Tradescantia Varieties & Care

July 30, 2022

Also, commonly referred to as the Spiderwort, the Tradescantia plant is a striking houseplant with varied foliage colors. The Tradescantia species is a common option for houseplant growers because it doubles as a standard and trailing houseplant. Native to the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America, this species has all the beautiful appeal of tropical plants without the fuss.

Watering: Allow to dry out a bit between waterings, but be mindful not to leave dry for too long. This plant is drought tolerant but only to an extent.
Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun as this will scorch your tradescantia's leaves.
Humidity Needs: Low - Colorado household humidity is sufficient.
Soil Preference: A well-draining general potting mix is ideal.
Fertilizing: Will benefit from a well-balanced fertilizer applied 2x/month during spring/summer months.
Repotting: Once roots begin to fill pot or emerge from the bottom. Will tolerate being somewhat pot-bound.
Pet Safe: No
Common Issues: Yellowing leaves due to overwatering or being allowed to sit in water. Check often for pest infestations from aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Use a recommended insecticide to combat pest infestation in severe cases.