Can You Grow Spider Plants In Water?

What is a spider plant, and how do you grow one? Well, there are two major ways to grow spider plants: water and soil.

Many people grow spider plants in water easily, as it does not require as much attention as growing spider plants in soil.

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However, if you choose to grow your spider plant in water, there are a few things you will need to do to ensure that your plant thrives.

You’ll need:

• A clean, empty container large enough to accommodate the roots of your spider plant
• Spider plant cuttings or a small spider plant
• Water
• A sharp knife or scissors

Let’s dive into the details!

Choose Your Glass Container

To begin, you will need a clear glass container that is large enough to accommodate the roots of your spider plant.

Fill the container with water, and then place your spider plant inside. Make sure that the roots are fully submerged in the water.

You can set the container in a bright location but without direct sunlight.

You will need to change the water in the container every few days to keep it fresh.

Spider plants are sensitive to chemicals, so be sure to use filtered or distilled water if your tap water is unsuitable.

Different Types Of Containers for Spider Plants

While you can use any type of container to grow your spider plant in water, a few work better than others.

For example, you might want to use a mason jar, fishbowl, or even a wine glass.

Just be sure that the container is clean and has a wide opening. This will make it easier for your plant to get the oxygen it needs.

You can also use a vase, but choose one made of glass or another clear material. This will allow you to see your plant’s roots and ensure they get enough oxygen.

Planting Your Spider Plant: Step-By-Step Instructions

To plant your spider plant in water, you will need to start with a few cuttings or a small spider plant.

If you are using a cutting, make sure that it is at least three inches long and that there are a few leaves on the cutting.

If you use a small spider plant, ensure it is no more than 6″ inches tall.

Once you’ve chosen your method, you can follow the instructions below:

• Fill your container with water, leaving enough room at the top for the roots of your spider plant.
• Cut a few inches off the bottom of your spider plant cutting, or cut the small spider plant in half.
• Place the cutting or small plant in the water, submerging the roots.
• Set the container in a bright location but without direct sunlight.
• Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.

After a few weeks, you should see new growth. Once the roots have grown a few inches long, you can transplant your spider plant into the soil.

Change The Water Regularly

As mentioned above, you will need to change the water in your container every few days to keep it fresh.

This is especially important if you use tap water, as it may contain chemicals that could harm your spider plant.

Be sure to use filtered or distilled water if your tap water is unsuitable.

As your spider plant grows, you may also need to add more water to the container.

Check the level of the water regularly, and add more as needed.

Fertilize Your Spider Plant

You will also need to fertilize your spider plant periodically to ensure it gets the nutrients it needs to grow.

Use a liquid fertilizer designed for plants, and follow the instructions on the package.

Be sure to fertilize at half the recommended strength, as spider plants are very sensitive to chemicals.

You should fertilize your spider plant every two weeks or so.

Prune Your Spider Plant

As your spider plant grows, you must prune it periodically to keep it healthy.

Use a sharp knife or scissors to remove any yellow or brown leaves and stems longer than 12″ inches.

Pruning will encourage your spider plant to produce more foliage, making it fuller and healthier.

You should prune your spider plant every two weeks or so.

Replanting Your Spider Plant

Eventually, your spider will outgrow its current container. You will need to replant it into a larger container when this happens.

Be sure to use a clean container, and fill it with fresh water. 

You can then transfer your spider plant to the new container, ensuring the roots are fully submerged.

You should replant your spider plant every few months or as needed.

Signs that your spider plant has outgrown its container include:

• The roots are visible at the surface of the water
• The leaves are drooping
• The plant seems cramped or crowded
• There is not enough room for new growth

Spider Plant Problems to Look Out For

Spider plants are relatively easy to care for but can be sensitive to environmental changes.

So be sure to pay close attention to your plant and ensure it has everything it needs to thrive.

If you notice any of the following problems with your spider plant, something is likely wrong:

• The leaves are yellow or brown
• The leaves are wilting
• The plant is not growing
• There is no new growth

If you catch any of these problems, be sure to check the roots of your spider plant.

If they are brown or mushy, it is likely that your plant is root-bound and will need to be replanted into a larger container.

You should also check your container’s water level and ensure that the roots are fully submerged.

If the roots are not submerged, they will not be able to absorb water, and your plant will suffer.

Finally, check your fertilizer, as too many chemicals can harm your spider plant.

If fertilizer is the problem, stop using it and see if the plant improves.