Spider Plant Care and Propagation: Complete Guide

Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are easy, prolific houseplants. Here's how to care for the mother plant and root the babies.

Mother Plant Care

• Light: Bright, direct sun in a window is best.
• Water: Thoroughly when top half-inch of soil is dry.
• Pot size: If soil dries in a few days, move up one pot size.
• Fertilizer: Half-strength standard fertilizer monthly.
• Eggshells: Not needed; may attract pests.

Rooting Babies (Spiderettes)

1. Place baby on water so only the base touches.
2. When roots reach 1 inch, pot in damp mix.

Watering Frequency

Never water by calendar. Check soil dryness. For spider plants, water when top half-inch is dry. Fertilizer does not affect soil dryness—evaporation does.

Corn Plant Note

Corn plants (Dracaena) don't produce babies like spider plants. Yellowing leaves on pothos usually indicate overwatering or poor drainage—provide details for specific advice.