The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a popular and resilient houseplant appreciated for its arching foliage and ease of care. Mature plants produce small plantlets, often called spiderettes or pups, which hang from long stems (stolons). These plantlets provide an effective way to multiply your collection, and rooting them in water is a preferred method. This approach allows for direct observation of root development and provides a clean environment before transitioning to soil.
Selecting and Removing the Plantlet
Successful propagation begins with identifying a plantlet ready for separation. Look for spiderettes that have developed at least three or four small leaves and have a base diameter of about one inch. The primary sign of readiness is the presence of small, whitish or brown bumps (aerial root nubs) forming on the base of the plantlet. These nubs will quickly develop into a full root system once placed in water.
To remove the plantlet, use clean, sharp scissors or shears to prevent crushing the tissue and minimize disease risk. Make a clean cut through the stolon, cutting as close to the plantlet’s base as possible without causing damage.
Placing the Cutting in Water
Select a small, clear container, such as a glass jar or vial, to monitor the emerging roots. Use distilled water or tap water that has sat out for 24 hours. This resting period allows chemicals like chlorine to dissipate, as spider plants are sensitive to municipal water additives.
Fill the vessel with just enough water to submerge the base where the root nubs are located. Ensure that the main leaves of the spiderette remain completely above the waterline. Submerged leaves can quickly rot, contaminating the water and potentially causing the cutting to fail.
Caring for Water Roots
Position the plantlet in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause the water temperature to rise rapidly, stressing the new roots and encouraging algae growth. The plantlet typically begins to show small, white root growth within seven to fourteen days, though a substantial root system may take three to four weeks to develop.
Maintaining water quality is essential for healthy development. The water should be completely changed every five to seven days to replenish the oxygen supply and prevent the buildup of bacteria or pathogens. Healthy water roots are generally thick and white, appearing distinct from the thinner roots plants develop when rooted in soil.
Moving the New Plant to Soil
Transition the plant to a permanent growing medium when the water roots are well-developed and measure at least one to two inches in length. Waiting for a robust system minimizes the risk of transplant shock, as water roots are structurally different from those grown in soil. Select a small pot, typically around four inches in diameter, ensuring it has drainage holes.
Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix, often including perlite or coarse sand for aeration. Carefully place the plantlet into a small depression, gently spreading the roots, and lightly backfill the area around the base. For the first one to two weeks after planting, keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. This increased moisture helps the water-acclimated roots adjust to the soil environment and begin independent growth.