Spider plants are a staple in any houseplant garden thanks to their low-maintenance nature. Aside from that, these plants are tough, surviving cool temperatures. Not to mention, they’re not prone to pests or infections.
But what about hydroponic gardens? Can spider plants grow in water? That’s what I’ll unveil in this article. So, stick around!
Can Spider Plants Live in Water?
Yes, spider plants can grow and live in water without being transferred to soil. These plants can thrive in a hydroponic garden due to their hardiness and adaptability.
That said, growing plants in water gardens requires your care and attention.
To ensure the spider plants remain healthy, it’s crucial to provide the right environmental conditions. These include indirect sunlight, warm temperatures, and average humidity.
Additionally, you need to change the water regularly to keep it clean and ensure proper growth.
How to Grow Spider Plants in Water?
Now that you know spider plants can live in water containers, let’s discuss how to grow them!
Step 1: Select a Healthy Spider Plant
Selecting a healthy propagate is probably the most important step to ensuring your spider plants grow hydroponically.
That’s because robust plants resist pests and disease. So, they’ll pass such characteristics on to the cuttings.
Aside from that, you can start off with some nursery stock or potted spider plants. All you need to do is wash the soil from the roots and place them in water.
However, I won’t recommend doing that. Switching the plant’s environment can lead to transplant shock.
Such stressful conditions cause the plants to decline and eventually die. So, it’s better to use cuttings.
Step 2: Take Some Cuttings
Before clipping a spider plant, make sure it’s actively growing.
As a rule of thumb, propagate plants during the spring or early summer. This is when they’re more likely to create healthy propagules and respond positively to the cutting process.
So, how do you take plant cuttings?
- Look for healthy offshoots connected to the mother plant. Choose those with at least a few inches of length for better success.
- Using a sharp pruning shear, make a clean, diagonal cut near the base of the spiderette plant. Avoid crushing the stem during this process.
- Trim any excess foliage near the base to prevent it from rotting in the water.
Step 3: Fill a Container with Water
You can propagate spiderettes in glass or opaque containers. I prefer the former since you can view the growth.
However, glass jars are susceptible to algae because of the light exposure. Still, if you change the water regularly, this shouldn’t become an issue.
Now, when it comes to water, I recommend using rain or distilled water.
While plain old tap water can help the propagules grow roots, it will be harmful in the long run. That’s because it contains fluoride.
Unfortunately, spider plants are sensitive to this mineral. Exposure to fluoride causes leaf tip browning, also known as necrosis.
Step 4: Maintain Proper Growth Conditions
Once you get your container ready, transfer the baby plants into it. The water should reach the spiderette’s bottom but not the foliage.
Now, all you need to do is keep the plants under proper growth conditions.
Ideally, spider plants thrive in indirect sunlight. Additionally, they prefer moderate temperatures between 55ºF and 80ºF and average humidity.
If kept under optimal conditions, the baby plants will show root growth within days. Once you notice a good network of roots, you need to start fertilizing.
Generally, any organic liquid fertilizer would get the job done. You can also use fish food.
Whichever option you go for, make sure to avoid products with urea, as the chemical can burn tender roots. Don’t forget to add these nutrients to the water as you change the solution weekly.
How to Propagate a Spider Plant in Water
Propagating spider plants is a straightforward process. All you need is sanitized, sharp shears, a clean jar, and water. Of course, you’ll also need a healthy, mature spider plant.
You can grow these plants either from seed or stem cuttings. However, the plants won’t grow from the leaves.
Once you get the tools on hand, here’s what to do:
- Fill a clean jar with water and let it sit for an hour to reach room temperature. That also causes the tap water to de-chlorinate.
- Near the stolons of the mother plant, search for spiderettes.
- Using the sharp shears, cut near the base of the baby plants.
- Remove any foliage near the bottom.
- Add the cuttings to the jar, and make sure the water covers the base.
- Place the jars near a shaded window to get indirect sunlight.
- Once the roots grow, transfer the plants to a pot with potting mix (optional).
Can You Put Spider Plants in an Aquarium?
While spider plants are adaptable and hardy, placing them directly in an aquarium may not be the best choice.
These plants aren’t aquatic. Submerging them in water will cause oxygen depletion and root rot. Additionally, the environment doesn’t provide the nutrient requirements for the plants to thrive.
That said, you can grow spider plants on the surface of an aquarium. The fish food will act as a fertilizer, providing the necessary nutrients.
Just make sure the water only reaches the plant’s base, not the leaves.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, spider plants make excellent candidates for a hydroponic garden thanks to their resilient nature.
All you need to do is take some cuttings, place them in water, and provide optimal growth conditions. However, the key to success lies in choosing a healthy mother plant.
By following the steps outlined in the article, you can grow vibrant spider plants and transform your space into a green sanctuary!
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.