Also known as Spiderwort · 410 saves
Tradescantia
Tradescantia, the genus most gardeners know as spiderwort. We track 25 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Tradescantia varieties
See all 25 Tradescantia varieties →Search this genus →
7 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 25 most-grown of them.
The Tradescantia year
- PruneJune and July60% of varieties
Pinch or cut back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth
- DivideMarch and September48% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to rejuvenate vigor
- PropagateApril–August44% of varieties
Easily root stem cuttings in water or soil for new plants
- FertilizeApril–August40% of varieties
Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, especially for container plants
- Winter PrepSeptember and October36% of varieties
Take cuttings or move container plants indoors before the first hard frost.
- Pinch TipsApril–August32% of varieties
Pinch the growing tips regularly through the growing season to keep growth dense.
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
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
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 | Sticky residue and distorted new growth | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| 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 stippling and dulling of the leaves with faint webbing, in dry heated rooms | Rinse the foliage and raise humidity; badly affected trailing stems are best cut off and restarted |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, and repot if necessary |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| 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 25 distinct Tradescantia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 410 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, late spring to late 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.