You can successfully grow spider plant "spiderettes" (baby plants) in water before planting them in soil, or even keep them growing in water long-term. Here's how:
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Cut the Plantlet: Using clean, sterile pruning shears or scissors, carefully cut a spiderette (baby spider plant) from the stolon (the stem it's growing from) of the mother plant.
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Remove Lower Leaves: Gently remove any leaves from the base of the plantlet that would be submerged in water. This prevents them from rotting and contaminating the water.
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Place in Water: Fill a clean glass or container with fresh water. Place the base of the spiderette (where you removed the leaves) into the water, ensuring the roots (if any exist already) are submerged.
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Provide Light: Place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
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Change the Water Regularly: Replace the water every 1-2 weeks to keep it fresh and prevent algae growth.
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Observe Root Growth: Over the next few weeks, you should see roots developing from the base of the plantlet.
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Optional: Planting in Soil: Once the roots are about 1-2 inches long, you can plant the spiderette in well-draining potting soil.
Tips for Success:
- Using distilled or filtered water can help prevent mineral buildup.
- If you notice any signs of rot (discoloration or mushiness), remove the affected leaves immediately and change the water more frequently.
- You can add a diluted liquid fertilizer to the water every few weeks after roots have developed to provide extra nutrients. Note: Over-fertilizing can be detrimental.
- While spider plants can survive long-term in water, they generally thrive better when planted in soil after they have established roots. Soil provides a more stable environment and a wider range of nutrients.
