Spider Plant Pups: How to Grow New Plants the Easy Way

Quick answer: Spider plant pups can root in water, soil, or while attached to the mother plant. Snip a healthy pup with tiny roots showing, place in a jar of water or pot of moist soil, and new roots form in 1–3 weeks. Want a personalized watering and light plan for your pups? Use the VerdeBotany AI Plant Doctor.

When Are Spider Plant Pups Ready?

Look for pups with small white nubs or roots forming at the base.
Pups should be at least 2–3 inches long before cutting.
Leave very tiny pups attached until they size up.

Three Ways to Root Spider Plant Pups

1. Water Propagation

Snip pup below the stem joint.
Place in a clear jar with roots submerged, leaves above water.
Change water every 5–7 days.
Timeline: Roots in 1–2 weeks; ready for soil at 2″ long.

2. Soil Propagation (Direct-to-Pot)

Fill a small pot with light mix (soil + perlite).
Plant pup with roots just under surface; firm gently.
Keep lightly moist, not soggy.
Timeline: Roots anchor in 2–3 weeks; new leaves follow.

3. Attached Propagation (Easiest for Beginners)

Place pup (still attached) into a pot of soil next to mother plant.
Once roots establish (2–3 weeks), snip connecting stem.
Less stress—nutrients still flow from parent during rooting.

Aftercare Tips

Light: Bright-indirect; avoid harsh direct sun on small pups.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist for the first 4–6 weeks.
Humidity: Average indoor is fine; higher humidity speeds rooting.
Fertilizer: Wait until new growth appears; then feed lightly.

Troubleshooting

Pup wilting in water: Change water; trim rotting root tips.
Yellowing leaves: Too much water or poor drainage—switch to airy soil.
No roots after 3 weeks: Increase light and warmth; check that node is submerged/covered.

Real-World Example

Case study (2025): A reader used the “attached method,” planting 4 pups around the mother. With our AI tool’s reminders (watering every 6 days, light adjustments), all 4 rooted in under 3 weeks and created a full-looking pot.

Make Your Spider Plant Multiply

The VerdeBotany AI Plant Doctor helps you decide the best method for your pups and creates a step-by-step rooting and care plan so you can quickly grow a collection of healthy new spider plants.

Get My Spider Pup Plan →

Helpful Internal Links

Spider Plant Pup FAQ (2025)

Should I root pups in water or soil?

Either works. Water is easiest to watch, soil is less transition shock. Attached method is the most foolproof.

When should I separate pups?

When they’re 2–3 inches long with visible root nubs. Very tiny pups do best left attached longer.

Do spider plants need special soil?

No—any light houseplant mix with added perlite for drainage works well.

How long until pups become full plants?

Usually 3–6 months to look like mini spider plants with multiple leaves.