A common question among new houseplant owners is whether a “male” spider plant can produce the small offshoots often called “babies.” The plant, Chlorophytum comosum, is a popular, easy-to-care-for houseplant known for its distinctive arching foliage and prolific reproductive habits. Its ability to quickly create numerous miniature versions of itself is the source of much of the confusion regarding its “gender.”
Dispelling the Gender Myth
The idea of a “male” spider plant that does not produce offspring stems from a misunderstanding of plant biology. Unlike animals, most plants do not have separate male and female individuals. The spider plant, like the majority of flowering plants, has bisexual or “perfect” flowers, meaning each flower contains both male (stamen) and female (pistil) reproductive parts. Therefore, the term “male spider plant” is biologically inaccurate when discussing the production of plantlets. If a mature spider plant is not producing offsets, it is typically due to insufficient light or age. A plant usually needs to be at least one year old before it begins producing these offsets.
How Plantlets (Spiderettes) Actually Form
The small clones, often called “babies” or “spiderettes,” are the result of asexual reproduction. This reproductive strategy allows the plant to create genetically identical copies of itself quickly and reliably. The process begins when the mother plant sends out long, wiry, arching stems known as stolons.
Small, white, star-shaped flowers first appear along the stolons, typically after the plant has experienced short days and long nights. Once these flowers fade, they are succeeded by the plantlets at the tips of the arching stems. These plantlets are miniature versions of the mother plant, complete with their own emerging roots and leaves. The production of these plantlets is often stimulated by environmental factors like bright, indirect light.
Simple Steps for Propagating Spider Plants
Propagating new spider plants from these plantlets is straightforward. It is best to wait until the plantlet has developed distinct root nubs or a few leaves that are at least five centimeters long. Once the plantlet is developed, there are two primary methods for establishing it as an individual plant.
Method 1: Rooting While Attached
The first approach is to root the plantlet while it is still attached to the mother plant. This involves placing a small pot of soil next to the parent plant and setting the plantlet directly on the surface of the soil. The mother plant continues to supply the plantlet with water and nutrients until its own root system is established. Once new leaf growth is visible, indicating successful rooting, the connecting stolon can be cut.
Method 2: Severing and Planting
The second method is to sever the plantlet from the mother plant entirely. You can trim it off, leaving a short segment of the stem attached, and place it in a glass of water until roots grow one to two inches long. Alternatively, the cutting can be planted directly into a well-draining potting mix. Repotting the plantlet into its own container allows you to expand your collection or share the new plants.