Although spring and summer are the best times to spread spider plants, they can be done at any time of the year because they are so easy to grow.

You can only make more spider plants from seeds, by dividing the old ones or by cutting off spiderettes and planting them in soil, water, or through their stolon. Cut spider plants from leaves, but they won’t grow.

When grown inside, these warm-weather plants like it when it’s warm and humid, but they can’t stand it when it gets below 50 F. They need to be watered often and like it when the soil is wet but not soaked. Water them at least once a week, but less in the late fall and winter.

  • Many types of soil will work for this plant, but loamy, well-drained soil is best.
  • During the growth season (spring to fall), fertilize once a month.
  • If your plant’s roots have grown too big for its pot, you may need to repot it.
  • Spider plants do best in light shade or bright light that comes from the side.

FAQ

Should I cut the babies off my spider plant?

If your plant has spider babies, that means it’s healthy, and you want to keep it that way. Spider plants can leave their babies on the plant, but if they’re making a lot of them, it’s best to cut them off. It will be easier to take care of a plant that has been pruned because it won’t be fighting with the babies for water and food.

How long can you leave spider plant babies attached?

For best results, leave the plant babies on the long stems until they reach 5 centimeters in length or have five leaves. This will help them grow up to the point where they can live on their own.

Can you put spider plant babies straight into soil?

If spider plant babies already have roots, you can put them right into the ground. Since the roots aren’t fully formed yet, it will still take some time for them to take hold.

Where do you cut a spider plant for propagation?

To cut a spider plant with baby plantlets, first separate them from the stolon, which is the long stem that the baby grows from. Try to cut the clip as close to the plantlet as you can. Check for any brown nodules that are formed before you trim. Add a few of these when you remove the baby plant from the mother plant. They will be the roots of your new plant.