Spider plants are one of my favorite plants. They are stunningly beautiful with their wispy foliage, plus they help filter toxins in the air (formaldehyde and xylene, according to NASA!).
Spider plants grow quickly in a variety of light conditions, and produce several babies (spiderettes) each year.
To further illustrate: We started with five spider plants two years ago, and now we have 34. And that’s not counting the ones I gave away!
We have some in our bedroom window, others in our kitchen windowsill, but most are outside in various corners with varying levels of sun. I think the happiest are in morning sun, but all are thriving.
Happy spider plants will produce long tendrils with bunches of spiderettes.
Sometimes you may even see tiny white flowers popping up, too!
Step 1: Check Spiderettes for Roots
Spiderettes will happily live on the mama plant as long as they are left there. Spiderettes should only be removed once they have sprouted several roots.
Check the bottom of the spiderette to see if you can see roots.
Ideally, you should wait until there are several roots showing before propagating a spiderette.
Step 2: Remove Spiderettes
Once you can see some healthy roots forming, trim the spiderette from the stem. I prefer to trim as close to the spiderette as possible.
Also be sure to gently remove any dead leaves that may remain on the bottom of the plant.
Step 3: Place in a Jar of Water
I have planted spiderettes straight in the soil, but I find it takes longer for them to establish themselves than if I start them in water first.
So, before I move the spiderettes to soil, I let them sit in a jar of water until the roots grow nice and long.
I put my spiderettes in little glass containers in my windowsill, where they get indirect light.
Within a couple weeks the roots will elongate, indicating they are ready to be moved outside!
Step 4: Move to Soil
Once the roots have grown a bit, they are ready to plant in soil.
Simply fill a container to the top with soil. Press the roots of the spider plant in to the middle of the soil, and lightly pack the soil around the base. All done!
Be sure to really soak the plant when you first add it to soil. This will help reduce the chance of the plant going in to shock.
I keep my newly planted spiderettes outside in the shade for about a week, then slowly move them so they gradually get more and more sun throughout the day. This helps the adjust from indirect to direct light in a slow and safe way.
Happy Planting!