How Do You Take A Cutting From A Spider Plant

You can take a cutting from a spider plant easily by snipping one of the plantlets that dangle from the mother plant.
 
These little offshoots are also called spiderettes or babies, and they’re the perfect way to get new spider plants for free.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to take a cutting from a spider plant, the process is simple, fast, and doesn’t require any special tools.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through every step of how to take a cutting from a spider plant, from choosing the right plantlet to rooting it in water or soil.
 
Let’s get started so you can multiply your spider plant collection with confidence.
 

How Do You Take a Cutting from a Spider Plant?

The first thing to understand when you take a cutting from a spider plant is that you’re not cutting a leaf or stem like with many other plants.
 
Instead, you’re removing a complete baby spider plant that’s already growing on a long runner (stolon).
 
Here’s exactly how to do it:
 

Choose the Right Plantlet

Look for a spider plant baby that has several leaves of its own and a few small roots starting to form at the base.
 
A good cutting from a spider plant should be at least two to three inches in diameter with visible root nubs.
 
If the plantlet is still tiny with no roots, wait a little longer before you take a cutting from a spider plant.
 

Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, a small container of water or potting mix, and maybe a glass or jar if you plan to root in water.
 
Sterilize your scissors with rubbing alcohol so you don’t introduce disease when you take a cutting from a spider plant.
 

Snip the Runner

Identify the thin stem (runner) that connects the baby to the mother plant.
 
Cut the runner about one inch away from the base of the baby spider plant.
 
That’s it — you’ve now taken a cutting from a spider plant, and you’re ready to root it.
 

Where to Cut the Spider Plant for Best Results

Knowing the exact spot to snip makes a big difference in how well your new plant will grow.
 
Follow these guidelines whenever you take a cutting from a spider plant.
 

Cut Close to the Base of the Plantlet

Don’t cut halfway up the runner or leave a long piece of stem attached.
 
The best way to take a cutting from a spider plant is to cut as close to the baby’s base as possible without damaging its leaves or emerging roots.
 
This gives the cutting the maximum energy to start growing on its own.
 

Trim Away Dead or Damaged Leaves

Before you root the cutting, remove any yellow or brown leaves from the baby plant.
 
This helps the cutting focus on root development instead of trying to save dying leaves.
 
A clean, healthy cutting will root faster and stronger.
 

How to Root a Spider Plant Cutting in Water or Soil

Once you take a cutting from a spider plant, you have two main options for getting it to grow roots.
 
Both methods work great, so pick the one that suits your style.
 

Rooting in Water

Place the cutting in a glass of room-temperature water with the base of the baby submerged.
 
Make sure the leaves stay above water to prevent rot when you take a cutting from a spider plant.
 
Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
 
In one to two weeks, you’ll see roots growing several inches long.
 

Rooting in Soil

Fill a small pot with well-draining potting mix and make a hole in the center.
 
Insert the base of the cutting into the hole and gently firm the soil around it.
 
Water lightly and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
 
Roots usually develop within two to three weeks when you take a cutting from a spider plant this way.
 

Common Mistakes When Taking a Spider Plant Cutting

Even though it’s easy, a few errors can delay rooting or kill the cutting.
 
Avoid these pitfalls if you want to successfully take a cutting from a spider plant.
 

Using a Plantlet with No Roots

If the baby has no root nubs at all, it may struggle to survive after you take a cutting from a spider plant.
 
Wait until you see at least tiny root bumps before snipping.
 

Cutting Too Far from the Baby

Leaving a long runner attached can cause the stem to rot in water or soil.
 
Always cut close to the base when you take a cutting from a spider plant.
 

Overwatering After Planting

Spider plant cuttings dislike sitting in soggy soil.
 
Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings once roots appear.
 

So, How Do You Take a Cutting from a Spider Plant?

You can take a cutting from a spider plant easily by snipping a rooted baby off the runner and placing it in water or soil.
 
The process is beginner-friendly and almost always successful if you follow the simple steps above.
 
Now you know exactly how to take a cutting from a spider plant and grow your own free houseplants.
 
Happy propagating, and enjoy watching those little spiderettes turn into full-grown spider plants.