Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are popular houseplants known for their arching foliage and unique method of reproduction. These plants produce small replicas, often called “babies,” “spiderettes,” or “plantlets,” on long, trailing stems. These plantlets are a form of asexual reproduction, allowing the spider plant to easily create new, genetically identical offspring. As a spider plant matures, it begins to send out these distinctive offshoots.
The Natural State: Leaving Them Attached
Leaving spider plant babies attached to the mother plant is a perfectly natural process that aligns with the plant’s evolutionary design. These plantlets are produced on long stems, and in their natural habitat, they would eventually root into the soil around the parent plant, forming new colonies. This natural growth habit often creates an aesthetically pleasing, full, and cascading appearance, particularly when the plant is displayed in a hanging basket.
The mother plant is well-equipped to support these attached plantlets, and leaving them on generally does not harm its overall health. While the babies do draw some nutrients and moisture from the parent, a healthy, well-cared-for mother plant can easily sustain them. Many spider plants can successfully carry numerous pups for extended periods, sometimes even years, without showing signs of distress.
Why You Might Consider Removing Them
While leaving spider plant babies attached is natural, there are several practical reasons why a plant owner might remove them. One primary motivation is to propagate new plants, either to expand a personal collection or to share with others. These plantlets offer a straightforward and cost-effective way to create new spider plants.
Removing plantlets can also benefit the mother plant, especially if it is struggling or is still young. When numerous babies are attached, they draw energy, water, and nutrients from the parent plant. By removing these offshoots, the mother plant can redirect its resources back into its own growth, promoting increased vigor and overall health. Pruning the plantlets can also help maintain a tidier appearance, preventing the plant from becoming overly dense or unruly.
How to Safely Remove and Propagate Spider Plant Babies
Removing spider plant babies for propagation is a simple process. The best time to remove a plantlet is when it has developed small roots or is at least a few inches tall with some leaves. Look for small, brownish root nubs at the base of the plantlet, indicating that it is ready to establish itself independently. To remove, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip the long stem (stolon) close to the plantlet’s base.
Once removed, plantlets can be propagated using various methods. For water propagation, place the cut end of the plantlet into a jar of water, ensuring that only the base and any existing roots are submerged, not the leaves. Position the jar in bright, indirect sunlight and change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Roots typically form within 7 to 10 days in water, though they may be weaker than those developed in soil.
Alternatively, plantlets can be planted directly into soil. Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix. Create a small hole in the center of the soil and gently insert the plantlet, covering its base and any roots. Keep the soil consistently moist until new growth indicates successful rooting, which generally results in stronger roots compared to water propagation. Another method involves potting the plantlet while it is still attached to the mother plant; simply place a pot of soil next to the mother plant and secure the plantlet’s base into it until it roots, then snip it from the stolon.
Caring for the Mother Plant with or Without Babies
Proper care for the mother spider plant is important, whether you choose to leave the babies attached or remove them. A healthy parent plant is better equipped to produce and sustain numerous plantlets. Spider plants thrive in bright, indirect light, which encourages robust growth and the development of more offshoots. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves.
Watering should be consistent; allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings, but avoid soggy conditions, which can lead to root rot. Spider plants possess thick, fleshy roots that store water, making them tolerant of dry spells. During spring and summer, occasional fertilization supports the plant’s overall health and energy levels. Adequate hydration and nutrition allow the mother plant to continue its natural reproductive cycle or recover efficiently after plantlet removal.