Light: Medium to low light is best for Tradescantia. Use the leaf coloring to determine the best lighting. Foliage stripes become washed out in high light levels and purple fades in low light levels.

Temperature: 60-85 F

Humidity: medium; avoid drafty areas

Water: Water when the top 2” of potting mix has dried. Don’t allow potting mix to completely dry between watering as tradescantia leaves crisp up quickly.

There are several succulent Tradescantias that are often referred to as “kitten ears” or “cobweb” plants. They behave quite differently than their thin-foliaged relatives, loving full dry down cycles between watering. Though they both grow quickly and prefer filtered light.

Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years into a slightly larger container (1-2” increased diameter or depth). Use a general purpose potting mix. If you notice that the center of the plant is dying out, you can easily snip some cuttings to propagate in a new container.

Demo: https://youtu.be/CR3ZkBevZ3M

Fertilizing: Either…

1. Water Application: Incorporate fertilizer into your watering cycle once per month March through September. Dilute an all purpose fertilizer (20-20-20) by half OR use your favorite fertilizer rated for houseplant use in your water.

2. Slow Release: Incorporate slow release fertilizer pellets into the top inch of potting soil every 6 months. Apply the rate indicated for indoor plants on the label. If no recommendation for houseplants is present, apply 1/4 to 1/2 the listed rate.

Spiderworts include striking houseplants, annuals and native wildflowers.

(Listed in order of commonality…)

• Fungus gnats

• Lower leaf loss from dry conditions

• Central dieback that comes with plant age

• Root decay caused by overwatering

• Mealybugs

• Thrips

Is tradescantia pet safe?

Tradescantia toxicity is a gray area for animals. It has a sap that can cause a mild allergic reaction in some pets if ingested. It’s up to you whether or not you trust your pets around this plant group.

Can I propagate tradescantia?

Yes! Tradescantia is an easier houseplant to propagate by cutting. Simply, snip a cutting that includes 2-4 leaves and stick the cutting into moist potting mix, ensuring that at least one stem node is in contact with moisture.

Here’s a link to my demonstration: https://youtu.be/CR3ZkBevZ3M