What To Do With Spider Plant Runners

Spider plant runners can be used to propagate new plants, but there are several options for what to do with them.
 
If you’ve been wondering what to do with spider plant runners, you have choices depending on your goals.
 
These runners, also called stolons, produce baby spider plants called pups.
 
You can leave them attached for a fuller look, remove them to start new plants, or trim them away.
 
In this post, we’ll cover exactly what to do with spider plant runners so you can decide the best path.
 
Let’s dive into handling spider plant runners like a pro.
 

What To Do With Spider Plant Runners: The Main Options

When deciding what to do with spider plant runners, three main approaches work well.
 

1. Propagate New Plants From Spider Plant Runners

The most popular use for spider plant runners is propagation.
 
You can snip the pups off the runners and root them in water or soil.
 
This gives you free new spider plants to share with friends or fill your own space.
 
Many plant owners love using spider plant runners this way because it’s so easy.
 

2. Leave Spider Plant Runners Attached for a Trailing Look

Another option for what to do with spider plant runners is to let them hang.
 
A mature spider plant covered in cascading runners looks lush and dramatic.
 
The baby plants will stay attached and continue growing if you leave them.
 
This is a great choice if you like a bushy, trailing spider plant.
 

3. Prune Spider Plant Runners for a Tidy Plant

You can also simply cut spider plant runners off if you prefer a neat appearance.
 
Removing spider plant runners redirects energy back into the mother plant’s leaves.
 
This keeps your spider plant compact and may encourage fuller leaf growth.
 
Deciding what to do with spider plant runners often comes down to personal style.
 

How To Propagate Spider Plant Runners

If propagation is your answer for what to do with spider plant runners, here’s how.
 

Water Propagation of Spider Plant Runners

Place the pup end of a spider plant runner in a glass of water.
 
Make sure only the base of the baby plant touches the water, not the leaves.
 
Within a week or two, roots will appear from spider plant runners placed in water.
 
Once roots are an inch long, pot the pup in soil.
 

Soil Propagation of Spider Plant Runners

You can directly plant spider plant runners into moist potting mix.
 
Use a small pot and keep the soil consistently damp for the first few weeks.
 
Spider plant runners root easily in soil without any extra effort.
 
This method skips the transplant step and reduces shock.
 

Direct Potting While Still Attached

For a unique approach to what to do with spider plant runners, try layering.
 
Place a pot of soil next to the mother plant and set a pup on the soil.
 
Leave the runner attached until the pup roots, then snip the connection.
 
This ensures the baby plant gets nutrients while establishing.
 

When And Why To Prune Spider Plant Runners

Pruning spider plant runners is another valid answer for what to do with them.
 

Energy Conservation for the Mother Plant

Spider plant runners consume energy that could go to leaf growth.
 
If your spider plant looks leggy or sparse, cutting runners helps.
 
Remove spider plant runners near the base with clean scissors.
 
The plant will then focus on producing larger, greener leaves.
 

Aesthetic Reasons to Trim Spider Plant Runners

Some gardeners simply dislike the messy look of dangling spider plant runners.
 
Deciding what to do with spider plant runners for appearance is entirely valid.
 
Snip off all runners to keep a rounded, compact shape.
 
This works well for small spaces or minimalist decor.
 

Space Management With Spider Plant Runners

Spider plant runners can quickly take over a shelf or hanging basket.
 
If runners block light for other plants, trimming is practical.
 
You can also let a few runners grow and cut the rest.
 
Knowing what to do with spider plant runners includes thoughtful editing.
 

So, What To Do With Spider Plant Runners?

Spider plant runners can be used to propagate new plants, left for a trailing effect, or pruned for a tidy plant.
 
The best choice depends on your space, style, and plant goals.
 
If you want more spider plants, propagate spider plant runners in water or soil.
 
If you prefer a bushy look, let spider plant runners hang freely.
 
If you need a neat plant, simply trim spider plant runners away.
 
Now you know exactly what to do with spider plant runners for your situation.
 
Happy growing with your spider plant runners.