If you’re looking for a simple and beautiful way to bring more green into your home, learning how to grow spider plants in water is a perfect project. This method is incredibly straightforward, clean, and fascinating to watch, as you can see the roots develop right before your eyes.
Spider plants, known scientifically as Chlorophytum comosum, are among the most adaptable houseplants. They are famous for their arching green and white striped leaves and their little plantlets, called “spiderettes” or “pups.” While traditionally potted in soil, they thrive just as well in water, making them ideal for clear vases and jars.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from choosing the right plant start to maintaining your water-grown spider plant for the long term. It’s a fantastic project for beginners and experienced plant lovers alike.
How to Grow Spider Plants in Water
This section covers the core process. You’ll need just a few simple supplies to get started. The key is to begin with a healthy plant cutting. You can use a spiderette still attached to the mother plant, or one you’ve snipped off.
What You Will Need
- A healthy spider plant pup (spiderette)
- A clean glass jar, vase, or bottle
- Fresh, room-temperature water (filtered or distilled is best)
- Small stones, pebbles, or glass beads (optional, for support)
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
Follow these numbered steps for the best results. It’s a good idea to have everything ready before you take your cutting.
- Select Your Spiderette: Choose a pup that is has a few small leaves already forming, ideally at least 2-3 inches long. Look for one that’s beginning to develop tiny nubs at its base; these are the start of the roots.
- Snip the Pup: Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut the spiderette from the long stem (stolon) connecting it to the mother plant. Leave a little bit of the stem on the pup if you can.
- Prepare Your Vessel: Fill your chosen glass container with enough water to submerge only the base of the spiderette. The leaves should not sit in the water. If your container opening is wide, adding a layer of pebbles can help hold the plant in place.
- Place the Pup in Water: Gently set the spiderette in the container so that just the bottom portion is underwater. The base where the roots will emerge needs to be submerged, but the leaves stay high and dry.
- Find the Right Spot: Place your new water garden in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct, hot sun as it can heat the water and promote algae growth.
Caring for Your Water-Based Spider Plant
Once your plant is settled, ongoing care is minimal but important. The main tasks involve keeping the water fresh and providing a bit of nutrition.
Water and Nutrient Management
- Change the Water Weekly: Replace the water in the jar every 7 days. This prevents the buildup of bacteria and algae and replenishes oxygen in the water. Always use room-temperature water.
- Clean the Container: When you change the water, take a moment to rinse the jar and any pebbles to remove any slimy film. This keeps everything looking clear and healthy.
- Add a Tiny Bit of Fertilizer: After about a month, when roots are established, you can add a very weak dose of liquid fertilizer. Use just a drop or two in the fresh water once a month during spring and summer. Too much will harm the plant.
Light and Temperature Needs
Spider plants in water have the same light preferences as potted ones. They enjoy bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or north-facing window is often ideal. They prefer normal room temperatures between 65°F and 75°F and should be kept away from cold drafts or heating vents.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with simple projects, small problems can arise. Here’s how to handle common ones.
- Brown Leaf Tips: This is very common and usually caused by fluoride or salts in tap water. Switch to using distilled, rainwater, or filtered water for your changes. It can also be a sign of low humidity.
- Yellowing Leaves: If leaves turn yellow, it might be getting to much direct sunlight. Move it to a slightly shadier spot. Over-fertilizing can also cause this.
- Algae Growth: Green water or slime on the glass means too much light is hitting the water. Move the container to a place with less direct light, or use an opaque container. Cleaning during water changes is crucial.
- Slow or No Root Growth: Be patient; roots can take a few weeks to appear. Ensure the base of the pup is properly submerged and that it’s in a warm enough location. Some pups just take longer than others.
Can You Move a Soil Plant to Water?
Yes, you can transition a mature spider plant from soil to water, but it requires more care. You must gently wash all the soil from the roots completely. This can be a shock to the plant, so expect some wilting. Place it in water and be extra consistent with changes until new water-specific roots form. It’s often easier to start with a pup.
Long-Term Growth and Propagation
Your spider plant will continue to grow in water and may even produce its own pups after a year or so. You can leave these on to create a fuller look, or snip them off to start new plants. The roots will become long and dramatic in a clear vase.
Remember, while spider plants can live in water for years, they might not grow as large as they would in rich soil. It’s a trade-off for the beautiful visual appeal of seeing the root system. If your plant outgrows its container, you can move it to a larger one or consider potting it in soil.
FAQ Section
How long can a spider plant live in just water?
With proper care—regular water changes, occasional nutrients, and good light—a spider plant can thrive in water for many years, potentially indefinitely. Some people keep the same plant in water for a decade.
What kind of water is best for spider plants in water?
Filtered water, distilled water, or collected rainwater is best to avoid the chemicals and minerals found in tap water that cause brown leaf tips. If you use tap water, let it sit out overnight before using it.
Do spider plants in water need fertilizer?
Yes, but very little. After the initial rooting phase, add a drop of liquid houseplant fertilizer to the fresh water once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize in fall and winter.
Why are the roots of my water spider plant turning brown?
Some browning is normal as roots mature. However, slimy, mushy brown roots indicate rot, usually from infrequent water changes. Trim the rotten roots with clean scissors, clean the jar thoroughly, and start with fresh water, changing it more regularly.
Can I use any glass container to grow my spider plant in water?
Almost any clean glass container will work, as long as it can support the plant. Narrow necks help hold the plant up, but wide bowls work well with pebbles for support. Darker glass can help reduce algae growth.
How often should I change the water for my spider plant?
You should change the water completely every week. This is the single most important step for keeping your plant healthy in water, as it prevents disease and provides oxygen to the roots.
Growing spider plants in water is a rewarding and low-maintenance way to enjoy these popular plants. With just a little attention each week, you can have a thriving, elegant green display that showcases the hole plant, roots and all. It’s a wonderful reminder of nature’s simplicity and resilience.