The spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum, is a popular houseplant known for its arching foliage and cascading growth habit. Most owners are familiar with its primary method of reproduction: small, hanging plantlets, or “pups,” that develop on long stems. The spider plant is a flowering species that can also produce viable seeds. This alternative pathway often surprises indoor gardeners, as seed production is less frequent and requires specific conditions.
The Path to Seed Production
Seed formation begins with a flower stalk, known as a scape, arching away from the main foliage. Small, star-shaped, white flowers bloom intermittently along these runners. These flowers are hermaphroditic but require pollination to transition into seed-bearing structures. For indoor plants, this often necessitates manual pollen transfer with a small brush or cotton swab. Once successful pollination occurs, the flower fades, leaving a small, developing fruit, which is a hard, three-sided capsule that begins green and must be allowed to mature and dry completely on the stalk.
Identifying the Seeds
The mature seed is contained within the dried, brown, three-lobed capsule. The capsule is small, measuring approximately one-quarter inch in length when ripe. Seeds should only be collected after the pod has fully dried and turned brittle, often beginning to split open while still attached to the runner. Spider plant seeds are small, typically measuring between one and three millimeters in diameter, and are dark in color (black to very dark brown) with a hard, dry exterior. The shape is often angular, wedge-shaped, or flat and slightly oval.
Propagating Spider Plants from Seed
Once collected, the seeds should be sown relatively quickly, as their viability can decrease over time. The planting process involves lightly covering the small, dark seeds with about one-quarter inch of a loose, well-draining potting mix. The soil must be kept consistently moist, but not saturated, to encourage germination. Seeds require warmth for successful sprouting, with soil temperatures ideally maintained near 70°F to 75°F. Providing a high humidity environment, often achieved by covering the pot with clear plastic, aids in successful germination. The seeds need bright, indirect light, but direct sun should be avoided to prevent overheating and drying out the delicate young seedlings. Germination can be a slow process, often taking two weeks to a month or more before sprouts emerge. This method of propagation is significantly slower than rooting the readily available plantlets.