How to Propagate a Spider Plant: The Hack That Gives You Free Plants Forever
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are famous for being one of the easiest indoor plants to grow. But what many beginners don’t realize is that spider plants also produce an endless supply of baby offshoots—and you can turn every one of them into a whole new plant for free.
Whether you want to expand your indoor jungle, start a home plant business, or simply enjoy gardening on a budget, this simple propagation method works like magic. Best of all, you can root spider plant babies in water, allowing you to watch the entire rooting process grow before your eyes.
Why Spider Plants Are So Easy to Propagate
Spider plants naturally send out long, arching stems called runners. These stems produce plantlets, often called spiderettes or babies.
Each spiderette already contains:
- A mini crown
- Tiny root nodes
- Stored nutrients to begin growing on its own
This makes propagation nearly foolproof—even for beginners.
Step-by-Step: How to Propagate a Spider Plant in Water
1. Choose a Healthy Spiderette
Select a spiderette that has:
- At least 4–6 leaves
- Small nubs or visible root bumps
- A strong connection to the mother plant
Avoid babies that are too young or pale.
2. Cut the Plantlet from the Runner
Use sterilized scissors or pruning shears.
Cut right below the baby, leaving a short stem if possible.
(Optional hack: You can root the spiderette without cutting it—simply place it in a glass of water while still attached. It will root even faster.)
3. Place the Baby in a Jar of Clean Water
Use a glass jar so you can monitor the roots.
Important tips:
- Only submerge the bottom nodes—not the leaves
- Use filtered or rainwater for best results
- Change the water every 3–5 days
In 5–14 days, you’ll see beautiful white roots begin to form.
4. Keep the Jar in Bright, Indirect Sunlight
Spider plants root best when placed:
- Near a bright window
- Away from direct midday sun
- At temperatures between 18–27°C
Avoid dark corners—the baby may rot instead of root.
5. Transplant Into Soil (Optional)
Once the roots reach 5–7 cm, you can move your new plant into soil.
Best potting mix:
- 50% houseplant soil
- 25% perlite
- 25% coco coir or peat moss
Or… keep growing it in water! Spider plants adapt beautifully to hydroponic setups, making them one of the best indoor plants for water culture.
How to Grow Spider Plants Forever (Unlimited Supply!)
Here’s how you guarantee endless free plants:
✔ Keep your mother spider plant healthy
A well-fed plant produces more babies.
✔ Use a bright location
Low light reduces spiderette production.
✔ Fertilize lightly
Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 4–6 weeks.
✔ Let runners grow freely
More runners = more babies.
✔ Propagate every baby
Each spiderette can create more spiderettes in a year!
This is why many gardeners call the spider plant the plant that never stops giving.
Benefits of Propagating Spider Plants at Home
✓ Saves money on indoor plants
✓ Air-purifying and beginner-friendly
✓ Perfect for apartment gardening
✓ Great for gifting or selling
✓ Works beautifully with hydroponics
This also makes spider plant propagation one of the top topics in houseplant propagation, sustainable gardening, and low-maintenance indoor plants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submerging leaves in water → causes rot
- Using chlorinated tap water
- Keeping the jar in direct sunlight
- Never changing the water
- Cutting plantlets too early
Follow the correct steps and your success rate will be nearly 100%.
Final Words
Propagating a spider plant is one of the easiest and most rewarding indoor gardening hacks. With just a jar of water and a sunny windowsill, you can create an endless supply of new plants at zero cost.