Tradescantia Care Guide
Tradescantia, commonly known as Spiderwort or Wandering Jew, is a fast-growing trailing plant perfect for hanging baskets. Known for colorful, striped foliage and easy propagation.
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Can tolerate some direct morning sun. Variegated varieties need more light to maintain their colorful patterns.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when top inch of soil feels dry. These plants are quite forgiving with watering.
Soil & Fertilizer
Use well-draining potting mix. Fertilize monthly during growing season with diluted liquid fertilizer. They're not heavy feeders.
Temperature & Humidity
Prefer temperatures 65-75°F. Enjoy higher humidity but adapt well to normal household conditions. Avoid cold drafts.
Popular Varieties
- Tradescantia zebrina: Purple and silver striped leaves
- Tradescantia fluminensis: Green and white variegated leaves
- Tradescantia pallida: Deep purple foliage (Purple Heart)
- Tradescantia nanouk: Pink, white, and green variegation
Pruning & Maintenance
Pinch back regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess. Remove any solid green growth on variegated plants to maintain patterns.
Common Problems
- Leggy growth: Insufficient light or needs pinching back
- Fading variegation: Not enough light
- Brown leaf tips: Low humidity or water quality issues
- Pest issues: Spider mites in dry conditions
Special Care Notes
Fast-growing and may need frequent repotting. Can become invasive outdoors in warm climates. Handle with care as stems can be brittle.