Species spider lily

spider lily

Tradescantia tharpii

Spider lily (Tradescantia tharpii) is an evergreen perennial plant native to southern Mexico. It is a hardy houseplant and is well suited for hanging baskets and climbing supports. The plant features light green elliptic leaves which are marked with dark silver and flushed with purple. Its showy flowers are spider-like in shape with three petals in shades of white, pink, and violet. It also produces small, hairy, green-striped fruit. Spider lilies thrive in indirect light and require consistent water throughout the summer. With its attractive foliage and vibrant flowers, spider lily is sure to bring a touch of beauty to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Rose to purple Flowers

Sun:

part shade,part sun/part shade,full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Spider lilies should be watered lightly and frequently to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Generally speaking during the growing season, water your spider lily every week to 10 days. Make sure to water the soil evenly, and increase the frequency of watering during periods of warmer weather. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce the amount and frequency of watering to only once every few weeks. It is important to be sure to not let the soil dry out entirely. If you do, the spider lily may stop growing, and the leaves may start wilting.

sunlight

Spider lilies need at least a few hours of direct sunlight in order to thrive. They can handle some light shade, but these plants are best grown in areas with bright, indirect sunlight. The ideal amount of sunlight is 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day, with the preferable timing being the morning and early afternoon hours.

pruning

Pruning your Spider Lily is an important part of keeping the plant healthy and looking its best. Pruning should take place in the early spring and late fall; however, when you first acquire a Spider Lily, pruning should take place right away to help promote growth. When pruning, it is important to remember that Spider Lilies prefer to look natural, and not too groomed. Therefore, aim to remove no more than 1-third of the plant's current growth. Cut back stems that are dead or have developed a white mildew-like substance, and also trim off any shoots or stalks that are growing away from the base of the plant. This will help to promote new growth and create a fuller, healthier-looking Spider Lily.

Season

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

Tradescantia tharpii typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Tradescantia tharpii typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map