Steve--
I think your observation is correct re your unrooted Spider plants needing lots of watering. You said they are unrooted--so there are no roots developed yet to help the plant thrive on it's own.
It does take a while for unrooted spider plants to grow out roots so they can make it on their own.
I have always started with well-rooted babies (in water) and then potted them up in soil. And--off they go!
Try to get a start of the Curly Spider plant from someone. it is a beauty.
Gita
