Last updated on September 26th, 2022 at 12:59 pm
Many gardeners tend to propagate their plants as soon as vegetative plants for that purpose have developed. I don’t blame them because it isn’t strange for a vegetative part to start using up too many nutrients from the main plant and harming it in the process.
So, if you have spider plants and you notice that it has started having babies — vegetative parts — you may wonder whether to keep them or not.
Well, it’s okay to leave the babies on your spider plant. However, if you are letting baby spider plants grow on your plant, you’ll need to provide more nutrients for the plants.
How do Spider Plant Babies Grow?
Spider plant babies commonly grow on adult spider plants because spider plants have runners. It is very common to spot spider plant babies on fully grown spider plants.
Runners produce the plant babies. They are often formed aerial in hanging baskets (spider plants are popularly planted in homes). The babies suspend from the parent plant.
Can You Leave Spider Plant Babies Attached?
You can leave spider plant babies attached to the parent plant. When you see them growing, it is not necessary to remove them just then.
If you decide to let the spider plant babies grow while attached to the adult plant, you should take note of a few things. Spider plants with babies growing on them require a lot of nutrients. This means you will need more fertilizers for the plant.
When Can I Cut my Baby Off Spider Plant?
The best time to cut off baby spider plants is when they start showing signs of new growth. Wait until the baby plants start growing their roots before trimming them off the parent plant.
While some people like to let spider plant babies grow on the adult plant, other gardeners prefer to cut the babies off. Usually, they replant them in a separate pot or basket.
It is inappropriate to cut off spider plant babies once they start growing. Early cutting is simply a waste.
When you wait for spider plant babies to mature to a certain stage, you can easily replant them. This way, you get more spider plants by the end of the growing season. The more, the better.
Nevertheless, cutting off spider plant babies does not affect the parent plant in any way. This means you can cut them at an early stage or when they have developed good roots.
But every gardener wants to make more and save more. So, it’s better to let the babies grow before cutting them off and then planting them somewhere else.
What Do I Do with my Baby Spider Plant?
When you spot baby spider plants, the next question is what to do with them. Well, for starters, you can propagate the babies. Get more plants by replanting the spider plant babies. When the plants grow, and you don’t know what to do with them, you can give them out as gifts or sell them for income.
How Do You Propagate Spider Plant Babies?
There are three ways to propagate babies of spider plants. They are:
1. Water Propagation
This form of spider babies’ propagation is very popular. In this method, you let the roots of the babies grow to a certain extent before transferring the plants.
The first step is to carefully cut off the spider plant babies from the parent plant. After this, place the plants in a small glass filled with a little water. The water should be just the right amount, enough to submerge the roots of the baby plants.
It is expected that you change the water regularly to keep it clean. Observe the roots through the glass regularly. Once you see that they have developed well enough, you can now transfer the baby plants to a pot filled with actual soil.
2. Soil Propagation
Instead of using the water propagation method, you can plant the spider plant babies directly into the soil. Although this method usually takes longer than the water method, it is still very effective. It’s just as effective as the water propagation method.
First, you cut the spider plant babies off the parent plant and then put them into small plant pots. These pots will contain quality soil, and you will plant the baby spider plants into the soil.
Once it’s done, all you have to do is wait for it to grow. Give the plants assistance like nutrient provision and watering.
It usually takes a long time for the roots of a spider baby plant to fully establish. As an effect, it will be hard to observe growth in the spider baby plant for a while. You will have to put in a lot of patience as well.
3. Direct Rooting
The last method of spider plant baby propagation is just as common as the rest. It is similar to what spider plants do naturally.
In this method, you will let the baby spider plant roots in the soil without cutting them off.
First, you need smaller pots for the spider plant babies. Fill the pots with moist soil of small quantity.
All you have to do is let the spider plants dangle into the soil as they grow and develop their roots in the new soil. You don’t need to plant the baby spider plant too deeply into the smaller pots. Just a surface planting is enough.
However, make sure that the starter roots are in good contact with the soil.
This method involves the baby plant growing from the parent plant while still having its roots in different soil. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.
Lastly, wait until the baby spider plant shows signs of new growth before you can now cut it off the parent plant. Once you cut it off, allow the baby spider plants to grow as individual spider plants. This method of spider plant propagation is very efficient as well.
It’s hard to choose which of these propagation methods works best. Nevertheless, go for the method that seems the most feasible to you.
All these spider plant babies’ propagation methods work best when carried out properly. Follow the rules, and you will be sure to get the right results.
Pros and Cons of Leaving Babies on the Spider Plant
If you choose to leave your spider plant babies on the parent plant, note a few things and then put them into action. They are pros and cons to leaving babies on spider plants.
1. Temperature
It would be best to have a general temperature when you decide to let your spider plant babies grow on the parent plant. A temperature that is suitable for both the adults and the babies at the same time. This temperature shouldn’t be too hot or too cold.
The best temperature for spider plant babies is 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintain this temperature. These means don’t let the temperature drop too low below the 65° mark or go too high above the 75° mark.
2. Propagation Method
A propagation method that involves leaving the babies attached to the mother plant is called as the direct routing propagation method.
This method lets the spider plant babies dangle from the parent plant but grow separately in another soil. Often, the plant is cut off once it begins to grow properly.
The main idea is to stick with this propagation method as it is the most suitable for spider plant babies that are to be left on the parent plant. It could be only for a while longer or forever.
3. Fertilizing
You must know that spider plant babies get their nutrients from the parent plants. If the parent plant cannot supply enough nutrients to the babies, there will be a problem.
The spider plant babies will keep on taking from the parent plant until there is nothing left. Eventually, they will both die off.
To solve this problem, you have to frequently fertilize the spider plant to provide enough nutrients.
In addition, water the plants regularly. Ensure that the soil is always moist enough.
However, while trying to provide a suitable amount of nutrients, do not over-fertilize the plant. Stick to a fertilizing schedule. Twice a month is perfect for spider plants and their babies.
In addition to these important things to note, there are some other things you can do.
You can ensure that the pot has enough drainage. Use a lightweight potting mix. Give the spider plant adequate care. Also, provide enough sunlight, and check for pests and diseases etc.
Conclusion
Spider plants are wonderful and appeasing plants to grow at home. They are easy to grow and care for. When spider plants start having babies, that is where the real deal is.
Many gardeners have their own opinions on whether to leave spider plant babies in or cut them off. Nevertheless, whatever decision they go with does not negatively affect the main plant.
If you decide to cut spider plant babies off, ensure you properly propagate them. On the other hand, if you let the babies grow alongside the parent spider plants, provide all the necessary nutrients.
Care for both plants to avoid excessive competition that may lead to death or unhealthy growth. As a good gardener, caring for your spider plant should be no problem.
Also, make sure you fertilize regularly to maintain a constant supply of nutrients. You can leave spider plant babies, or you can cut them off. Up to you!
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