Propagate a spider plant pup in soil

Before you start

Choose a plantlet on a long enough stem to reach a second pot beside the parent. Set the pots at a similar height so the connecting stem lies relaxed. Look for small bumps or roots under the plantlet and use a small pot so you can judge when its compost is drying.

Tools and materials

• Spider plant with a pup
• Small pot with drainage holes
• Potting mix
• Bent wire pin if needed
• Clean scissors

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Pick a pup

   Choose a baby plant with small root bumps on the underside and a stem long enough to reach a nearby pot.

2. 2

   Pin the plantlet to the soil

   Fill the pot with damp mix. Rest the root bumps on the surface with the leaves above the mix. If the plantlet springs up, use a bent wire pin over the connecting stem to hold it gently in place.

3. 3

   Let it root

   Keep the pots in bright, indirect light. Check the mix regularly and water when the surface begins to dry.

4. 4

   Separate it

   Once the pup has put on new growth and resists a gentle tug, snip the connecting stem with clean scissors.

Check the result

After separating the rooted plantlet, leave it in bright, indirect light and check the compost for moisture. Look for an upright centre and new leaves over the following weeks. Give it time to fill its small pot before moving it to a larger one.

References

• Royal Horticultural Society guide to spider plant care and propagation