spiderwort
Tradescantia 'Red Cloud'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flowers:
Pinkish red Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
red,purple
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Indoors:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Spiderwort (Tradescantia 'Red Cloud') should be watered whenever the top inch of its soil is dry. This is typically once or twice weekly. During normal temperatures and in the summer, the plant should be watered more frequently, approximately 1-2 times per week. During colder weather and winter, the frequency should be reduced, about 1-2 times per month. When watering, make sure to saturate the soil thoroughly each time.
sunlight
Spiderwort plants enjoy bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. They tolerate full sun, but will benefit from some shade during the hottest hours of the day. During the spring months, spiderwort can benefit from full sun in cooler climates, however, during the summer months, protection may be needed from the midday heat in warmer climates. If the plants are exposed to too much direct sunlight, they will be at risk of burning and should be protected and given adequate water. Spiderwort can thrive in a wide range of light conditions, but more shade will result in a decreased flowering.
pruning
Spiderwort generally does not need much pruning, as it is a moderate growth plant, so only occasional trimming is necessary. The best time for pruning spiderwort is in late Spring and early Summer, as well as between late fall and early winter. If you would like to shape your spiderwort, you can use shears to trim the foliage to the desired shape and size. Deadheading, or the removal of faded blooms, is also recommended. This will help to prevent seed formation and encourage further blooming.
FAQ
Do spiderwort plants require a specific soil type?
Spiderwort plants generally grow best in soils that are rich in organic matter and have good drainage. Sandy soils with a pH of 6-7 and plenty of added compost or manure are ideal for spiderwort. Spiderwort can tolerate poor soils, but optimal growth will be achieved in softer, loamy soils with more organic content. It is important to avoid overly wet soils as this can cause root rot or other problems with the plant.
Do spiderwort plants have any unique growth patterns?
Spiderwort plants have a unique growth pattern, called "spiderlings," where many small, baby-like plants grow out of the stems, just above the soil line. As the baby plants get bigger, they drop off and take root on their own. This helps the parent plant spread and propagate quickly and easily. Spiderworts also have pointed leaves with veins that run in a web-like pattern which is quite unique.
Are spiderwort flowers fragrant?
No, spiderwort flowers are not typically fragrant. The flowers have a small, star-like shape and can be found in a variety of colors, including purple, white and lavender. The flowers are known for their long-lasting beauty, but are not typically considered to be fragrant.
Could spiderwort be used as a border plant in a garden?
Yes, spiderwort can be used as a border plant in a garden. These bright and vibrant plants make ideal borders because they can grow up to two feet in height and have a mound-like shape. Additionally, when the purplish-blue flowers bloom, they create a stunning effect that attracts pollinators and beautifies any garden. Spiderwort is also known to be a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil and lighting conditions, which makes it an ideal choice for garden borders.
Could spiderwort be grown as a houseplant?
Yes, spiderwort is a great option for a houseplant! Spiderwort is a tiny, low-maintenance perennial that is native to North America. It has small clusters of three-petaled flowers that come in various shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. This plant grows quickly and has the potential to bloom multiple times throughout the year when given the right environment. It can easily be grown as an indoor houseplant with shallow pots, a bright location, and moist soil. With proper care, spiderwort will happily add a pop of color and texture to any indoor room or office space.
Do spiderwort plants spread rapidly?
Yes, spiderwort plants spread rapidly. They are considered to be somewhat invasive and are capable of quickly taking over an area. The flowers of the spiderwort plant can self-pollinate, creating more flowers and more seeds, which helps the plant spread. Spiderwort plant roots also help it spread by growing deeper than those of regular plants, allowing them to capture nutrients from further down in the soil. Additionally, the spiderwort plant spreads through rhizomes, which is an underground stem that sends up shoots above the ground. All of these mechanisms combined make spiderwort a very fast spreading plant.
Is spiderwort suitable for rooftop gardens?
Yes, spiderwort is suitable for rooftop gardens because it is drought tolerant and easily adaptable to a wide range of soil types. It grows best in partial shade, does not require much fertilizer or maintenance, and is tolerant of cold temperatures. Spiderwort is also a low-maintenance flowering plant, meaning it will add color and interest to a rooftop garden with minimal effort required.
