From our point of view as Chlorophytum comosum, or what you call spider plants, growing in water is not our natural state, but it is a viable and often less messy alternative to soil. We are remarkably adaptable plants, equipped with resilient root systems that can transition from soil to a hydroponic life with relative ease. This method allows you, the caretaker, to observe the fascinating development of our root architecture, something usually hidden beneath the earth. For us, it is a clean and efficient way to access the hydration and nutrients we need to thrive, provided our basic requirements are met.
Do not place a mature, soil-grown parent plant directly into water; the shock would be significant, and the existing soil roots are not optimized for an aquatic environment. Instead, look for our young offshoots, the "spiderettes" or "pups" that dangle from our long stolons. Choose a healthy-looking pup that has already begun developing small, bumpy protuberances at its base—these are our pre-formed root initials, eager to grow. Using a clean, sharp tool, snip the pup from the stolon, ensuring a clean cut close to the pup's base. This is the ideal start for our water-growing journey.
The choice of vessel is crucial for our success. A narrow-necked glass jar or vase is ideal because it allows you to submerge only our root base while keeping our vital crown (where the leaves meet the roots) above the waterline. Submerging the crown would lead to rot, which is fatal. Fill the vessel with room temperature water that has been left out for 24 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate; this is gentler on our developing root systems. The water is our new medium, so its quality is paramount. Place us in a location with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will heat the water excessively and encourage algae growth, which, while not directly harmful, competes for oxygen and nutrients.
Our water is not a permanent home without maintenance. You must change it completely every 5-7 days. Stagnant water becomes depleted of oxygen and can harbor harmful bacteria, which will cause our roots to turn brown and mushy. During each water change, gently rinse our roots to remove any slippery algal film. After a few weeks, you will see a network of thick, white, aquatic roots developing—these are different from the finer roots we grow in soil and are specially adapted to absorb oxygen and nutrients from the water. Once our root system is robust, you can add a tiny, diluted amount of liquid fertilizer to the water every 4-6 weeks during our primary growing season (spring and summer) to provide essential nutrients for new growth.
