Clearing Up the Myth – Are There Really Male and Female Spider Plants?

The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is one of the most popular and easy to grow houseplants. Its graceful arching leaves and tendency to produce plenty of dangling “spiderettes” make it an attractive addition to any home. However, there is a persistent myth that spider plants come in separate male and female varieties. This brings up the question – are there really male and female spider plants?

The short answer is no. Spider plants contain both male and female reproductive organs within each flower making them monoecious. So while we may refer to a plant colloquially as a “male” or “female” biologically speaking there is no separate male or female variety.

Understanding Spider Plant Reproduction

Spider plants reproduce both sexually through flowers, and asexually through offshoots. The small white flowers contain both male stamen and female pistils. If pollinated, they can produce seeds. However, indoors spider plants rarely produce viable seeds.

The more common form of reproduction is through vegetative offsets or “spiderettes” that form on arched stems. These baby spider plants root easily in soil, allowing the plant to propagate itself.

So where does the myth of male and female spider plants originate? It likely comes from the observation that some spider plants produce abundant offsets while others produce none. This variability in offset production led to the assumption that those with no babies must be “male”.

In reality, the ability to produce offsets depends on the plant’s growing conditions, not its sex.

Factors That Affect Spiderette Production

There are a few key factors that determine whether a spider plant will create baby spiderettes:

• Age – Spider plants need to reach maturity at around 1 year old before beginning to produce offsets. Be patient with younger plants.

• Light – Bright, indirect light is needed for a spider plant to flower and offset. Low light limits energy.

• Nutrition – Adequate but not excessive fertilizer ensures plants have nutrients to expend on flowering and offsets.

• Variety – Some spider plant varieties are bred to be more prolific with spiderette production than others.

• Health – Spider plants under stress from pests, disease, or poor care are less likely to reproduce well.

So when a spider plant fails to produce any offsets, it’s not because it’s a “male”, but rather due to immaturity, insufficient light, or other cultural issues.

Caring for Spider Plants

To get your spider plant thriving and producing babies:

• Provide bright indirect light or several hours of direct morning or evening sun.

• Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Take care not to overwater.

• Fertilize monthly in spring and summer using a balanced houseplant fertilizer.

• Keep temperatures between 65-80°F for best growth.

• Prune off dried leaves and spent flower stems to encourage new growth.

• Propagate the spiderettes when they reach several inches long.

No Such Thing as Male and Female Spider Plants

While it’s fun to imagine our houseplants having distinct genders and personalities, scientifically spider plants are monoecious with individual flowers containing both male and female parts.

So if your spider plant lacks the iconic dangling babies, don’t assume it’s a male. Simply tweak its care, give it time to mature, and those coveted spiderettes should soon appear! Both “male” and “female” plants have the ability to produce plenty of plantlets with the right growing conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spider Plant Gender

Do male and female spider plants look different?

No, there is no visible difference between supposed “male” and “female” spider plants. All spider plants have the same long, arched green and white striped leaves.

What causes a spider plant not to produce babies?

Lack of spiderettes is typically due to inadequate light, youth, incorrect temperature, or cultural issues – not the plant’s gender. Give the plant optimal care and babies should form.

Can a male spider plant turn female?

Spider plants cannot change gender or sex because they contain both male and female flower parts. Offsets are produced based on growing conditions and plant maturity, not gender.

Should I get a male and female to produce seeds?

Indoors, spider plants rarely produce viable seeds even with both male and female parents present. Propagation is best done through vegetative offsets.

Can spider plants self-pollinate?

Yes, because each flower contains both male and female structures, spider plants can self-pollinate. However, seed production indoors is very minimal.

The mystery has been solved – no need to worry about searching for elusive male and female spider plant varieties. With the proper care, any spider plant can generate bountiful babies!