Propagating spider plants is super easy, and there are a few ways to do it. In this post, I will talk about the different methods, and then show you exactly how to root the babies step by step.
A reader on my Facebook page recently asked me to write a post about how to propagate spider plants.
Well, the good news is that spider plants are one of the easiest houseplants to propagate.
It’s so easy that soon you’ll have tons of new spider plant starts to share with your friends and family.
Table of Contents
How To Propagate Spider Plants
There are three main methods for propagating spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum, also called an “airplane plant”), and they are all really easy.
These methods are rooting spider plant babies (a single leaf won’t work), propagating by division, or starting them from seed.
In this post I will talk in detail about how to propagate spider plant babies, and also briefly touch on dividing them.
If you want to try seeds, then check out my post about how to collect and grow spider plant seeds.
What Are Spider Plant Babies?
Spider plant babies are the identical offspring of the mother plant. They’re also called offshoots, spiderettes, spiderlings, pups, runners, or plantlets.
They will appear at the bottom of long stems that shoot out from the mother. Once they’re mature enough, the offshoots can be used to make new airplane plants.
They only form on the flowers if they’re not pollinated. If the flowers are pollinated, then they will produce seeds instead of plantlets.
Related Post: Plant Propagation: A Detailed Guide For Beginners
When To Propagate Spider Plants
You can propagate your spider plants just about any time of the year. But it’s easiest and quickest to do it during the spring and summer months.
The best time to remove the babies is when they have their own roots underneath. If they aren’t mature enough, it may not work.
I recommend waiting until the babies have a few starter root formations of their own before taking your cuttings.
If the spider plant babies have no roots, or you only see tiny nubs, then it’s best to wait until they’re a bit more mature.
How To Cut Spider Plant Babies
Once you determine a plantlet is ready to be propagated, you can remove it from the mother by cutting it off.
Sometimes the babies will come off easily when you disturb them, and you don’t even have to cut them.
If you’re wondering where to cut spider plant babies from the mother, it really doesn’t matter. But I like to cut them as close to the top of the spiderlings as I can, just so there’s no ugly stem sticking out.
Be sure to use a sterile pair of precision clippers so you get a nice clean cut.
Once you remove the baby, you can prune the long stem back to the bottom of the next one up, or all the way to the main plant because nothing new will come from it.
How To Grow Spider Plant Babies
Growing spider plant babies is the most common method of propagation, and there are a few ways you can do it.
You can root them in soil while they’re still attached to the mother plant. Or you can cut them off and either root them in water, or propagate your spider plantlets in soil.
Related Post: The Best Plant Propagation Tools, Equipment & Supplies
1. Propagating Spider Plant In Water
The easiest way to propagate spider plants is by putting the babies in water until they get new roots.
The main disadvantages of rooting cuttings in water are that the spiderette could rot, and or it can go into shock when you plant it into soil.
The babies tend to be weaker when rooted in water, and it can take them a while to recover from transplant shock.
Here are a few tips for the best successfully rooting spider plants in water…
- If you have problems with airplane plant babies dying after potting them up, then you might want to try one of the other two methods for rooting them next time.
- Before you put them in water, cut or pinch off any leaves around the base of the plantlet or under the roots. Any foliage that is submerged under the water will rot.
- I like using a deep, clear vase to root my airplane plant spiderettes. Only fill it enough to cover the roots of the baby plant though.
- If the plantlet sits in water that’s too deep, it will rot. Using a tall skinny vase keeps the spiderling upright, and helps hold the foliage out of the water.
Related Post: Why Do Spider Plant Tips Turn Brown & How To Fix It
2. Spider Plant Propagation In Soil
You can also propagate your spider plant in soil, and this method will result in the strongest starts.
Baby plants rooted in this way have less risk of dying from transplant shock than those that are rooted in water. The only downfall is that it can take a little longer.
Below are a few tips for rooting spider plants in soil…
- Use a propagation chamber or tent the plantlet and soil with a plastic bag to keep the humidity level high, and help the spiderettes root faster.
- Place the container on top of a heat mat to keep the soil warm, which really helps to speed things up.
- Don’t use regular potting soil, it’s too heavy. Instead, use a light mix of vermiculite, peat moss (or coco coir) and perlite or pumice.
- If you try this method, dipping the bottom nubs in rooting hormone will help the baby sprout roots faster.
Related Post: Make A Cheap & Easy Propagation Box For Rooting Cuttings
3. Propagating Spider Plant Runners While They’re Still Attached
With this spider plant propagation method, you put a pot next to the mother and stick the starter roots of the baby into the soil while it’s still on the stem.
The benefit of rooting Chlorophytum comosum plantlets while they’re still attached to the mother plant is that you don’t have to worry about transplant shock.
But it can be a bit more difficult because spiderettes still attached to the mother won’t always root as readily as they do when they’re removed. Here are a few tips…
- With this method you could use either regular potting soil or try a light and fluffy mix for rooting.
- I recommend dipping the bottom nubs into rooting hormone first to encourage them to take root faster.
- During the summer you could just put your spider plant on the ground and place the babies on top of the soil in your garden, and many times they’ll root without any help from you.
How Long Does It Take Spider Plant Babies To Grow Roots?
Spider plant babies can grow roots very fast, you might see them forming in as little as 2-3 days. But it will take 2-4 weeks before they’re long enough for transplant.
The full time range can be anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on which method you choose and the environment. If it’s cold or very dry, it will take longer.
Why Isn’t My Spider Plant Rooting
There are a few reasons why your spider plant babies won’t root. They either weren’t mature enough, they dried out, they were too wet and rotted, or the environment is too cold.
Only use mature spiderlings that have their own roots forming, and make sure to keep them in a warm location.
Never let the roots dry out at any point, and make sure either the soil is evenly moist, or the water is only deep enough to cover the root nubs, and not the leaves.
Related Post: How To Water Spider Plants
How To Transplant Spider Plant Babies
Wait until they have 2-3″ long roots before transplanting your spider plant babies into a container with fresh soil.
Water it well and allow the excess to drain out the bottom. Keep it evenly moist until the start has become established in its new pot, but don’t overwater.
They may droop for a few days after, but they should pop back up in a week.
Water propagated spiderettes will take longer to recover after being transplanted than those that were rooted in soil.
Learn all about how to grow your new babies in my detailed spider plant care guide!
How To Propagate A Spider Plant Without Babies
Dividing spider plants is another common way to propagate them, and the best option if your plant doesn’t have any offshoots.
Splitting Chlorophytum comosum can be difficult if it’s pot-bound. If the roots are really thick and tightly packed, then you will probably need to use a sterile knife to cut through it.
Otherwise, simply tease them apart until the clumps are separated, and plant them into a new container at the same depth they were before.
FAQs
In this section I’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about spider plant propagation. If you don’t find yours here, ask it in the comments below.
Can you propagate a spider plant from a leaf cutting?
No, you cannot propagate a spider plant from a leaf cutting. The only way to do it is by rooting the babies, splitting the rootball, or starting them from seed.
What is the best way to propagate a spider plant?
The best way to propagate a spider plant is by rooting the babies that form at the end of the mother plant’s offshoots. These spiderlings can be rooted in soil or water.
Can I propagate my spider plant in water?
Yes, you can propagate your spider plant in water, and this is the quickest way to do it. Just make sure you only submerge the bottom where the roots are forming, because if it’s too deep it could rot.
Is it better to propagate spider plants in water or soil?
It’s better to propagate spider plants in soil rather than water because the roots will be stronger, and there’s less risk of transplant shock.
Spider plants are easy to propagate, and perfect to start with if you’re just learning. Soon you’ll have tons of new babies to fill your home, or even share with your friends and family (they make a great gift too).
If you want to learn how to multiply even more of your plants, then my Plant Propagation eBook will be your guide to propagating plants! It will teach you the basic methods of plant propagation for beginners, and give you all the information on propagating plants you need so you can multiply any plant you want. Download your copy today!
More About Plant Propagation
- How To Propagate Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) Cuttings In Water Or Soil
- Propagating Coleus Cuttings In Soil Or Water
- Propagating ZZ Plants From Cuttings Or Division
- How To Propagate Banana Plants
- Propagating Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine Cuttings Or Tubers
- How To Propagate Snake Plant (Sansevieria) In Water Or Soil
How do you propagate spider plants? Share your spider plant propagation tips in the comments section below.
Step By Step Instructions
How To Propagate Spider Plant Babies
Spider plant babies can be rooted in either water or soil. The steps for both methods are in the instructions below.
Materials
- Spider plant babies
- 4” pot with drainage holes
- OR Small vase
- Rooting medium
- OR tepid water
- Rooting hormone
- Fresh potting soil
Instructions
Steps For Rooting Spider Plants In Soil
- Prepare the container - Fill your pot with a slightly moistened rooting medium. Or make your own by mixing potting soil with equal parts perlite and vermiculite.
- Dip in rooting hormone - Dip the bottom end of each baby into rooting hormone. This will encourage stronger starts and faster results.
- Make a hole - Use your finger or a pencil to make holes in the rooting medium deep enough to hold the babies upright.
- Plant the cuttings - Place the powdered end of each spiderette into the soil so the root nodes are completely covered, and gently pack it down to hold them in place.
- Place somewhere warm and bright - Put them in a bright location where they will get plenty of warmth, or place the container on a heat mat for even faster results.
Steps For Rooting Spider Plant Babies In Water
- Choose a container - Any shallow container that holds water and keeps the babies upright will work. But I like to use a clear vase or jar so I can watch the roots as they develop.
- Add water - Fill your vase with about ½” of tepid or lukewarm water. You want it deep enough to cover the root nodes, but the leaves should not be submerged or they will rot.
- Place somewhere bright - Put the vase in a warm and bright location, but keep it out of the direct sun.
- Keep the water clean - Check the water every few days to make sure it's not evaporated or cloudy, and refresh it as necessary.
- Pot up the rooted baby - Once the roots are 2-3" long, pot up your new baby into fresh soil. Monitor the soil with a probe tool to ensure it stays evenly moist for the best results.
Notes
- Rooting spider plant offshoots in soil results in hardier and stronger roots than water propagation, but can take longer.
- For better, faster results rooting spiderettes in soil, you can use a propagation chamber or tent the pot with a plastic bag. Never allow the leaves to touch the plastic though, or they will rot.
- Propagating spider plants in water is very easy, but don't leave them in there for too long or they can have a difficult time becoming established in soil.
Linda says
Ii have a bunch of baby spider plants which I removed from the mother plant. They are rooted and seem to be doing well.
The problem is they don’t seem to grow very fast.
Other species( wandering Jews… ferns) seem to row more quickly. Anyway to speed up growth?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Congratulations on getting your spider plant babies to root, how exciting! They will definitely grow their best with plenty of indirect, bright light and evenly moist soil. You could also try giving them a shot of fertilizer now and then during the spring/summer to boost their growth. Check out my detailed spider plant care guide for more info and tips.
Laura Carrington says
You mentioned not to use regular potting soil for rooting the spider babies. You said light mix of vermiculite, peat moss and perlite. What ratio should I use?
Thanks.
Amy Andrychowicz says
To root your spider babies, you can mix equal parts potting soil, vermiculite, and perlite.
Trisha says
I bought my grandmother a spider plant for her birthday and was asked to take it back to take care of it as she was flying back across the country to live with my aunt. The plant already had brown tips and I was told it was getting watered every other week. I found out it needs to be watered every week. So cutting the brown tips off and after having it for a month the tips are starting to turn brown again with watering every week. Am I doing something wrong.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Brown tips are very common on spider plants, and there are several causes. Here’s my complete guide to help you figure out the problem(s) and solution(s).
Debra Whelan says
What is the best way to transport an inside potted plant to outside in a shady spot?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Since you’re putting it outside in the shade, it’s not a huge concern. Just make sure it’s completely protected from getting any direct sunlight, and in a spot where it’s also protected from heavy rain and strong winds for a few weeks. That way it can get used to being outside and toughen up a bit before being exposed to the elements.
Laura Peterson says
After you cut the babies off, what do you do with the long piece that grew off the plant?
Amy Andrychowicz says
As long as there aren’t any other babies on the stem, you can just cut it off. It will die eventually on its own anyway, so I cut them off at the base to prevent ugly dead stems from sticking out of my spider plant. 🙂
Erika says
I got tiny baby spider plants that have no roots, what is the best way to root them? I put them in water…
Amy Andrychowicz says
Unfortunately, when the baby spider plant offshoots don’t have any roots, they tend to rot in water. I would try dusting the bottom with rooting hormone, and rooting them into a propagation box.
Christine ward says
Hi,I’ve just planted my first ever baby spider plant!! I’m really hoping she’ll survive!I just don’t know how much water to give her ,I’ve given her some,but does it need to have water in the little plate under her pot? Don’t want to over water either,how often should I water her right now? Thanks ?.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yah, congrats on your first baby spider plant! Keep the soil evenly moist, and let it dry slightly between waterings. Don’t leave water sitting in the tray. For more details, take a look at my comprehensive spider plant care guide here.
Leah says
I have a pretty large spider plant with tons of babies & it even flowered the past 2 Summers! Anyway, I think Momma plant is a bit root bound. she produces lots & lots of healthy babies but has little growth herself,should I be worried? I heard that spider plants actually like it that way??(I could be wrong)
I would love to transfer her to a bigger pot but I don’t want to damage her and her babies also plus I don’t have the $ for a larger pot or potting soil so it’ll have to wait for now.
I’m thinking of giving the rooted babies to family and friends as mother plant is already pretty tied down to way to MANY babies lol I’ve had great success with just cutting the babies off and putting them in regular tap water up to the root and they’re off and running.Even if I did have more pots and soil I just don’t have enough room to grow 30 more babies and I’m worried they’ll die or Mom will die if left on her too long so am I forced to give them away,will they be ok on mom plant for awhile or should I cut some off and throw them away(I don’t think I could bring myself to do that) but I don’t want her to die! ANY tips are greatly appreciated!
(Sorry this is long)
I also have string if pearls (slow grower but it’s getting there!) And a burrows tail succulent and would love to learn how to properly care for him..he has lost a lot of leaves this winter that the stems are bare but has new growth at the ends which is good but could it be that he’s not getting enough sun, humidity or what?
I’m in Ohio if that helps at all.
Thanks again for your expertise! 🙂
Amy Andrychowicz says
Spider plants are very resilient, and they can live for a long time in the same pot. Yes, they do like to be root-bound, so you don’t have to worry about that. Here’s a detailed post about how to care for them… How To Grow Spider Plants: The Ultimate Care Guide.
The babies will be fine staying on the mother plant for as long as you like. Eventually, the will either drop from their stem, or the stem will die back, meaning it’s time for baby to live on its own, LOL! So you don’t have to worry about rooting every single baby as soon as it’s mature enough, you have time. I understand not wanting to throw away the babies, that’s a hard thing to do. But instead, you could cut off all the new shoots as they start growing, before the babies form. That’s a bit easier. 🙂
As for your succulents, here’s a detailed guide for caring for them… Succulent Plant Care Guide: How To Take Care Of Succulent Plants.
Good luck, and have fun!
Cherli says
Hi I just recently became interested in spider plants. I’ve always loved them because they are pretty to me. I went searching for one full-grown plant with no success. I decided that I just had to have one so I ordered one online. I received a bulb with 3 leaves on it and 2 of the leaves were already turning brown. I potted it because it has roots (which were wrapped in a paper towel). Needless to say, it didn’t work the way I had envisioned it would. All of the leaves turned brown from the base and fell off. Plz help me.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh no, sorry to hear that your spider plant start didn’t make it. I would contact the place where you bought it and ask them to send a replacement.