The curly spider plant, scientifically known as Chlorophytum comosum ‘Bonnie’ or ‘Vittatum’, is a popular houseplant with distinctive curly foliage and easy care. Propagating these plants is a simple and rewarding way to expand your collection or share with others.
Why Propagate Curly Spider Plants
Propagating curly spider plants offers several advantages. It easily increases your collection without additional cost. You can also share new plantlets with friends and family. Propagation can refresh an older, leggy mother plant. The prolific production of plantlets makes propagation accessible for novice gardeners.
When to Propagate
While spider plants can be propagated year-round, the most favorable time is during their active growing season (spring and summer). This period provides ideal conditions for root establishment. Look for mature plantlets (also called spiderettes) on the mother plant, indicating readiness for removal. They should have developed small aerial roots at their base, appearing as tiny nubs. Selecting plantlets with these initial root structures increases the chances of successful propagation.
How to Propagate Curly Spider Plants
Propagating curly spider plants is done through two methods: water propagation and soil propagation. Both use the plant’s natural tendency to produce rootable plantlets.
Water Propagation Method
To begin water propagation, carefully remove a mature plantlet from the mother plant using clean, sharp snips. Select one with small root nubs. Place its base into a small glass or jar filled with water, ensuring leaves remain above the waterline to prevent rot. Position the container in bright, indirect light.
Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated, promoting root development. Within one to two weeks, small white roots should begin to emerge. Once these roots are 2-3 inches long, the plantlet is ready to be transferred into a potting medium.
Soil Propagation Method
For soil propagation, prepare a small pot with a well-draining potting mix suitable for houseplants. You can either detach a mature plantlet from the mother plant or, for higher success, leave it attached while rooting.
If detaching, gently press the base of the plantlet into the prepared soil, ensuring good contact, covering any root nubs. Alternatively, for the “potting on” method, place the still-attached plantlet directly onto the soil surface in an adjacent pot. Secure it, ensuring firm contact with moist soil.
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, which can lead to rot. New leaf growth on the plantlet, observed within two to four weeks, indicates successful rooting. If the plantlet was still attached to the mother plant, it can then be severed from the stolon once established.
Aftercare for New Spider Plant Babies
Once your new spider plant babies have successfully rooted and been potted, proper aftercare is important for their continued growth. Place young plants in bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves.
Keep the soil consistently moist, allowing the top inch to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. While average room humidity is often sufficient, these plants appreciate higher humidity, which can be provided by occasional misting or placing them near a humidifier.
Fertilization should be delayed for a few weeks after potting to allow the roots to settle; then, a diluted liquid fertilizer can be applied during the growing season. Repot into a larger container only when the plant has outgrown its current pot, indicated by roots filling drainage holes.
Troubleshooting Common Propagation Issues
Issues may arise during or after propagation. If a plantlet fails to grow roots, it might be due to insufficient light, infrequent water changes (water propagation), or selecting an immature plantlet without developed root nubs. Adequate brightness and regular water changes can resolve this.
Rotting of the plantlet, especially at the base, indicates overwatering or poor air circulation. In water, ensure leaves are not submerged; in soil, allow the top layer to dry between waterings to prevent soggy conditions.
Wilting or drooping after potting is a common sign of transplant shock, but it can also be caused by under or overwatering, or insufficient humidity. Adjust watering habits and provide consistent moisture for recovery.
Slow growth after establishment can point to insufficient light or a lack of nutrients, suggesting a need to relocate the plant to a brighter spot or begin a light fertilization regimen.