The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a popular houseplant known for its resilience and ease of care. Native to tropical and Southern Africa, this evergreen perennial is often called the airplane or ribbon plant due to its arching leaves and cascading plantlets. Periodic repotting of the mature plant or replanting of its “pups” is necessary to ensure continued health, vigorous growth, and the production of new plantlets.
Identifying the Need for Repotting
Spider plants prefer being slightly root-bound, which often encourages the production of new plantlets. However, this tolerance has limits, and a pot-bound plant will eventually show signs of distress. The most obvious cue is the presence of thick, fleshy, tuberous roots emerging from the drainage holes or growing across the soil surface.
A severely root-bound plant also exhibits changes in watering needs. The soil may dry out rapidly, or water may run immediately through the pot because the dense root mass has compacted the soil. Stunted growth and a decline in vibrancy, despite consistent care, indicate the roots require more space. Repotting is generally recommended every one to two years for smaller plants, or every couple of years for larger specimens, to refresh the soil and prevent a decline in health.
Standard Repotting Procedure
When repotting a mature spider plant, select a container only moderately larger than its current home to prevent overwatering. Choose a new pot approximately one to two inches wider in diameter than the old one, ensuring it has drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix.
To remove the plant, turn the pot on its side and gently coax it out by pulling near the base, avoiding the leaves. If the plant is stuck, slide a dull knife around the inner edge of the pot to loosen the root ball.
Once free, inspect the roots, which are likely circling the shape of the old pot. Gently loosen the outer roots to encourage them to grow into the fresh soil. If the root ball is extremely dense, trim off up to one-third of the bound root mass to stimulate new growth.
Place fresh potting mix in the new container, position the plant so the top of the root ball is about an inch below the rim, and fill the surrounding space with soil, lightly tamping it down to remove air pockets.
Propagating New Spider Plants
The replanting of spider plant pups is a simple method of propagation. These small plantlets form at the ends of long, hanging stems called stolons, produced by a mature plant. To successfully replant a pup, choose one that has developed small, knob-like protrusions or aerial roots at its base.
The two common methods for rooting are starting the pup in water or planting it directly into the soil. For water rooting, carefully snip the pup from the stolon and place its base in a shallow container of water, ensuring the leaves remain dry to prevent rot. The pup is ready for soil once the new roots are about one to two inches long.
For direct soil planting, you can either detach the pup and plant it in a small pot, or root it while it is still attached to the mother plant. If planting directly, use a well-draining mix, create a small divot for the base, and gently firm the soil around it for stability. If rooting while still attached, place the pup into a small pot of soil next to the mother plant and cut the stolon only after the new plant feels securely rooted.
Post-Replanting Care and Troubleshooting
Immediate care following repotting or propagation helps the plant establish itself in its new environment. After moving the mature plant or a rooted pup into the soil, water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. This helps the soil settle around the roots and eliminates air pockets.
Place the newly replanted spider plant or pup in a spot that receives bright, indirect light, avoiding harsh, direct sun exposure that could scorch the leaves. Avoid applying fertilizer for four to six weeks following the procedure, allowing the plant’s energy to focus on root regeneration. Monitor the plant closely, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not saturated, especially for newly planted pups.
A common issue is the development of brown tips on the foliage, often a reaction to the fluoride and chlorine found in tap water. Using filtered water or collected rainwater can help mitigate this problem. If the plant appears droopy after repotting, it may be experiencing temporary transplant shock, but maintaining consistent, gentle moisture and avoiding over-saturating the soil will aid in its recovery.