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Spider plants are a very popular houseplant that is very easy to care for and propagate in various ways. For instance, you can grow these plants from seeds, root cuttings, and spiderettes. But, how about the plant tubers?
You can plant spider plant tubers; this is one of the most common ways of propagating the plant. After planting, the tubers grow rosettes that generate the plant’s stems, which then produce the sprouts. These tubers are smooth, white, twisting lumps that can even reach the soil surface and form with the plant’s root system.
Although other plant owners prefer using spider plant babies for propagation, the tubers are also quite helpful. You must meet the right conditions and requirements for this process to go well. We will review exactly what it takes to plant spider plant tubers, so keep reading!
What are Spider Plant Tubers?
Spider plant tubers are thick clusters of smooth, semi-oblong white forms that grow along with the roots of the plant. These tubers form chaotic masses with the plant’s roots and develop quickly into full-blown plants when placed in the soil.
Spider plant tubers are responsible for storing water and helping the plants thrive even when they are not watered for a few weeks. Like many root systems, as the plant becomes root-bound, the tubers can even reach the soil surface.
If you see one or two tubers on the surface, don’t worry, they will not hurt the plant as long as the plant and root system is healthy. However, if many tubers start to pop up, it’s time to move the plant to a bigger pot. You can also add some soil to the tubers to cover them up, but beware- a spider plant’s root system grows very quickly, and a root bound plant may crack its pot!
Propagating With Spider Plant Tubers
To be able to propagate spider plant tubers correctly, you first need to know how spider plants grow. Tubers are responsible for generating rosettes in the plant (cluster of leaves that resemble a rose-like formation)
Next, the rosettes create the stems of the plant. Then, the stems produce sprouts that hang from the plant’s frame, just like spiders. These are often referred to as spider plant babies. Propagating spider plants by its tubers is quite a preferred way of raising them because they provide pre-emergence nourishment for the plant. Therefore, this pushes the growth of the shoots and the leaves.
To propagate a spider plant using its tubers, simply poke your finger into fresh soil about an inch or two deep (or more, depending on the tuber size), place the tuber and water. In about 4 to 6 weeks, new plant shoots will start showing.
Pros And Cons Of Planting Spider Plant Tubers
Planting spider plant tubers offer several advantages over the other propagation methods. Nonetheless, there are also a few downsides. Some of these advantages and disadvantages are:
| Pros | Cons |
| They accelerate spiderette emergence. | They cannot be appropriately propagated in water. |
| These tubers provide nourishment for plantlets. | Spider plant tubers are usually at risk of swelling. |
| They hold the growing plant better to the soil. | Excessive soil water affects spider plant tubers to a higher level. |
| Propagating in soil may lead to a better root system and healthier plant overall | Soil propagation takes longer than propagating spider plant babies in water, and its success depends on factors like humidity and soil health |
If you decide that propagating spider plant tubers is not for you, don’t worry. You can also easily propagate this plant by planting its babies or by using its seed:
Planting Spider Plant Babies
Planting spider plant babies is another efficient way of growing spider plants. You can grow these plant babies in the soil, while attached to a mother plant, or in water.
If you’re having trouble growing spider babies on your plant, you might want to check out this article: Why are there no babies on my spider plant? 4 causes and solutions.
However to plant spider plant babies in the soil, take out the babies from the mother plant by removing them at their base. Ensure to avoid damaging the plant while at this. Next, fill a pot with loamy soil or seed starter and place the spiderettes in it; but ensure to cover the roots with soil.
It’s best to grow these plants in transparent boxes with covers (like this one), where you can continuously mist the plant’s growing area and place it where it can access indirect, bright light. At this point, new growth indicates that the plant has established itself.
You can also grow spider plant babies attached to the mother plant by directing the spiderettes to come in contact with the growth medium. However, these spiderettes must still be attached to the mother plant. So, they now develop roots and grow swiftly because of their double nutrient source.
The final way you can propagate spider plant babies is in water. To do this, simply place a spider plant baby in non-chlorinated water and wait for roots to show. Make sure to change the water every five days to avoid fungus and disease.
Pros And Cons of Planting Spider Plant Babies
Planting spider plant babies also offers several advantages and downsides, here are a few:
| Pros | Cons |
| They can be efficiently propagated in water. | Plantlets could rot when moved into the soil. |
| The ones grown while being attached to the mother plant enjoy two nutrient sources. | Spider plant babies can be weaker if initially rooted in water. |
| They do well even in minimal sunlight due to the presence of already developed leaves. | Takes time for the plant babies to recover when singled out and planted on their own. |
Planting Spider Plant Seeds
The third method to propagate this popular plant is through spider plant seeds.
To plant spider seeds, place them in a soil mix for seed starting. Ensure to avoid sowing them farther into the soil. Push the seeds about a half inch down and spread a thin layer of soil over them.
You can also plant the spider plant seeds in a tray placed on a heating mat to accelerate the entire process. Next, evenly mist the seeds with a spray bottle and always maintain the soil in a slightly moist condition.
Within two weeks, spider plant seedlings would emerge from the soil. Always place these growing plants in an area accessible to bright light. Remember that growing spider plants from seeds requires higher effort, so it is always preferable to go for the tubers and plantlets.
Pros And Cons of Planting Spider Plant Seeds
Despite the immense benefits of planting spider plant seeds, there are also a few demerits. Both are pointed out below:
| Pros | Cons |
| Takes less time to carry out. | There is a need for high humidity for the seeds to pick up. |
| The resultant seedlings grow swiftly after repotting. | Can allow uneven growth of plants due to differences in nutrient uptake. |
| Allows the spider plant to get more used to its surroundings. | Can give rise to deficient and patchy growth. |
As you can see, propagating spider plants is quite simple, and growing them yourself shouldn’t be much of a problem. You can achieve this in various ways, but remember that planting the plant tubers is one of the most efficient ways to grow the plant. Therefore, go on and plant yourself some spider plant tubers!
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