How to Root a Spider Plant in Water

Spider plants are a popular houseplant, known for their long, cascading leaves and easy-to-care-for nature. They can grow quickly and easily, making them a great choice for beginner plant parents. One of the easiest ways to propagate a spider plant is through rooting cuttings in water.

What You Will Need

To root a spider plant in water, you will need:

A spider plant

A sharp pair of scissors or garden shears

A clean glass jar or vase

Clean water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to root your spider plant in water:

Select a healthy spider plant and look for a stem that has small "spiderettes" (baby spider plants) growing from it. You can also take a cutting from the main stem if it has several leaves.

Using sharp scissors or garden shears, cut the stem just below the spiderettes or the leaves you want to use for rooting.

Remove any leaves from the stem that will be submerged in water. You want to avoid any leaves being in the water as they will rot and potentially harm the cutting.

Fill a clean glass jar or vase with clean water. The water should cover the bottom inch or so of the stem.

Place the spider plant cutting into the jar or vase, making sure the stem is touching the water. You can also use stones or marbles to prop the cutting up and keep it upright.

Place the jar or vase in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. Change the water every few days or as needed to keep it clean.

After a few weeks, you should start to see roots forming from the bottom of the stem. Once the roots are at least an inch or two long, your new spider plant is ready to be potted.

Caring for Your New Spider Plant

Once your new spider plant has rooted, it's time to pot it up. Fill a pot with well-draining soil and gently plant the cutting, covering the roots with soil. Water the plant well, but avoid overwatering. Spider plants prefer to be slightly on the dry side, so allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.

Place your new spider plant in a bright location with indirect sunlight. Spider plants can tolerate lower light conditions, but they will grow best in bright, indirect light. If you notice your spider plant's leaves turning brown at the tips, it may be getting too much direct sunlight.

Spider plants are easy to care for and are known for their air-purifying qualities, making them a great addition to any home. Propagating them through water rooting is a simple and effective way to grow more plants and expand your collection.