The variegated spider plant, scientifically known as Chlorophytum comosum ‘Variegatum,’ is a popular houseplant that is easy to care for and propagate. This plant produces numerous small white flowers that develop into baby spider plants or plantlets. These plantlets can either be left attached to the mother plant or removed and grown into new plants.
Another way to propagate a variegated spider plant is by using its seeds. While the plant rarely produces seeds indoors, it is still possible to harvest them from outdoor plants or purchase them from online seed sellers. In this article, we will discuss how to store, sow and germinate variegated spider plant seeds.
If you have obtained variegated spider plant seeds, it is important to store them properly so they remain viable until you are ready to sow them. Here are some tips for storing variegated spider plant seeds:
Keep them dry: Moisture can cause the seeds to rot or mold. Store the seeds in a cool and dry place, such as a sealed container with some silica gel packets.
Label the container: Make sure the container is labeled with the date of harvest and any other important information about the seeds.
Avoid heat: Do not store the seeds in an area that gets too hot, as this can decrease their viability.
Keep away from pests: Store the container in a place where it won’t be accessed by rodents or insects that could eat the seeds.
Once you are ready to sow your variegated spider plant seeds, here are some steps to follow:
Prepare soil: Choose a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. You can also add perlite or sand to improve drainage.
Sow the seeds: Plant the seeds on the soil surface and cover them with a thin layer of soil mix. Do not bury them too deep as they need light to germinate.
Water the soil: Use a spray bottle or a watering can with a fine nozzle to water the soil. Make sure the soil is moist but not too wet.
Cover the container: Cover the container with plastic wrap or a clear lid to retain moisture and warmth.
Provide light: Place the container in a bright location but avoid direct sunlight. You can also use artificial grow lights if you don’t have access to natural light.
Wait for germination: Variegated spider plant seeds usually take 2-4 weeks to germinate, so be patient and keep the soil moist during this time.
Once your variegated spider plant seeds have germinated, here are some tips for their care:
Remove cover: Once the seedlings have emerged, remove the plastic wrap or lid to prevent mold growth.
Provide light: Continue to provide bright but indirect light or use grow lights for about 12-16 hours each day.
Water carefully: Keep the soil moist but not too wet as seedlings are prone to damping off disease.
Fertilize: After the first true leaves have appeared, you can start fertilizing with a diluted houseplant fertilizer every two weeks.
Transplant: Once the seedlings have grown big enough, you can transplant them into individual pots or into a larger container with other spider plants.
A: Variegated spider plant seeds can last up to three years if stored properly in cool and dry conditions.
A: Yes, variegated spider plant seeds can be planted directly in the ground if the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
A: Water your variegated spider plant seedlings when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
A: Yes, you can propagate your variegated spider plant from its seeds, but it is a less common method as the plant rarely produces seeds indoors.