Small-leaf spiderwort care guide
Tradescantia fluminensis
Also known as: Wandering tradescantia, Tradescantia albiflora, Variegated tradescantia
Pets and children
Caution advised
The sap can cause skin irritation, and dogs or cats that brush against or eat it may get dermatitis or a mild stomach upset; keep it out of reach and see a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Small-leaf spiderwort
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 4 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; it copes with some dryness, though repeated drought browns the leaf tips.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 6 days
- As it cools the mix dries more slowly; generally water a day or two after the surface dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- Water sparingly about three to four days after the soil dries, drier still in a cold room.
Light and placement for Small-leaf spiderwort
Bright shade to sheer-curtained light is about right; it tolerates shade, but variegated forms lose their stripes in dim light and strong direct sun scorches them.
Overwintering Small-leaf spiderwort
Overwintering guide: 3°C (37°F) or above
Fairly hardy, taking down to about 3°C; frost damages the top growth, so keep it at a bright window indoors over winter and water lightly.
Fertilizing and repotting Small-leaf spiderwort
Fertilizer
Diluted liquid fertilizer about once or twice a month from May to September is plenty; it grows well on little, so do not overdo it, and give none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Small-leaf spiderwort
- The stems overgrow and the base goes bare.
- In a dark spot the variegation fades and the growth stretches.
- Winter frost kills the top growth.
Tips for growing Small-leaf spiderwort
- It naturalizes readily outdoors, so do not discard cuttings in the garden or roadside.
- Cuttings root in water within days.
- Cut it back hard when it sprawls; new shoots soon fill it in.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
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