Introduction

Spider plants, also known as Chlorophytum comosum, are easy to care for, resilient houseplants that are perfect for beginners. One of the best things about these plants is that they produce plenty of little "babies" that can be removed and planted in separate pots. In this article, we'll discuss how to properly prep spider plant babies for potting.

When to Separate Spider Plant Babies

Spider plant babies can be separated from the parent plant once they've grown to be about 2-3 inches long. At this point, they'll have developed their own root systems and should be able to survive on their own.

Preparing the Plant Pot

The first step in prepping spider plant babies for potting is to get the pot ready. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the root ball of your spider plant baby. Fill the pot with a high-quality potting mix, such as one that contains peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Make sure the potting mix is moist before planting the spider plant baby.

Preparing the Spider Plant Baby

Start by gently removing the spider plant baby from the parent plant. You can do this by gently tugging on the baby until it separates from the parent plant. Try not to damage the roots of the baby in the process.

Once the baby is removed, examine its roots. If the roots are long and tangled, gently tease them apart. This will help the roots grow out into the potting mix more easily.

Planting the Spider Plant Baby

Place the spider plant baby in the center of the prepared pot, making sure the roots are spread evenly throughout the potting mix. Add more potting mix around the baby until the pot is filled to about 1 inch from the top. Gently tamp down the potting mix to ensure the baby is secure.

Caring for the Spider Plant Baby

After potting the spider plant baby, it's important to give it the proper care to ensure it thrives. Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light, so place them in a sunny area of your home but avoid direct sunlight.

Water the spider plant baby regularly, keeping the potting mix moist but not overly saturated. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.

Finally, fertilize the spider plant baby with a balanced houseplant fertilizer every one to two months during the growing season.

Conclusion

Prepping spider plant babies for potting is a simple and rewarding process that can result in a beautiful addition to your houseplant collection. With the right care and attention, your spider plant baby will grow into a healthy and vibrant plant that will add life to any room in your home.