Spider Plant Watering & Growing Spider Plants in Water

Spider Plants in Water

Growing Spider Plants in Water Only:

Many people wonder if spider plants can live and grow in water alone. Although some people my argue with me, in my experience, the answer is yes. Growing spider plants in water alone works.

That said, I have not grown a full-size plant in water. The longest time I have left a spiderette in a glass of water has been about 4 months.

Can Spider Plants Live in Water? What the Pros Say:

Yes, you can grow spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) in water only, a method known as hydroponics. Here are 10 tips to help you successfully propagate spider plant babies in water:

  1. Choose Healthy Cuttings: Start with live spider plant cuttings, ideally spiderettes with at least a few inches of stem and multiple leaves.
  2. Use Clean Water: Use clean, room temperature water, preferrably filtered to remove chlorine.
  3. Select a Suitable Container: Choose a container that has the height to support the baby plants and allows them to sit in water without the leaves touching the water surface. For instance, glass jars or containers with narrow openings work well.
  4. Positioning the Cuttings: Insert the spider plant cuttings in the container so that the stem bottom is submerged in water. You can use rocks or marbles to help stabilize the cuttings if needed.
  5. Provide Adequate Light: Place the container in a location with bright, non-direct light. A spot near a window where they can receive sunshine for a few hours a day is ideal.
  6. Change the Water Regularly: Replenish the water in the container every 1-2 weeks to prevent stagnation and the buildup of algae, minerals, etc..
  7. Monitor Root Growth: Keep an eye on the roots of the spider plant cuttings. Over time, you should see rootlets developing and expanding in the water.
  8. Fertilize Sparingly: Spider plants grown in water don’t need as much fertilizer as those grown in soil. If you notice the growth slowing down or the leaves losing their vivid color, you can add a diluted liquid plant food specifically formulated for hydroponic plants.
  9. Prune as Needed: Trim any yellowing or decaying leaves to keep the foliage healthy.
  10. Consider Transplanting: While spider plants can thrive in water indefinitely, you may eventually want to transplant them into soil. Wait until the rootlets are well-established before transplanting, and be gentle to avoid damaging them.

I usually transplant plantlets into soil before then so they don’t overtake my kitchen counter. However, if I don’t get around to transplanting for several months, the plants seem to be quite happy in water.

I don’t even add fertilizer. But adding fertilizer to spider plants doesn’t hurt.

Spider Plant Watering Tips:

You don’t have to worry about any “special requirements” for watering spider plants because they are so forgiving. You can forget to water these low maintenance plants – or even overwater them and they will usually survive and do just fine.

That said, for optimal growth and happy plants, follow these guidelines and tips:

4 Tips for Spider Plant Watering

1. How Often Should You Water Spider Plants?

Typically, I adhere to a weekly watering schedule for my plants. Nonetheless, some individuals advocate for extending this interval up to two weeks. Spider plants demonstrate resilience to soil completely drying out between waterings.

As a commonly accepted guideline, many recommend watering your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. The frequency of watering should be adjusted based on the dryness of the surrounding environment. For instance, indoor houseplants generally require more frequent irrigation than their outdoor counterparts.

Tip: New plantings can benefit from moisture-rich soil. Using a soil supplement like peat moss can help water retention and therefore stimulate new root growth.

2. Signs You are Overwatering or Underwatering Your Plants

When spider plants need more water, they will start to droop. This signifies that you should give them a drink. On the other hand, if the leaves yellow or form black tips, this can mean that the plant needs less water.

Tip: Even though these easy-going plants can grow fine without a self-draining pot, they do prefer drainage. Some individuals prefer to water their plants over the sink, allowing them to provide ample fresh water and ensuring thorough drainage of excess water.

3. Irrigation Needs Change with the Seasons

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, it is advisable to maintain soil moisture for spider plants more frequently during the summer months. As temperatures rise and humidity levels increase, plants tend to lose moisture more rapidly through transpiration. Therefore, watering should be adjusted accordingly to prevent the soil from drying out completely.

Conversely, during the winter months, when temperatures are typically lower and indoor heating systems can contribute to drier air, spider plants require less frequent watering. Reduced evaporation rates and lower overall moisture loss from the soil mean that watering can be scaled back to prevent over-saturation of the soil.

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4. What Type of Water Do Spider Plants Like?

While filtered water is preferable for watering spider plants due to its purity and lack of impurities, regular tap water can still suffice. However, it’s important to note that tap water may contain minerals and salts that can accumulate in the soil over time, potentially leading to issues such as brown leaf tips or other signs of stress in the plant.

According to Joy Us Garden, if your tap water has a high salt content, it is advisable to opt for distilled water instead. Distilled water undergoes a process that removes impurities, including salts and minerals, making it a safer choice for watering sensitive plants like spider plants.

By using distilled water, you can help maintain the health of your spider plant and prevent problems (like brown leaf tips) associated with salt buildup in the soil.

5. Pros & Cons of 6 Different Watering Methods:

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There are several ways to water spider plants:

Self-Watering Pots:

  • Pros: Self-watering pots often come with a higher price tag compared to traditional pots. Additionally, regular cleaning is necessary to prevent the accumulation of algae or bacteria in the reservoir.
  • Cons: Self-watering planters can be expensive compared to traditional pots. They may also require periodic cleaning to prevent the buildup of algae or bacteria in the reservoir.

Watering from the Bottom:

  • Pros: Bottom watering ensures thorough hydration of the plant’s rootlet system. Plus, it minimizes the risk of water wetting foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. This watering method is also convenient for plants with sensitive greenery that may be damaged by overhead watering.
  • Cons: Depending on the size of the tray, bottom watering may not administer enough water for larger plants or those with extensive root systems. It also requires monitoring to prevent overwatering and waterlogging of the soil.
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Time-Saving Plant Watering Bulbs:

  • Pros: Watering bulbs release water gradually, thus maintaining consistent moisture levels in the soil and reducing the frequency of manual watering. They are ideal for busy professional or parents or those prone to forgetting to water their plants routinely.
  • Cons: These irrigation stakes are not recommended for all pot sizes or soil types and may not deliver sufficient hydration for larger or thirsty plants.

Basic Spray Bottles:

  • Pros: Spray bottles are useful for misting spider plant foliage, which can help increase humidity and remove dust. They are also handy for spot watering or providing moisture to plants with delicate leaves.
  • Cons: Sprayers may not deliver water deep into the soil, potentially leading to inadequate hydration of the plant’s root system. Additionally, misting may not supply sufficient water for larger spider plants.

Automated Drip Irrigation Systems:

  • Pros: Drip irrigation efficiently delivers moisture directly to the soil around the roots of plants. Thus, it reduces water wastage and promotes optimal water absorption in outdoor gardens.
  • Cons: Installing drip systems can be initially costly and require some technical knowledge. They may also warrant periodic maintenance to ensure proper functioning.

Simple Watering Cans:

  • Pros: Watering pots allow precise control over the amount of water applied, enabling you to target the soil directly around the plant’s base. They are convenient and versatile for indoor and outdoor watering.
  • Cons: Depending on the size of the can, watering large numbers of plants can be time-consuming. Also, if not careful, there’s a risk of overwatering or uneven distribution of water.

Summary:

In conclusion, growing spider plants in water alone is indeed possible, as demonstrated by personal experience and supported by hydroponic methods. While regular maintenance and eventual transplantation may be necessary, the versatility and resilience of spider plants make them an accessible and rewarding addition to any indoor garden or household space.

Last Updated February 27, 2024

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