Do you ever cut back a spider plant?

I have one thats growing two REALLY long arms - should i just cut them back so they bush out?

Do you ever cut back a spider plant?
my girlfriend was doing that last night. you can cut them a few different ways, but she usually waits till they grow the little sprouty things at the ends, and makes new plants from those. i might be wrong, but i think you're supposed to just cut the leaves that you dont want from the base, dont just cut them in the middle. that said, i'm claiming no responsibility for the health of your plant. lol.
Reply:I let them Grow for Summer, Then cut off and put the baby spiders into pots and bring them in for Winter.


I think they pretty with all the hanging plants, just water regular as the Shoots supply Food and Water to the little ones.


As, above people say, not too much water.
Reply:Those arms on a spider plant are little spider plants that you can cut and plant. They are very easy to start. Also spider plants root systems grow very large very fast and they need to be transplanted at least once a year into bigger recepticle or they will eventually break the pot there in. Keep them watered in hot weather and a little light fertilizer will keep them happy and healthy. You should never have to cut your spider plants back if you follow these things.
Reply:The only thing you might cut back on a spider (or airplane) plant is the "arms" you describe, but wait till the babies form. Then you can take those babies and stick 'em in a pot, and they'll grow a new mama plant.


So easy to care for, but watch you don't water it too much. It likes to dry out completely between waterings.





Happy Gardening!
Reply:Some of the arms are thin, others get a lot thicker. Eventually the arms will dry out and the young plant is left on its own. If it has rooted it lives, if not it dies.


Its entirely your choice on how you proceed. Cut them off or leave them, its up to you.


I like to plant them around the base of the parent plant. Pin them down with hair clips over the arm. This means that you will need to re-pot sooner but if you feed and water them regularly (but dont over water) you can get a fabulous diplay of spider plants together.


Spider plants can tolerate drying out as they have tubers that store water for dry periods. Over watering will cause them to rot.
Reply:I regularly cut those stinking shoots off...I have so many spider plants I don't know what to do with them, and I do not like the look of all those stringy shoots all over the place...you cannot kill the things, prune and trim where you want. Good luck
Reply:Depends on what you want your plant to look like. If you want it bushy, go ahead and trim. When you do, put some of the cuttings in water and let them sprout roots. Plant in small pots with a good quality soil. That way, you can give baby plants to friends whenever you need a last minute housewarming or get well gift.