Why is my spider plant growing so many babies?

Author: Selena Treutel  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Why do spider plants grow babies? The 'babies' you see growing from your spider plant are a form of reproductive growth from which a new spider plant can develop, and are a sign your plant is happy and healthy.

What if my spider plant has too many babies?

If there are too many spider plant babies and you don't plan on replanting them all, remove some to save the parent plant energy. You can also cut off excess leaves if your plant is overgrown, but it's best to repot if the plant is getting too big.

Why does my spider plant keep growing babies?

They are simply the offspring from the parent plant. Eventually the babies will grow roots and if they were on the forest floor, they would eventually root themselves, spreading across the forest floor. But before this happens, the plant will flower first.

What to do with extra spider plant babies?

If you take the babies and put them in the dirt with the mother you will get a fuller plant. After they root then you can cut them loose.

Should I remove the babies from my spider plant?

A: You can leave spider plant babies on the parent for some time if there are just a few of them. Ensure to water and feed the mother plant sufficiently. But if the number increases rapidly, it's best to trim them off when the offshoots start developing nodes and leaves.

My Spider Plant is Not Growing Babies?

Can you put spider plant babies straight into soil?

Propagating a spider plant in soil is the easiest and quickest method. Plus, it usually produces stronger roots as they weren't sitting in water prior to being transplanted. Some plantlets may have small roots starting to develop, meaning they are more mature and will develop root systems sooner, says Langelo.

How often should I water a spider plant?

How often should I water my spider plant? A light drink every week or so is all your spider plant needs, watering less frequently in autumn and winter. You're just looking to dampen the compost. A good way to check if it needs watering is to dip your finger into the soil, up to the second knuckle.

Do spider plants need sun?

A spider plant likes bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it has the potential to scorch the leaves. Spider plants will grow in low light, but they'll grow slowly and may not produce plantlets. In low light, striped spider plant leaves may lose their variegation.

How to make spider plant bushier?

  1. Nov 24, 2023. Tips to make your spider plant bushier and more beautiful. ...
  2. Choose the right pot. Go for a slightly smaller pot than what you have in mind as it encourages root growth and foliage expansion. ...
  3. Repot at right time. ...
  4. Prune the leaves. ...
  5. Regular feeding. ...
  6. Light matters. ...
  7. Moisture and humidity. ...
  8. Soil drainage.

Do spider plants have babies every year?

Spider plants produce babies on long stems called runners. They only do this when they are mature and conditions are right. They generally have to be a year or more old. The baby spider plants are a form of asexual reproduction: so they don't need another plant to produce mini replicas of themselves.

How do you keep a spider plant thriving?

Water thoroughly and discard of any excess water in the saucer. Your Spider Plant will do well in normal household humidity but will thrive with a bit more humidity. Brown leaf tips may indicate the air is too dry, so mist your Spider Plant regularly using a Mister. Your plant prefers temperatures between 60–80° F.

How long do spider plants live?

When well-cared for, these plants can live anywhere from 20-50 years! Ready for this? The typical lifespan of a chlorophytum comosum vittatum or chlorophytum comosum variegatum, the two most common varieties, is around 20 years.

Should I stake my spider plant?

It's unnecessary to hang spider plants, but doing so shows off their naturally cascading leaves and gives the plant extra room.

Should I cut the runners off my spider plant?

For the most part, spider plants do not need pruning. To prevent your spider plant from forming its poisonous seeds, prune away any withered flowers. You can also cut off the offshoots, known as spiderettes or pups, and use them to propagate spider plants. Pluck any completely withered leaves off the plant.

What is the maximum growth of spider plant?

Size: A mature spider plant can reach a height of 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) and a spread of 12-36 inches (30-90 cm). Flowers: Spider plants produce small, star-shaped, white flowers on long, arching stems. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they add a delicate touch to the plant's overall appearance.

When to repot a spider plant?

Ideally, repotting is only necessary when the roots have become crowded or are showing through the drainage holes and the plant is visibly struggling.

Should I cut the babies off my spider plant?

Spider babies are a sign that your plant is healthy, and you want to keep it that way. While it's okay to leave the babies on the plant, if it produces several spiderettes, trimming them off would be a good idea. A pruned plant will be easier to maintain and won't compete with the babies for water or nutrients.

Where is the best place to put a spider plant in your house?

Spider plants will put up with most light conditions, but will flourish in brighter spots in your home. Keep your spider plant away from harsh, direct sunlight; he'll enjoy being on a desk or hanging from a shelf.

Do spider plants like coffee grounds?

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

They appreciate the nutrient boost from coffee grounds. Benefits: Enhances foliage growth. Helps maintain soil health.

Should I cut the brown tips off my spider plant?

Should You Cut the Brown Tips Off Spider Plants? You can cut the brown tips off your spider plant to get back the aesthetically pleasing appearance of your green companion. The damaged fronds may not affect your plant's overall health but pruning them will make your spider plant look so much better.

How do you perk up a spider plant?

Re-pot a drooping spider plant you have had for more than a year. Consider adding some fertilizer to perk up your plant. A few minutes of touching up some cosmetic blemishes, like brown tips, make a big difference for your spider plant.

What does a spider plant look like with too much sun?

⚠️ The Downside of Too Much Sun

The leaves might start looking like overcooked spinach, and that's a distress signal. You'll see them turning pale, as if the color is being bleached right out of them. And if they're throwing shade by leaning away from the light, that's their way of saying, "Enough already!"

Is sugar water good for spider plants?

Since we now know that using sugar in our waterings won't help plants effectively, we must also consider the potential harm. The number one effect that most studies have found is that sugar can reduce the plants' ability to absorb or take in any water.

Do spider plants like tap water?

What Kind of Water Do Spider Plants Need? It's best not to use tap water as it contains chemicals that can lead to brown leaf tips. To hydrate your Chlorophytum comosum, use distilled or rainwater.

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