Find out how to boost spider plant pups the natural way. No fertilizer needed—just simple care tricks for a fuller, healthier plant.
Spider plants are popular houseplants because they’re easy to care for and look beautiful. One of the best things about them is their little “babies,” or pups, that dangle from long stems like ornaments. These pups can grow into new spider plants – for free! If you want your spider plant to overflow with pups but don’t want to use fertilizer, you’re in luck. There are natural ways to encourage your plant to produce more pups, and we’ll explain them all here.
How to Make a Spider Plant Overflow with Pups
Spider plants are one of the easiest and most fun houseplants to grow. One of the best things about them is how they produce baby plants—called “pups” or “spiderettes.” These little offshoots dangle from the mother plant like tiny spiders on a web, giving the plant a full and overflowing look.
Many people think you need lots of fertilizer to get more pups, but that’s not true. With the right care and a few simple tricks, you can make your spider plant overflow with pups—naturally!
How to Make a Spider Plant Overflow with Pups
1. Give It Bright, Indirect Light
Light is one of the most important factors when trying to grow more pups. Spider plants thrive in bright but indirect light. A spot near a sunny window with filtered light is ideal. If the plant is in too much shade, it may grow slowly and hold off on producing pups. On the other hand, direct sunlight can burn the leaves. If natural light is low, you can use a grow light for a few hours a day. This is a lesser-known trick that works especially well in winter months.
2. Let It Get a Little Root-Bound
Spider plants don’t mind being a little cramped. In fact, when the roots fill the pot and the plant becomes slightly root-bound, it often responds by producing pups. This is the plant’s way of saying it’s ready to multiply. Avoid repotting too often. Letting the plant live in the same pot for two or even three years can encourage more babies. Some gardeners even place the pot inside a decorative cover pot with less room to slow root expansion—this gentle stress can lead to more pup growth.
3. Water Just Right (Not Too Much, Not Too Little)
Watering correctly helps your spider plant stay strong and healthy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause leaf tips to turn brown. The sweet spot is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
One lesser-known trick is to water with rainwater or filtered water. Spider plants are sensitive to chemicals like chlorine and fluoride found in tap water, which can build up and slow their growth. Switching to cleaner water often makes a noticeable difference in how fast they grow and produce pups.
4. Use the Right Potting Mix
Spider plants prefer light, airy soil that drains well. If the soil is too heavy, it can hold too much moisture and suffocate the roots. A mix of regular houseplant soil with added perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand can improve drainage and airflow around the roots.
Another trick is to use coconut coir instead of peat-based soil. It retains moisture while still allowing air to move, creating a healthy environment for pup production.
5. Keep the Humidity and Temperature Comfortable
These plants enjoy warm temperatures and slightly humid air, similar to their native tropical environment. Keep your spider plant in a room between 65°F and 80°F (18 °C and 27°C). Dry air, especially in winter when heaters are on, can slow down pup production. You can increase humidity by placing the plant near a bowl of water or clustering it with other houseplants.
A fun trick is to place the plant in the bathroom, where warm showers naturally raise humidity levels—many spider plants love this steamy spa treatment and respond with new growth.
6. Trim Old Leaves and Pups Carefully
Regularly trimming off yellow or dried leaves helps the plant focus its energy on growing strong, green leaves and producing pups. If you already have a lot of pups hanging down, removing a few of them can signal the plant to produce more. A lesser-known trick is to gently twist or pinch off pups instead of cutting them with scissors. This small stress can sometimes encourage the plant to send out new ones faster.
7. Give It a Little Stress (In a Good Way!)
Mild stress can actually inspire your spider plant to reproduce. One trick is to allow the soil to dry out slightly more than usual once in a while—just enough to signal the plant that it might be time to make babies.
Another helpful idea is to tilt the pot or gently shake it slightly while watering. This mimics natural movement, the plant might feel outdoors, and sometimes encourages branching and pup production.
Some experienced growers even mimic seasonal changes by slightly lowering the temperature and reducing watering in winter, then increasing both in spring. This shift imitates nature and can trigger the plant to send out new shoots when it feels like the growing season has returned.
