How to Root a Spider Plant Cutting (In Soil & Water)

Spider plants are like the rock stars of the houseplant world—they're easy to care for, quick to grow, and they make babies like nobody's business. If you're ready to expand your green family or share the love with friends, rooting a spider plant cutting is a fantastic way to start. Plus, it's a fun project for plant lovers of all ages.

In this guide, I'll walk you through the step-by-step process of rooting your spider plant cuttings, whether you prefer doing it in soil or water. We'll cover everything from selecting the right cutting to planting it in its new home. So, grab your gardening gloves, and let's get started on this green adventure!

Choosing the Right Spider Plant Cutting

Before you even think about rooting a spider plant cutting, you need to start with the right material. Spider plants produce little offshoots, also known as "spiderettes" or "pups," which are perfect for propagation. But how do you know if your spiderette is ready to leave the nest?

• Size Matters: Look for spiderettes that are at least 2-3 inches long. This ensures they have enough energy stored to start growing roots.
• Check for Roots: Some spiderettes already have tiny roots peeking out at the base. These are ideal candidates for propagation, as they're already a step ahead.
• Health Check: Choose healthy-looking spiderettes with vibrant green leaves. Avoid any that appear wilted or discolored.

Once you've picked your perfect spiderette, it's time to snip it from the mother plant. Use a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut, ideally leaving about an inch of stem attached to the pup.

Rooting in Water: A Beginner-Friendly Approach

Rooting spider plant cuttings in water is like watching magic happen right before your eyes. It's simple, requires minimal supplies, and you get to see the roots grow up close. Here's how to do it:

Gather Your Supplies

• A clean jar or glass
• Filtered or distilled water
• Your chosen spiderette

Steps to Root in Water

1. Fill Your Jar: Pour enough water into the jar to submerge the base of your spiderette without drowning the leaves.
2. Position Your Cutting: Place the spiderette in the jar, ensuring the base is submerged. If the cutting is too floppy, you can use a toothpick across the top of the jar to hold it in place.
3. Find the Right Spot: Put the jar in a bright, indirect light location. Direct sunlight can be too harsh and may cause the water to heat up, which isn't great for your cutting.
4. Maintain the Water: Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent algae growth. You'll start to see roots forming within a couple of weeks.

Once the roots are about an inch long, your cutting is ready to be planted in soil. But more on that later!

Rooting in Soil: The Traditional Route

If you're more of a traditionalist, rooting spider plant cuttings directly in soil is a trusty method. It requires a bit more patience, but it eliminates the step of transitioning from water to soil later on. Here's how you can do it:

What You'll Need

• Small pot with drainage holes
• Potting mix (a general-purpose mix works well)
• Your selected spiderette

Steps to Root in Soil

1. Prepare the Pot: Fill your pot with potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
2. Plant the Cutting: Make a small hole in the center of the potting mix and place your spiderette in it, with the base just below the surface. Gently press the soil around the base to hold it in place.
3. Water Lightly: Give the soil a light watering to settle it around the cutting. Be careful not to overwater, as soggy soil can lead to rot.
4. Place in Bright, Indirect Light: Just like with water propagation, your soil-rooted cutting needs a well-lit spot without direct sunlight.

It might take a bit longer, but you'll know your cutting has taken root when you see new growth emerging from the center. Patience is key here!

Caring for Your New Spider Plant

Congratulations! Whether you've chosen to root in water or soil, you're now on your way to growing a healthy new spider plant. But how do you ensure its ongoing health and happiness?

Watering Tips

• Consistency is Key: Spider plants prefer moderately moist soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
• Avoid Overwatering: Too much water can lead to root rot. Ensure your pot has good drainage and empty any excess water from saucers.

Light and Temperature

• Bright, Indirect Light: Spider plants thrive in bright but indirect light. A north or east-facing window is often perfect.
• Temperature Preferences: These plants are quite adaptable but prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).

Feeding and Fertilizing

• Moderate Feeding: Feed your spider plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Pause in Winter: Reduce feeding during fall and winter when growth naturally slows down.

By following these simple care tips, your new spider plant will thrive and be ready to produce spiderettes of its own in no time.

Dealing with Common Issues

Even the most seasoned plant parents encounter issues from time to time. But don't worry, most problems with spider plants have straightforward solutions.

Browning Leaf Tips

If you notice brown tips on your spider plant's leaves, it could be due to fluoride in tap water or low humidity. Try switching to distilled water and misting the plant occasionally to boost humidity.

Pests and Diseases

Spider plants are generally hardy, but they can fall victim to pests like aphids or spider mites. Regularly inspect your plant and treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Root Rot

Overwatering is the usual suspect behind root rot. If you notice wilting and a foul smell, check the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white, while rotting ones are mushy and brown. Repot in fresh soil and cut back on watering.

When to Repot Your Spider Plant

Spider plants can outgrow their pots faster than you might think, especially if they're happily producing lots of pups. Repotting gives them more space to grow and prevents them from becoming root-bound.

Signs It's Time to Repot

• Roots poking out of the drainage holes
• Water running off immediately after watering
• Stunted growth or yellowing leaves

How to Repot

1. Choose a Pot: Select a pot that's one size larger than the current one.
2. Remove the Plant: Gently remove the plant from its pot, teasing apart any tightly bound roots.
3. Replant: Place the plant in its new pot, filling in with fresh potting mix around the sides.
4. Water Thoroughly: Give it a good drink to help settle the soil.

Repotting every couple of years will keep your spider plant in top form and ready to produce even more pups.

Sharing the Spider Love

Once your spider plant has grown a bit, you'll probably have more spiderettes than you know what to do with. Why not share the love?

Gift to Friends and Family

Spider plant pups make thoughtful gifts. Pop them into small decorative pots, wrap them up with a bow, and you've got a perfect present for a plant-loving pal.

Swap with Other Plant Lovers

Join local plant swap groups to trade your spiderettes for other plants you might not have yet. It's a fun way to diversify your collection and meet other plant enthusiasts.

Grow Your Collection

If you have the space, why not keep a few spiderettes for yourself? Different propagation methods can yield different results, so it's worth experimenting to see which method works best for you.

Final Thoughts

Rooting spider plant cuttings is a simple, satisfying way to grow your plant family. Whether you choose to root in water or soil, you'll find joy in watching your new plant thrive and eventually produce pups of its own.

At Cafe Planta, we love helping you care for your plants. If you have any questions or need tips, feel free to email us or send us a DM on Instagram. We're here to support you on your plant journey, whether you're growing your first spiderette or cultivating a lush indoor garden. Happy planting!