Spider Plant Not Producing Babies: Pot Size Plus Day Length
A spider plant not producing babies usually needs a tighter pot or shorter days. University of Illinois Extension notes that spider plants produce plantlets when potbound. NC State Extension adds that runners form after at least three weeks of short days plus long, uninterrupted nights.
The short answer
Give the plant a snug pot plus natural short days. University of Illinois Extension says a potbound spider plant forms plantlets. NC State Extension explains that stolons plus plantlets develop when the plant gets less than 12 hours of light a day for at least three weeks. Overfeeding also reduces plantlet formation.
Why does pot size matter?
University of Illinois Extension notes that spider plants will produce plantlets when potbound. A pot with lots of spare root room can delay runners.
The same source advises planting in regular potting mix plus allowing the soil to dry between waterings. At the ends of long arching stems, plantlets form.
NC State Extension adds that spider plant propagates easily by plantlets or division. Dividing a crowded plant yields new starts without waiting for runners.
How does day length affect runners?
NC State Extension explains that stolons plus plantlets are light dependent. They develop when the mother plant receives short days plus long, uninterrupted nights.
That means less than 12 hours of light a day for at least three weeks, the same source notes. Lamps left on late in the evening can interrupt those nights.
University of Illinois Extension notes that light duration is the number of hours of light a plant gets in 24 hours. Plants need a rest period too, the same source adds.
| Factor | What helps runners | Source note |
|---|---|---|
| Pot size | Snug, potbound roots | Plantlets form when potbound |
| Day length | Under 12 hours of light | For at least three weeks |
| Night | Long plus uninterrupted | Avoid late lamps |
| Feeding | Light | Overfeeding reduces plantlets |
Source: University of Illinois Extension plus NC State Extension.
What light suits spider plants?
University of Illinois Extension notes that spider plant prefers bright light but adapts well to medium light. NC State Extension says it prefers bright to moderate indirect light year round.
NC State Extension adds that spider plant is intolerant of direct sunlight. It can tolerate deep shade, although medium light levels suit it more.
Temperatures below 55°F are too cool for spider plants, while those above 80°F are too warm, the same source notes. Average room temperatures work well.
How to: step by step
- Leave the plant in a snug pot rather than moving up a size.
- Provide bright indirect light.
- Limit light to under 12 hours a day.
- During the night, avoid lamps in the room.
- Follow this routine for at least three weeks.
- Use fertilizer sparingly.
Troubleshooting
No runners in a big pot: extra root room. Leave it potbound.
No runners under evening lamps: long days. Give long dark nights.
Lush leaves but no plantlets: overfeeding. Feed less.
For related reading see optimal lighting for growing indoors, grow light timers plus potting up cannabis seedlings. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Spider plant, University of Illinois Extension
- Spider plant, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Chlorophytum comosum (spider plant), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lighting, houseplants, Illinois Extension
FAQ
Do spider plants flower?
Yes. NC State Extension notes that long green stolons produce both flowers plus plantlets. The small white star shaped flowers form in loose panicles. UF IFAS Gardening Solutions adds that the shoots develop rooted plantlets at their tips plus clusters of small white flowers.
Why are spider plant tips brown?
NC State Extension advises against watering with tap water, as the chlorine plus fluorides can cause leaf tip burn. Water quality is worth a look when tips brown. University of Illinois Extension adds that the soil should dry between waterings rather than stay wet.
How are spider plant babies rooted?
NC State Extension notes that spider plant propagates easily by plantlets or division. UF IFAS Gardening Solutions describes the plantlets as already rooted at the tips of the shoots. The plantlets form at the ends of long arching stems, according to University of Illinois Extension.
Do spider plants like a small pot?
Yes, for runners. University of Illinois Extension notes that spider plants will produce plantlets when potbound. Moving the plant into a much larger pot gives roots room to fill first, which can delay new babies until the pot fills again.
Is spider plant hard to grow?
No. UF IFAS Gardening Solutions describes spider plant as easy to grow plus requiring very little attention. It thrives on neglect. NC State Extension lists no significant insect or disease problems. Bright indirect light plus average room temperatures suit it well.
