Also known as Spiderwort · 447 saves
Tradescantia
Tradescantia, the genus most gardeners know as spiderwort. We track 28 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Tradescantia varieties
See all 28 Tradescantia varieties →Search this genus →
11 species of Tradescantia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Tradescantia in Sow
Save the Tradescantia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Tradescantia
Whats common across all Tradescantia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 28 most-grown of them.
The Tradescantia year
- PruneJuly and August64% of varieties
Pinch or cut back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth
- DivideApril and October54% of varieties
Divide overcrowded root clumps every three to four years in early spring or autumn.
- FertilizeMay–September39% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, especially for container plants
- PropagateMay–September39% of varieties
Easily root stem cuttings in water or soil for new plants
- Winter PrepOctober and November32% of varieties
Bring outdoor container plants indoors before freezing temperatures arrive.
Do
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune to shape and remove dead stems
- Water when topsoil feels dry 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Ignore pruning, which keeps plant tidy
What goes wrong with Tradescantia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters of small, soft-bodied insects on new growth causing distorted leaves. | Knock them off with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Mealybugs | White cottony clusters on stems | Apply insecticidal soap and remove manually |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides and stippled, yellowing foliage under dry indoor conditions. | Increase local humidity, mist the foliage, and apply insecticidal soap to the affected areas. |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, and repot if necessary |
| Root rot | Lower leaves turn yellow and drop, and stems turn mushy at the soil line. | Reduce watering immediately, improve soil drainage, and discard severely infected plants. |
| Leaf Spot | Dark spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide |
Making more Tradescantia
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring.
- Replant divisions in prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Cuttings
- Select healthy stems and cut 4-inch sections.
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist soil or water to root, taking 4–6 weeks.
Tradescantia questions
How many types of Tradescantia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 28 distinct Tradescantia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 447 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Tradescantia grow in?
Across its varieties, Tradescantia covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Tradescantia bloom?
Most Tradescantia varieties bloom in late spring to mid-summer, late spring, summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Tradescantia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.