How to Grow Spider Plant Babies in Water

Spider plants, scientifically known as Chlorophytum comosum, are one of the most popular houseplants due to their easy care and air-purifying abilities. One of the wonderful aspects of spider plants is their ability to produce offshoots, known as babies, which can be easily propagated to create new plants. In this guide, we'll show you how to grow spider plant babies in water.

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Before you start propagating your spider plant babies in water, you'll need to gather a few supplies. You'll need a clean glass jar or vase, distilled water or tap water that has been left out overnight to allow the chlorine to evaporate, and either rooting hormone or a small amount of fertilizer.

Step 2: Cut the Offshoot

To propagate a spider plant baby in water, locate one of the plant's offshoots. Offshoots are small plants that grow from the parent spider plant and will develop their own roots. When you see these offshoots, you can separate them from the parent plant by carefully cutting them away with a sharp, clean knife or scissors. Make sure the cutting is at least 4-6 inches long with a few stems and leaves attached.

Step 3: Prepare the Cutting

Once you've cut the offshoot, you'll need to prepare it for propagation in water. Remove any leaves from the bottom inch or so of the cutting, leaving a few at the top for photosynthesis. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone or add a small amount of fertilizer to the water to aid in root development.

Step 4: Place the Cutting in Water

Fill your jar or vase with distilled water or tap water that's been left out overnight. Place the cutting in the water so that the bottom inch or so is submerged. Make sure the cutting is upright and that the leaves are not touching the water.

Step 5: Care for Your Cutting

Place your jar or vase in a bright area but out of direct sunlight. Change the water every few days, making sure to refill it with fresh distilled water. You may start to see roots forming in as little as a week or two. Once the roots are about an inch long, your cutting is ready to be transplanted.

Step 6: Transplant Your Cutting

Once the roots are around an inch long, it's time to transplant your spider plant baby into soil. Fill a pot with well-draining potting mix, and make a hole in the center of the soil. Carefully remove the cutting from the water, teasing out any roots that have grown in a tangled mass. Place the cutting in the hole and cover the roots with soil. Water your new plant sparingly at first, and gradually increase the amount of water and frequency of watering as the plant establishes itself.

Conclusion

Spider plant babies are an easy and rewarding way to propagate your spider plants. With a little patience and care, you can transplant your newly rooted plant into soil and watch it grow into a mature and healthy spider plant. So, next time you see an offshoot on your spider plant, give propagation a try and enjoy the process of growing a new, beautiful plant.