Propagate Spider Plant Pups: Free Plants That Multiply Like Rabbits

Spider plants are the best because they do the work for you.

Once a spider plant is happy, it sends out long stems with little baby plants (pups). Those pups are ready to become full plants with minimal effort.

If you want the satisfaction of propagation without the stress, start here.

When a Pup Is Ready

Look for:

• Small nubs or tiny roots forming under the pup
• A pup that is at least a couple inches wide

You can propagate earlier, but bigger pups root faster.

Method 1: Root the Pup in Water (Easiest to Monitor)

1. Snip the pup off the runner with clean scissors
2. Put the base of the pup in a glass of water
3. Keep leaves above the water line
4. Change water every 3 to 5 days
5. Wait for roots that are 1 to 2 inches long
6. Pot it up in soil

Timing: Usually 1 to 3 weeks.

Method 2: Root the Pup in Soil (Less Mess)

1. Fill a small pot with lightly moist potting mix
2. Place the pup on top so the base touches soil
3. Use a paperclip or small stake to hold it in place if needed
4. Keep the soil lightly moist (not soggy) for 2 to 3 weeks

This method skips the water-to-soil transition, which some plants hate.

Bonus Method: Root While Still Attached

This is the lazy-parent method. I respect it.

1. Put a small pot of soil next to the mother plant
2. Place the pup on the soil while still attached to the runner
3. Pin it down lightly
4. After it roots, snip the runner

It is almost impossible to fail.

Common Mistakes

• Letting the base sit too deep in water (rot risk)
• Potting into a huge pot (small roots like small pots)
• Keeping the soil soaking wet
• Giving up after 5 days (roots take time)

Aftercare

For the first month:

• Bright, indirect light
• Water when the top inch dries
• Do not fertilize right away

What To Do Next

• If you liked this, try pothos or philodendron propagation next
• Give one pup away to a neighbor or a friend. Free plants are community building.