How to Root Baby Spider Plants in Water

Spider plants, or Chlorophytum comosum, are popular houseplants due to their easy care and air-purifying properties. They produce baby spider plants, or plantlets, that can be rooted to create new plants. Rooting baby spider plants in water is a simple and cost-effective method that can be done by anyone. Here’s how:

1. Choose a Baby Spider Plant

Look for a baby spider plant that has several mature leaves and roots already forming. You want it to be large enough to handle, but not too big that it becomes difficult to transplant later on. A plant with a few plantlets attached to the base is also a good choice for propagating multiple plants from one.

2. Choose a Vessel

A clear glass or jar is ideal for propagating spider plants in water. The container should be clean and able to hold a few inches of water. A narrow vessel is often easier to work with, as it allows the baby spider plant to stand upright in the water.

3. Prepare the Water

Fill the chosen vessel with clean, room temperature water. Tap water is fine, but allow it to sit for 24 hours to let the chlorine dissipate. If you have hard water, you may want to use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup.

4. Place the Plant in Water

Dip the roots of the baby spider plant into the water and gently place it into the container. Make sure that the base of the plant is submerged in the water, but not the leaves. Use a toothpick or small stick to support the plant if needed to keep it upright.

5. Wait for Roots to Appear

Place the container in a location with bright, indirect sunlight and check on the plant every few days. After a few weeks, roots should begin to form from the base of the baby spider plant. The length of time it takes for roots to grow can vary depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions.

6. Transplant the Spider Plant

Once the roots are a few inches long, it’s time to transplant the spider plant into soil. Gently remove the plant from the water and replant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.

Rooting baby spider plants in water is a simple and effective way to create new plants. With a little patience and attention, you can enjoy the beauty and air-purifying benefits of spider plants throughout your home.