What Are Little Green Balls on My Spider Plant?

Spider Babies

• As the spider plant matures, the main -- or mother -- plant sends out multiple shoots. The more vigorous the mother is, the more numerous the shoots are. These shoots develop a spiky green ball of vegetation at their tip, that gradually matures to look like a miniature version of the mother plant. These babies are produced largely in the fall as the days grow shorter.

Spider Spread

• When grown on the ground outdoors, the spider babies are sprouted from the mother plant and set on adjacent soil where the babies take root. They then mature alongside the mother plant, sending out babies of their own. This growth habit, similar to strawberries, makes this plant an effective ground cover that spreads quickly.

Rooting Babies

• The majority of spider plants in the United states are grown indoors as houseplants, so the babies never touch soil, instead hanging suspended in the air attached to the mother plant. They may be cut with sharp pruning shears or scissors from the mother, cutting close to the mother's soil, and rooted in sand or water. If rooting in water, loosely tie up the leaves so they do not rot in the water. Once roots appear, plant in its own pot in sterile potting soil.

Tip Burn

• A common, yet seemingly harmless affliction of spider plants is tip burn. This is apparent when the pointed tips of the leaves turn brown and brittle. It may be caused by cultural practices such as too much or too little water, or chlorine or fluoride present in the water. Control is not necessary, unless the tip burn spreads to incorporate the entire leaf.