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You can make new spider plants by propagating the plantlets, or “spiderettes,” that the mother plant produces.
These tiny offshoots are already mini versions of the parent, so they root easily when given the right conditions.
If you’ve been wondering how to make new spider plants from your existing one, the process is simple and nearly foolproof.
Spider plants are among the easiest houseplants to multiply, and you don’t need any special equipment.
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to make new spider plants, from rooting plantlets in water to dividing a mature clump.
Let’s dive into the simple steps for making new spider plants that will fill your home with greenery.
How to Make New Spider Plants from Spiderettes
The most common way to make new spider plants is by using the spiderettes that hang from the parent.
These little plantlets appear on long stems after the spider plant flowers, and each one is ready to become its own plant.
Here are the best methods for turning those spiderettes into thriving new spider plants:
1. Root Spiderettes in Water
Water propagation is a favorite method for making new spider plants because you can watch the roots grow.
Simply snip a spiderette from the stem, leaving a short piece of the stem attached.
Place the base of the plantlet in a small jar of water, making sure the leaves stay above the surface.
Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent rot.
Within a week or two, you’ll see tiny white roots forming, and soon you’ll have a new spider plant ready for soil.
2. Root Spiderettes Directly in Soil
You can also make new spider plants by rooting the plantlets straight into potting mix.
Fill a small pot with well-draining soil and make a shallow hole.
Place the base of the spiderette into the hole and gently firm the soil around it.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and place the pot in bright, indirect light.
This method often produces a stronger root system because the roots adapt to soil right away.
3. Use the “Stem” Method for Hanging Spiderettes
Sometimes a spiderette is still attached to the mother plant by a long stem.
You can pin that stem to a pot of soil while it’s still connected to the parent.
Once the baby roots itself, you can cut the stem and you’ve made a new spider plant without any shock.
This method is especially useful if you want a faster way to make new spider plants with a high success rate.
How to Make New Spider Plants by Division
If your mature spider plant has become a dense cluster of leaves, you can make new spider plants by dividing the root ball.
This is a great option when you want to create larger, more established plants quickly.
Here’s how to divide your spider plant to make new ones:
1. Remove the Plant from Its Pot
Gently slide the spider plant out of its container and shake off excess soil so you can see the roots.
You’ll notice natural separations where the plant has formed multiple crowns.
These crowns are individual plants that you can split apart to make new spider plants.
2. Separate the Crowns Carefully
Using your hands or a clean knife, divide the root ball into sections, each with its own set of leaves and roots.
Be gentle to avoid damaging the roots, but don’t worry if a few break — spider plants are tough.
Each crown you separate will become a new spider plant that you can pot up individually.
3. Pot Up Your New Divisions
Place each division into its own pot filled with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Water them well and keep them in bright, indirect light for the first week.
Within a few weeks, the divisions will settle in and start putting out new growth.
This method of making new spider plants is quick and gives you mature plants right from the start.
How to Care for Your New Spider Plants After Propagation
Once you’ve made new spider plants, the way you treat them in the first few weeks matters a lot.
These babies need a little extra TLC to establish strong roots and grow into healthy adults.
Follow these care tips to help your new spider plants thrive:
1. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
New spider plants love bright light but can’t handle direct sun, which scorches their leaves.
Place them near an east‑ or north‑facing window, or a few feet back from a south‑facing one.
Good light helps the new spider plants photosynthesize and grow faster.
2. Water Consistently but Don’t Drown Them
Keep the soil evenly moist for the first couple of weeks while roots are still developing.
After that, let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
Overwatering is the most common mistake when making new spider plants, so check the soil before adding water.
3. Hold Off on Fertilizer
Your new spider plants don’t need fertilizer for the first month or two.
The potting mix contains enough nutrients to support early growth, and too much fertilizer can burn tender roots.
Once you see active new leaves, you can start a light feeding schedule with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
So, How to Make New Spider Plants?
You can make new spider plants by rooting the spiderettes in water or soil, or by dividing a mature plant.
Both methods are easy and produce healthy plants that will quickly fill your space with cascading green leaves.
Making new spider plants is one of the most rewarding parts of being a houseplant lover — you get more plants for free.
Whether you choose water propagation, soil propagation, or division, the key is to provide the right light and moisture.
Now you know exactly how to make new spider plants and can grow your collection without spending a penny.
Happy propagating