Hello there! I am a mature Spider Plant, and from my central rosette, I have sent out long, arching stems called stolons. Dangling from these stems are my children, the plantlets or "pups." We are ready for propagation when a pup has developed several of its own leaves, typically 2-3 inches long, and, most crucially, when you can see tiny, nub-like protrusions at its base. These are the beginnings of my offspring's root system, eager to seek out soil and water. A pup without these root initials is not yet ready to leave me and may struggle to thrive on its own.
When you have identified a mature pup, the next step is a gentle separation. You can choose one of two methods. The first is a clean cut. Using a sharp, sterile knife or scissors, sever the stolon, leaving about 1-2 inches of it attached to the pup. This little handle can make it easier to manage during planting. The second method is to simply snap the pup off the stolon by hand, close to its base. Whichever method you choose, please be gentle. This is a significant moment for us; a clean break helps prevent damage and reduces the risk of infection for both me and my little one.
Now, my pup has a choice to make for its journey to independence: water or soil. For the water method, place the base of the pup in a small container of water, ensuring only the root nubs are submerged; the leaves must stay dry to prevent rot. In a warm, bright spot (but out of direct, harsh sun), my pup will quickly transform those nubs into a network of white, aquatic roots. This usually takes 1-2 weeks. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated. Alternatively, you can bypass this step and plant the pup directly into a small pot filled with a moist, well-draining potting mix. Bury just the base of the pup, firming the soil gently around it to provide support.
If you started in water, once the roots are an inch or two long, it is time for the final transition to soil. Prepare a small pot with drainage holes and filled with a light, peaty potting mix. Create a small hole, place the rooted pup inside, and gently backfill with soil, pressing down to ensure good soil-to-root contact. Water the newly potted pup thoroughly until water runs from the drainage holes. This settles the soil around the roots and eliminates air pockets. Place your new Spider Plant in a location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, for the first few weeks as it establishes its new root system in its terrestrial home. Soon, it will be strong enough to send out its own stolons, continuing our beautiful cycle of life.
