Harvesting Airplane Plant: Timing and Techniques

Airplane plants, also known as spider plants or Chlorophytum comosum, are popular houseplants known for their long, slender leaves that arch gracefully over the edge of their pots. These plants are low-maintenance, easy to care for, and can be propagated easily. One of the best things about airplane plants is that they produce small plantlets that grow on long stolons or runners, making them perfect for sharing with friends or starting a new plant.

If you have an airplane plant and want to harvest its plantlets or propagate it, timing and technique are key. In this article, we’ll discuss the best time to harvest airplane plants and how to do it correctly to ensure the health of both the parent plant and its offspring.

When to Harvest Airplane Plants

The best time to harvest airplane plants is in the spring or summer when they are actively growing. During these seasons, your plant will be producing more plantlets and will have enough energy to support their growth.

It’s important to wait until the plantlets are mature enough before harvesting them. If you harvest them too early, they may not have developed enough roots or leaves to survive on their own. Generally, you should wait until the plantlets are at least 2-3 inches long and have several leaves before harvesting them.

You can tell if a plantlet is ready for harvesting by looking at the end of its stolon. If it has small roots emerging from it or if the stolon has turned brown and dry, it’s ready to be harvested.

How to Harvest Airplane Plants

Harvesting an airplane plant is a simple process that doesn’t require any special tools or equipment. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare a pot: Fill a small pot with fresh potting soil and make a hole in the center large enough to accommodate the root ball of your plantlet.
Remove the plantlet: Gently pull the plantlet off the parent plant’s stolon. If it doesn’t come off easily, use sharp scissors or a clean knife to cut it off as close to the stolon as possible.
Plant the plantlet: Place the plantlet in the hole you prepared earlier and gently press the soil around it. Water it thoroughly and place it in a bright spot with indirect sunlight.
Care for the new plant: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and provide your new plant with adequate light and warmth. It should begin to grow quickly and produce new leaves within a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I harvest my airplane plant in the fall or winter?

While you can technically harvest your airplane plant at any time of year, it’s best to wait until spring or summer when your plant is actively growing. During fall and winter, your plant may not have enough energy to support its own growth as well as that of its offspring.

How many plantlets can I harvest from one airplane plant?

An airplane plant can produce dozens of plantlets over time, especially if it’s well-cared-for and receives adequate light and water.

Can I propagate my airplane plant without harvesting its plantlets?

Yes, you can propagate your airplane plant by dividing its root ball or by rooting cuttings in water or soil. However, harvesting its plantlets is one of the easiest and most common ways to propagate this type of plant.

How often should I harvest my airplane plant’s plantlets?

There’s no set schedule for harvesting your airplane plant’s plantlets. Instead, keep an eye on them throughout the growing season and harvest them when they’re mature enough to survive on their own.

How can I encourage my airplane plant to produce more plantlets?

To encourage your airplane plant to produce more plantlets, make sure it’s getting enough light and water. You can also fertilize it regularly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season. Additionally, removing any dead or yellow leaves from your parent plant will help redirect energy towards producing new growth.