Spider plants are such a classic for a reason—they look amazing and are practically unkillable! If you’ve got one of these beauties trailing in your living room, you’ve probably wondered about making some “plant babies.” But can you actually grow them from seeds? Let’s dive into the details.
A Quick Heads-up on Spider Plant Seeds
First things first: spider plant seeds are actually toxic. While they aren’t deadly, eating them can cause some pretty unpleasant stomach issues like nausea or diarrhea. If you have curious toddlers running around, it’s a smart move to snip off the flowers before they turn into seeds. And don’t forget your furry friends! Cats absolutely love nibbling on spider plants, but the seeds are toxic for them too. Keep your plant on a high shelf or in a hanging basket where your kitty can’t reach it.
Can You Grow Them From Seed?
Whether or not you can grow a spider plant from seed really depends on the variety you have. If you’ve got one of those fancy variegated types with the cool white or yellow stripes, seeds won’t work—they won’t grow “true” to the parent plant. However, if you have the solid green wild form, you’re in luck! Just prep a pot with fresh potting soil, sprinkle the seeds on top, and press them down gently. Cover them with a thin layer of soil and keep them consistently moist. Before you know it, you’ll see tiny green sprouts popping up.
Easier Ways to Multiply Your Plants
If you’re already repotting your plant because it’s getting too big for its britches, that’s the perfect time for division. Just carefully split the root ball into two halves and give each its own pot. Just be gentle with the roots and give them a good drink of water afterward—just make sure the pots drain well so they don’t get “soggy feet.”
The absolute easiest way to propagate a spider plant, though, is by using those cute little “spiderettes” (the babies that hang off the long stems). You can snip them off and pop them in a glass of water until they grow roots, or even pin them directly into a small pot of soil while they’re still attached to the mom. A happy spider plant will produce these little guys all year long!
Spider Plant Seeds: The Bottom Line
- Spider plant seeds are toxic and can cause stomach upset.
- Keep them away from small children and cats.
- Growing from seed only works for the solid green wild variety.
- Variegated (striped) varieties won’t grow from seed.
- For better results, try propagating via spiderettes or by dividing the plant.
