Tradescantia Resource Guide

Tradescantia is a genus of over 70 flowering plant species in the family Commelinaceae. Commonly known as spiderwort or inch plants, Tradescantia are popular ornamental plants native to the New World tropics. They are characterized by their long arching leaves and small 3-petaled flowers. Tradescantia are easy to care for, propagate, and come in a variety of colors and leaf forms. They make excellent houseplants or outdoor groundcovers.

Tradescantia Varieties and Types

Tradescantia Zebrina

This spiderwort is beloved for its striking purple and silver striped foliage. The leaves have a soft velvety texture.

Leaf Color: Dark green with silver stripes, purple undersides.
Leaf Size: Long, slender leaves up to 5 inches.
Growth Habit: Trailing or cascading.
Availability: Common and easy to find.

Tradescantia Pallida

Known for its fuzzy gray-green foliage that adds unique texture.

Leaf Color: Velvety gray-green leaves.
Leaf Size: Narrow leaves up to 6 inches long.
Growth Habit: Trailing or cascading.
Availability: Readily available.

Tradescantia Nanouk

Grown for its pink-striped leaves that offer a pop of color.

Leaf Color: Green with pink stripes.
Leaf Size: Oval leaves up to 4 inches long.
Growth Habit: Trailing.
Availability: Popular and widely available.

Tradescantia Fluminensis

A fast-growing groundcover known for its vibrant green leaves.

Leaf Color: Green.
Leaf Size: Narrow, pointed leaves up to 4 inches.
Growth Habit: Spreading groundcover.
Availability: Readily found and cultivated.

Tradescantia Spathacea

Unique boat-shaped succulent leaves give this plant its distinctive look.

Leaf Color: Green.
Leaf Size: Fleshy oval leaves up to 5 inches long.
Growth Habit: Clumping.
Availability: Fairly common.

Tradescantia Pink Panther

Pink variegated leaves make this one stand out.

Leaf Color: Green with pink stripes.
Leaf Size: Narrow pointed leaves around 5 inches long.
Growth Habit: Trailing.
Availability: Less common but gaining popularity.

Tradescantia Bubblegum

Young pink and green striped leaves turn solid green as they mature.

Leaf Color: Pink and green stripes when young, maturing to green.
Leaf Size: Slender leaves around 4 inches long.
Growth Habit: Trailing.
Availability: Unique variety that is harder to find.

Tradescantia Sillamontana

Grown for its fuzzy white leaves that give it a velvety soft appearance.

Leaf Color: Green with white hairs.
Leaf Size: Oval leaves up to 3 inches long.
Growth Habit: Trailing.
Availability: Uncommon, a unique variety.

Tradescantia Albiflora

Known for its prolific white flowers that cover the plant in bloom.

Leaf Color: Green.
Leaf Size: Slender pointed leaves around 5 inches long.
Growth Habit: Upright clumps.
Availability: Less common.

Tradescantia Blushing Bride

Produces showy bicolored flowers in white and soft pink.

Leaf Color: Green.
Leaf Size: Slender leaves up to 5 inches long.
Growth Habit: Clumping.
Availability: Uncommon but available.

Tradescantia Purple Heart

Grown for its deep royal purple foliage that retains color in lower light.

Leaf Color: Rich purple.
Leaf Size: Pointed leaves up to 7 inches long.
Growth Habit: Trailing.
Availability: Fairly common.

Tradescantia Purple

Deep purple leaves make this spiderwort stand out.

Leaf Color: Vibrant purple.
Leaf Size: Slender leaves around 6 inches long.
Growth Habit: Trailing.
Availability: Less common purple variety.

Tradescantia Pink Princess

Young leaves emerge pink then fade to green as they mature.

Leaf Color: Pink when young, maturing to green.
Leaf Size: Pointed leaves up to 5 inches long.
Growth Habit: Clumping.
Availability: Unique hard-to-find variety.

Tradescantia Quadricolor

One of the most vibrantly variegated varieties, with striped pink, white, green and silver leaves.

Leaf Color: Pink, white, green and silver stripes.
Leaf Size: Narrow pointed leaves around 4 inches long.
Growth Habit: Trailing.
Availability: Rare and prized for its coloring.

Tradescantia Tricolor

Leaves feature pink, white and green stripes for a multi-colored look.

Leaf Color: Pink, white and green stripes.
Leaf Size: Slender leaves up to 4 inches long.
Growth Habit: Trailing or creeping.
Availability: Uncommon tricolored variety.

Tradescantia Virginiana

The original wild spiderwort native to North America.

Leaf Color: Green.
Leaf Size: Slender pointed leaves up to 8 inches long.
Growth Habit: Clumping.
Availability: Can be found growing wild.

Tradescantia White Velvet

Fuzzy white hairs on the leaves give this plant a velvety texture.

Leaf Color: Green with white hairs.
Leaf Size: Oval leaves around 2 inches long.
Growth Habit: Trailing.
Availability: Uncommon white-leafed variety.

Tradescantia Pink

Solid pink leaves make this a striking plant.

Leaf Color: Vivid pink.
Leaf Size: Pointed leaves up to 5 inches long.
Growth Habit: Trailing.
Availability: Less common but available.

Tradescantia Lilac

Soft pastel lilac leaves offer subtle color.

Leaf Color: Lilac purple.
Leaf Size: Slender leaves around 5 inches long.
Growth Habit: Trailing.
Availability: Rare variety.

Tradescantia Lavender

Subtly colored leaves in light lavender purple.

Leaf Color: Light lavender.
Leaf Size: Pointed leaves up to 6 inches long.
Growth Habit: Trailing.
Availability: Uncommon lavender variety.

Tradescantia Care

Provide bright, indirect sunlight
Moderate watering, allow soil to dry between
Use rich, well-draining potting mix
Prune to encourage bushy growth
Propagate new plants from cuttings
Can be grown outdoors year-round in frost-free climates

Tradescantia Propagation

Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings in spring or summer
Remove lower leaves and place in water or moist soil
Keep cuttings warm and humid until roots form
Plant rooted cuttings into potting mix

Tradescantia Watering

Allow soil to dry out between waterings
Increase water in hotter months
Reduce water in winter
Avoid overwatering which can cause rot

Tradescantia Light requirements

Thrive in bright, indirect sunlight
Can tolerate partial sun outdoors
Low light causes leggy growth
Leaves may fade without enough light

Tradescantia Soil

Use a rich, organic potting mix
Must drain well to prevent overwatering
Can be planted in garden beds outdoors
Avoid soil that is too dense or moisture-retentive

Tradescantia Fertilizing

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer in spring and summer
Dilute to half strength recommended on label
Avoid overfertilizing which can burn leaves
May not need fertilizer if planted in rich soil

Tradescantia Pruning

Pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushy growth
Remove damaged or diseased stems
Cut back severely overgrown plants
Pruning after flowering can promote rebloom

Tradescantia Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures 60-80°F
Can tolerate brief temps down to 50°F
Bring indoors if temps drop below 50°F
Keep above 60°F for active growth

Tradescantia Repotting

Repot in spring every 2-3 years
Use pots with drainage holes
Go up 1-2” inches bigger in pot size
Divide overcrowded plants

Tradescantia Pest

Mealybugs, aphids, spider mites
Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
Remove heavily infested leaves/stems
Improve air circulation to deter pests

Tradescantia Diseases

Prone to fungal issues if overwatered
Root rot, leaf spot, blights
Improve air circulation
Allow soil to dry out between waterings
Remove infected leaves/stems

Tradescantia Misting

Appreciate moderate humidity
Misting leaves can help boost humidity
Avoid getting water on leaves in hot sun
Use pebble trays or humidifiers to increase humidity

Tradescantia Toxicity

Toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested
Can cause gastrointestinal issues if eaten
Keep out of reach from pets and children

Tradescantia Toxicity to Cats

Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling if ingested
Seek veterinary help if large amounts eaten
Avoid planting where cats have access

Tradescantia Toxicity to Dogs

Oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea
Call vet if symptoms occur after ingestion
Keep away from unsupervised dogs

Tradescantia Toxicity to Humans

Can cause mouth irritation, stomach upset
Wear gloves when handling, wash after
Seek medical help if large amounts ingested
Non-toxic when touched

Uses

Popular ornamental houseplant or groundcover
Attracts pollinators with small flowers
Trailing varieties used in hanging baskets
Adds color and visual interest to gardens

Tradescantia Uses and Benefits

Easy to care for, great for beginners
Trailing types provide privacy and disguise pot edges
Flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies
Soft foliage has a pleasant texture
Variety of leaf shapes, colors, and patterns

Appearance

Characteristic long arching green leaves
Small 3-petaled flowers in white, pink or purple
Some varieties have colorful variegated leaves
Trailing, clumping, or upright growth habits

Tradescantia Leaves

Come in many shapes like slender, pointed, oval
Range in size from 2-8 inches long
Some have fuzzy hairs or velvety textures
Leaves can be green, pink, purple, white

Tradescantia Flowers

Small 3-petaled flowers in clusters
Colors include white, pink, purple, blue
Appear spring through summer
Attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Tradescantia Stem

Smooth, upright, or trailing stems
Range in length from a few inches to 3 feet long
Trailing types used in hanging containers
New growth has pinkish tones

Tradescantia Foliage

Long, pointed, oval or lance-shaped leaves
Green, purple, pink, white leaf colors
Smooth or textured, velvety leaves
Leaves arranged alternately along stems
New leaves emerge from terminal ends