Propagating Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)

The Spider Plant – officially Chlorophytum – is one of the easiest houseplants to propagate. In spring and summer, the plant often produces small white flowers. Once these fade, little baby plants (or plantlets) start to form.

Leave the plantlets attached to the mother plant for a few more weeks. That way, they have time to develop roots before you cut them off.

Rinse your knife or scissors with hot water and a bit of soap. Then disinfect them with alcohol to remove bacteria and fungi. This helps protect the cuttings.

Gently snip the baby plants from the mother plant. Be careful not to damage the little roots – they give your cutting the best chance to grow.

If you have rooting powder, apply a little to the base of the cutting and let it dry.

It’s not required, but it can help boost root growth.

Place the cutting in a glass or vase of water. Make sure no leaves are touching the water – remove them if needed to avoid rot.
Change the water every week and clean the container to prevent algae.

In 2 to 4 weeks, the roots will be long enough. Once they’re about 5 cm, you can move the plantlet to a pot with soil.

• When: spring or summer is best
• Light: bright but out of direct sunlight
• Water: change weekly and keep the glass clean
• Roots: usually already forming while still attached
• Tip: plant several cuttings together for a fuller look

It’s not recommended. Spider Plants naturally produce rooted plantlets – just wait until the roots are visible for the best results.

These tips are based on our own experience with propagating. All methods are tested in our plant nursery and work well for beginners too.

Want to explore more propagation tips? Check out our other step-by-step plant guides.