Species spiderwort
lime-yellow leaves on lime stems

spiderwort

Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albovittata'

Spiderwort is an evergreen species which produces beautiful, white-striped leaves that can reach a length of up to 12 inches. They can flower in clusters of three petals, each varying in colors from blue to violet, while some of the flowers may have yellow or white coloration. This species is a perennial plant and is capable of spreading out wide to form a large, dense groundcover. It is able to handle dappled sunlight or partial shade, as well as some wet conditions. Though it can struggle in high temperatures, it can tolerate some cold temperatures throughout the year. Spiderwort is an ideal choice for adding texture and color to your garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Stem Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

9 - 12

Flowers:

White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

full sun,part sun/part shade

Fruits:

purple Fruits In Autumn Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,pink,white

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Water spiderwort (Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albovittata') once a week, for approximately 15 minutes each time. The amount of water should be enough to wet the entire soil surface but avoid overwatering. If the soil feels too wet when checked with your finger, then it is better not to water until the soil dries out. In the summer months, slightly more water may be needed if the climate is very hot and dry.

sunlight

Spiderwort prefers to be in a sunny spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct light per day. If the plant isn't getting enough light, the leaves will turn a pale green and start to stretch. If it's getting too much sunlight, the leaves will start to yellow and become dry. It's best to avoid places where the plant will be in direct sunlight for more than 8 hours per day.

pruning

Spiderwort can be pruned as needed when showing signs of waning, such as yellowing or wilting. Pruning should typically take place at the end of the growing season, usually late summer or early fall. If necessary in the spring, prune back the foliage if it is showing signs of poor health. To avoid damaging the plant, prune back no more than 1-third of its growth at a time. It is also important to use sharp, clean pruners to prevent bacterial and fungal infections.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albovittata' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albovittata' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albovittata' is usually in the months of June and July.

Hardiness Map

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.