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Small-leaf spiderwort Care

Tradescantia fluminensis

Small-leaf spiderwort main
Small-leaf spiderwort 0
Small-leaf spiderwort 1
What is the plant

Small-leaf spiderwort, often referred to by its Latin name Tradescantia fluminensis, is an attractive, easy-to-grow plant that requires little maintenance. This plant's fast growth and easy propagation mean you'll be able to share it with your friends, family and neighbors.

The small-leaf spiderwort, or the river spiderwort, inch plant, or wandering jew plant, is a plant from the Commelinaceae family and is closely related to species like the dayflower. A perennial, it originates from the South American continent but enjoys worldwide popularity as a house plant.

The small-leaf spiderwort can be identified by its broad rounded leaves that come to a point and grow along its herbaceous stem. These plants can create an extensive ground cover and produce distinctive three-petaled white flowers; both characteristics are crucial in identifying the plant. 

This species is considered invasive in many areas of the world, including New Zealand and parts of North America, Europe, and Africa.

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Humidity

Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

Temperature

18°C - 29°C

Hardiness zone

Hardiness zone

10a - 11b

Difficulty

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Hibernation

Cold Period

Toxicity

Toxicity

Poisonous

Invasive

Invasive

Weed

How to Care for the Plant

  • Water

    Water

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    It is essential not to overwater these guys but to ensure they have enough moisture. You should water around once a week; if the plant's soil is still damp from the last time, wait until it is almost completely dry.

  • Pruning

    Pruning

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    Remove overgrowth by cutting after the "nodes" or where branches and leaves stem from a branch.

  • Fertilizer

    Fertilizer

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    A watered-down general fertilization once a month will help your small-leaf spiderwort grow quickly, but fertilization is not necessary.

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  • Sunlight

    Sunlight

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    These plants enjoy bright sunlight, but make sure they are not directly in it for long, as more than an hour or two can damage them.

  • Soil

    Soil

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    Regular general gardening soil works perfectly.

  • Propagation

    Propagation

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    Simply place a cut of your small-leaf spiderwort in some moist soil—no need to place the plant in some water to grow its roots first.

    When growing from seeds, place the seed under a thin layer of soil and water, as discussed in this article.

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  • Temperature

    Temperature

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    65-85˚F (18-29°C) keep these guys happy, they can do well with more heat, but you should keep them from cooler and especially freezing temperatures.

  • Container

    Container

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    Clay pots with adequate drainage are the best containers for these plants. The pot's size depends on the plant size, and we recommend increasing the container size at least once a year. As a general rule for pot size, ensure the core of the small-leaf spider wort's root system has about a 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) of space around it.

  • Fun fact

    Fun fact

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    We recommend wearing protective gloves when handling the small-leaf spiderworts as contact with its sap may cause minor damage to your skin.

What's wrong with your plant?
  • Popularity

    Popularity

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    26,794 people already have this plant 5,023 people have added this plant to their wishlists

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