Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are beloved for their lush green leaves and air-purifying qualities. But one of the biggest joys of owning a spider plant is seeing it produce adorable baby plantlets, also known as “spiderettes.” These little offshoots dangle from the mother plant like tiny green stars, ready to be propagated and grown into new plants.
However, if your spider plant isn’t producing babies, you might be wondering: What’s wrong? The good news is that there are clear reasons why this happens, and even better—there are solutions! In this article, we’ll explore the top seven reasons your spider plant isn’t growing babies and how you can fix them to encourage a flourishing, thriving plant.
1. Your Spider Plant Is Too Young
How Old Is Your Plant?
If you’ve recently bought or propagated a spider plant, it may not be old enough to start producing babies yet. Spider plants typically need to reach maturity before they begin sending out offshoots.
How to Fix It:
- Be patient! Most spider plants start producing babies when they are about 1 to 2 years old.
- Focus on proper care to encourage healthy growth.
- Avoid repotting too often, as stability helps with maturity.
3. It’s Not Root-Bound Yet
Does Your Plant Have Plenty of Space?
Spider plants tend to produce babies when their roots are slightly cramped in the pot. If your plant has too much space, it may focus on root growth instead of reproduction.
How to Fix It:
- Avoid repotting too soon. Let your plant become root-bound before moving it to a larger pot.
- If you recently repotted, give it time to adjust before expecting babies.
4. You’re Not Feeding It Enough Nutrients
Is Your Plant Getting Proper Nutrition?
Just like humans, plants need proper nutrition to grow and reproduce. If your spider plant lacks essential nutrients, it may not have the energy to produce babies.
How to Fix It:
- Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can encourage leafy growth but delay baby production.
- Use an organic fertilizer or compost to provide slow-releasing nutrients.
5. Your Watering Habits Are Off
Are You Overwatering or Underwatering?
Watering issues can cause stress, making it harder for your plant to produce babies. Too much water can lead to root rot, while too little can cause dehydration.
How to Fix It:
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.
- Reduce watering in winter when growth slows down.
6. It’s Not Experiencing Enough Temperature Fluctuations
Is Your Plant Getting the Right Temperature Changes?
Spider plants need slight temperature fluctuations to trigger baby production. If your home has a constant temperature, it may not be encouraging the plant’s natural growth cycle.
How to Fix It:
- Allow some variation in temperatures (warmer during the day, cooler at night).
- Keep your plant in a room that gets natural day-night temperature shifts.
- Avoid placing it near heaters, air conditioners, or drafts.
7. It’s Not Getting Enough Humidity
Is Your Air Too Dry?
Spider plants enjoy moderate humidity, and dry air can make it harder for them to thrive and reproduce.
How to Fix It:
- Mist your plant occasionally, especially in winter.
- Place a small tray of water near the plant to increase humidity.
- Use a humidifier if you live in a very dry climate.