Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) can be grown in water, but it is important to distinguish between temporary propagation and long-term hydroponic culture. This plant is one of the easiest houseplants to root in water, which is how most new plants are started. While permanent water culture is possible, it requires specific care beyond simply filling a container with tap water. For most plant owners, using water is a temporary, highly effective step to grow a robust root system before moving the plant to soil.
Starting Your Spider Plant in Water
The process begins by selecting the small baby plant known as a “spiderette” or “plantlet,” which grows on the end of a long stem called a stolon. Never attempt to propagate a spider plant from a mature leaf cutting, as it will not form a new plant. Select plantlets that are at least two to three inches long and have already begun to develop tiny, white or brown root nubs at their base.
Use clean, sharp scissors to snip the plantlet from the stolon, leaving only a small fraction of the stem attached. Remove any lower leaves that might become submerged to prevent them from rotting in the water. Place the plantlet in a clean glass vessel filled with room-temperature water, ensuring only the base and root nubs are submerged while the leaves remain dry.
Place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light, avoiding harsh, direct sun which can overheat the water and damage the roots. Within one to two weeks, you should observe the emergence of thin, white roots. While regular tap water can be used, allowing it to sit out for 24 hours helps dissipate chlorine, which is beneficial to the plant’s health.
Essential Care for Water-Grown Plants
Maintaining spider plants long-term in an aquatic environment requires a shift to true hydroponic culture. Plain water lacks the necessary macro- and micronutrients needed for sustained growth. Without supplemental feeding, the plant will suffer from nutrient deficiencies, resulting in stunted growth and leaf discoloration.
To grow a spider plant successfully for an extended period, incorporate a diluted liquid fertilizer designed for hydroponic use. A complete, balanced fertilizer should be added to the water, typically at a reduced strength, to provide the elements the plant needs. The entire nutrient solution must be changed completely every one to two weeks, not just topped off.
This regular change prevents the build-up of mineral salts and ensures the roots have access to fresh oxygen. Stagnant water quickly becomes depleted of oxygen, increasing the risk of anaerobic bacteria growth and root rot. Monitoring for algae growth is also necessary; using an opaque container or keeping the plant out of direct sun can help mitigate this issue.
Knowing When to Transition to Soil
Most experts recommend transitioning your spider plant to a traditional potting mix once a healthy root system has developed. Water roots are thin and adapted to an aquatic environment, making them structurally different from the thicker, more robust soil roots required for the plant to thrive. Because of this difference, the plant may not reach its full size potential if kept solely in water, even with perfect care.
The ideal time to transition the plantlet is when the water roots are approximately two to three inches long. At this length, the roots are established enough to support the plant but are not so tangled that they will be damaged during planting. Use a small pot, typically four inches in diameter, filled with a well-draining houseplant potting mix for the transfer.
Moving the plant from water to soil can cause temporary shock, requiring special care immediately following the transfer. Plant the rooted spiderette in the soil and water it thoroughly, keeping the soil consistently moist for the first week or two. This high moisture level helps the delicate water roots adapt, or “harden off,” to the denser soil environment. Once the plant shows signs of new growth, gradually reduce watering to a normal schedule, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.