Hailing from tropical and subtropical regions, the Spiderwort (or *Tradescantia*) is a total rockstar when it comes to houseplants. If you’ve got a bright windowsill and a cozy, warm room, you’ve got everything you need to help this beauty thrive. Just a heads-up, though—while there are many varieties out there, not all of them are meant for indoor living.
Bringing the Spiderwort Indoors
This tropical genus is pretty diverse, but there are two specific types that really love life in your living room:
- Tradescantia fluminensis (Small-leaf Spiderwort)
- Tradescantia sillamontana (Cobweb Spiderwort)
Tradescantia fluminensis
Often called the “Rio Spiderwort,” this low-maintenance member of the Commelinaceae family comes to us from tropical South America. It’s a fan favorite for hanging baskets and does great in spots ranging from bright light to partial shade. During the summer, it loves temperatures between 65°F and 72°F, while in the winter, it prefers a cooler rest at around 50°F. It’s perfectly happy in standard potting soil—just keep the dirt moderately moist. Scale back the watering in the winter, but keep a close eye on it; this is when spider mites love to move in, so regular “health checks” are a must!
You’ll recognize it by its lance-shaped, gray-green leaves that grow in an alternating pattern. From May through September, it puts on a show with delicate white flowers featuring the three petals that give the Spiderwort its name.
Tradescantia sillamontana
This purple-pink bloomer originally calls Mexico home. It’s a real showstopper because its sturdy green, oval leaves and stems are covered in a soft, white “fuzz.” These tiny hairs aren’t just for looks—they help the plant retain moisture and catch dew drops, allowing it to survive in drier spots.
The Cobweb Spiderwort craves light. It needs a very bright spot with several hours of direct sun every day; otherwise, those leaves will lose their gorgeous color. While summer sun is usually plenty, you might need to supplement with a grow light during the dark winter months to keep it happy.
Care Tips and Tricks
Once you’ve found the perfect spot, the Spiderwort is actually pretty chill. Here are a few pro-tips to keep yours looking its best:
- They love humidity! If your home is dry, a small indoor fountain or a pebble tray can work wonders.
- Use filtered or lime-free water. Wait until the top layer of soil feels dry before giving it a drink.
- From April to September, feed it with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks (but go easy on the dosage).
- Keep a lookout for pests like spider mites and aphids, as well as gray mold. Gray mold usually pops up if the plant is in a spot that’s too dark or if the soil is staying soggy.
- In the winter, move it to a bright but cool spot (around 50°F).
- During its winter nap, cut back on watering and skip the fertilizer entirely.
