My spider plants roots rotted due to ignorance and lack of research. There are definitely not spiderettes. Can I propagate the spider plant from just a leaf and if so how? Or is it just a goner... Please help. Thanks
I'm sorry, you will not be able to propagate with just a leaf.
See if a friend has a new spiderette that they may share with you!
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/spider-plant/propagating-spiderettes.htm
How fast do spider plants grow? I just got two babies in a five inch pot and planted them in a six and seven inch pot respectively.
Spider Plants do grow quickly but these pot sizes sound appropriate for new spiderettes.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/spider-plant/repotting-spider-plants.htm
Someone told me I needed to re-pot it, Is this true?
Not necessarily. This is fungal mycelium, which in most cases is a good thing.
It does, in this case, indicate that the plant is being overwatered. Spider plants are very drought tolerant, preferring dry soils. They can go very long periods without water.
If the soil smells fresh like soil, or like mushrooms, then you are fine. If it has a sulfur smell, however, then you will want to re-pot the plant.
Here is an article that will help you to give these the most proper care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/spider-plant/spider-plant-care-gardening-tips-for-spider-plants.htm
You state that NDSU extension says the following. Do you have a reference and link for this? https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/spider-plant/spider-plants-cats.htm But, according to the North Dakota State University Extension Service, studies have found that this plant does, indeed, give off a mild hallucinogenic effect to felines... PS Read more at Gardening Know How: Spider Plants And Cats: Why Are Cats Eating Spider Plant Leaves And Can It Be Harmful? https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/spider-plant/spider-plants-cats.htm
These are the cite sources: http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extnews/hortiscope/pests/cat.htm
http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extnews/hortiscope/houseplnts/spider.htm
http://www.news.wisc.edu/16820
This causes the whole leaf to die. Even leaves on the babies are turning brown at the same place. What is causing this? How can I help it? It was very healtyhy, watered with purified water only as it is an office plant in the city.
These are very drought tolerant and will not tolerate moist soil for very long. This will cause an infection in the soil. This is likely the case now. If at all possible, you will want to repot with fresh soil and replace 1/4 of the water next time that you water with hydrogen peroxide. This will help kill off any remaining infection. You should only need to do this once.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/spider-plant/treating-diseases-of-spider-plant.htm
I just repotted my spider plant and suddenly its leaves on the end started getting black and very soon after it spread to the sides as well. It just keeps getting worse and I have no clue how to prevent it. I thought it might be overwatering but when I made a pause till the soil dried up a bit I noticed the leaves started curling on the end. Could this be because of the soil or a pest maybe?
It is likely a fungal infection from overwatering. They are VERY drought tolerant, preferring dry soils. Wet feet will cause infections in spider plants very quickly
From here, you will have to treat with a fungicide, and let the soil dry out thoroughly between waterings.
These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Spider plants, and boys purchased 4- inch; would like to place in large hanging baskets
There is no real good rule of thumb. How many you plant is plant dependent, and sometimes, not important. In this case with the spiderplant- They are very comfortable being rootbound and crowded.
As long as you plant with an inch or two between plants then they will be happy. More importantly is the care that they receive. This article will help: