How to Make a Spider Plant Have Runners

Pot the spider plant in a lightweight potting mixture, such as equal parts peat moss, potting soil and perlite. This mixture provides proper drainage and aeration needed to grow a healthy plant.

Place the plant in bright filtered light. Although spider plants survive in lower light, some light is necessary for growth. Direct sunlight is not advised it because it may damage tender foliage.

Water the spider plant when the soil dries. This plants develops water-swollen roots capable of storing water and can withstand dry soil. For best results, allow the soil to dry and then water thoroughly until water runs freely through the bottom of the pot.

Fertilize the spider plant with water-soluble fertilizer once a month from March until September or October. Too much fertilizer may produce a large mother plant, but inhibit the number of baby spiders it produces.

Allow the spider plant to remain in the same pot so that it will become pot bound. When a spider plant's roots become pot bound, it creates stress on the plant. This stress signals the plant to reproduce, and it begins to send out young shoots that develop into new spiderettes.

Place the spider plant in an area that is in total darkness at night. According to Kansas State Research and Extension Services, spider plants are photoperiodic and respond to long nights and short days by flowering and producing new spiders.