The genus Tradescantia includes a diverse group of plants, often recognized by common names such as spiderwort, inchplant, or wandering jew. These plants are beloved for their colorful, often variegated foliage and easy-to-grow nature, leading many people to wonder if they can thrive outside of a houseplant container. The answer is a qualified yes; success in growing Tradescantia outdoors depends entirely on the specific species and the climate of the planting location. This plant group contains both tender tropical varieties used as houseplants and cold-hardy perennials suitable for permanent garden placement, requiring a basic understanding of their temperature needs for outdoor cultivation.
Hardiness and Temperature Tolerance
The geographical viability of planting Tradescantia outdoors is defined by its species’ cold tolerance, categorized using the USDA Hardiness Zone system. Most popular tropical varieties, such as Tradescantia zebrina and Tradescantia fluminensis, are reliably perennial only in the warmest regions, typically USDA Zones 9 through 12. These tender plants originate from semi-tropical areas and prefer temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit will cause growth to slow drastically, and these tropical types cannot survive freezing conditions. A hard frost will kill the entire plant due to the freezing of water within their fleshy stems and leaves. If grown in colder areas, these species must be treated as summer annuals or brought indoors before the first frost arrives.
In contrast, other members of the genus, commonly referred to as spiderworts, are true herbaceous perennials, including species like Tradescantia virginiana. These hardy varieties thrive in much colder climates, generally USDA Zones 4 through 9. They are resilient, capable of tolerating soil temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit. These perennial types typically die back to the ground when freezing temperatures hit, entering dormancy, and reliably send up fresh new growth from their roots once spring returns.
Ideal Outdoor Conditions
Once survival is settled by climate, successful outdoor cultivation requires meeting the plant’s specific environmental needs.
Light Requirements
The ideal light exposure for Tradescantia is bright, filtered light or partial shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Placing the plant in a location that receives morning sun and is shaded from intense afternoon sun is the best approach. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the colorful foliage. Insufficient light, particularly for purple-leaved varieties, can cause vibrant colors to fade or the stems to become elongated and pale.
Soil and Water
The growing medium needs to be consistently moist but must drain well to prevent the root system from sitting in standing water. A rich, loamy soil amended with organic matter is suitable for in-ground planting, but good drainage is necessary to avoid root rot. Gardeners should wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before watering again.
Fertilization
Regular feeding supports the plant’s rapid growth rate and the production of lush foliage. Applying a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month throughout the spring and summer growing season is beneficial. Fertilization should be halted entirely once autumn arrives, preparing the plant for winter or a period of reduced growth.
Managing Outdoor Growth
One characteristic of Tradescantia is its vigorous growth habit, which requires routine management to keep the plant attractive and contained. The stems grow quickly and can become “leggy,” so regular pruning is necessary to encourage a denser, bushier appearance. This is easily accomplished by pinching back the stem tips, forcing the plant to branch out.
In warm climates where tropical varieties thrive year-round, or where hardy perennials are planted, their rapid spread can become a concern. Many species are aggressive, rooting readily at the nodes where the stems touch the soil, turning them into a creeping groundcover. Species like Tradescantia fluminensis are considered invasive in certain regions, such as the southeastern United States, and may require physical containment measures to prevent them from smothering nearby plants.
For those in cooler areas using tropical varieties as summer bedding or in containers, a transition indoors is necessary before cold weather. The plants should be brought inside once nighttime temperatures consistently hover around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Before moving the plant indoors, inspect the foliage thoroughly to ensure no pests are hitching a ride.