The small leaf spiderwort, Tradescantia fluminensis, is a popular and versatile plant appreciated for its delicate appearance and ease of care. Native to South America, this evergreen trailing perennial is often chosen as a houseplant or groundcover. Its rapid growth and cascading habit make it an appealing addition to indoor spaces, especially in hanging baskets. It is a low-maintenance option, making it accessible even for those new to plant care.
Identifying Small Leaf Spiderwort
Small leaf spiderwort is characterized by its distinctive foliage and growth pattern. Its oval-shaped leaves are typically dark green, shiny, and smooth, often with pointed tips, ranging from 1.25 to 2.5 inches (32-64 mm) in length. Some varieties feature variegated patterns, displaying white, cream, or light pink stripes, and often have purplish undersides. The plant’s fleshy, soft, hairless stems exhibit a trailing or creeping habit, allowing them to spread extensively. These stems readily root at any node that makes contact with the soil surface, contributing to its dense, mat-forming growth. While it produces tiny, three-petaled white flowers, 0.5 to 1 inch (13-25 mm) in diameter, these blooms are generally short-lived and appear infrequently on indoor plants.
Caring for Small Leaf Spiderwort
Light
Small leaf spiderwort thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near a north or east-facing window, or in a diffused south window, provides an ideal environment. While the plant tolerates some direct sunlight, prolonged exposure to harsh, direct rays can scorch its leaves, especially in the afternoon. Insufficient light may lead to leggy growth and a reduction in the vibrancy of any variegated foliage.
Water
Consistently moist soil is preferred, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch, ensuring thorough drainage. Watering frequency typically increases during spring and summer, and should be reduced during winter when the plant’s growth slows.
Soil
Small leaf spiderwort prefers well-draining, rich potting soil that can retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged. An ideal mix often consists of general-purpose potting soil amended with perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage and aeration. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, typically ranging between 5.0 and 7.0, is suitable for its healthy growth.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers moderate temperatures, ideally between 60°F to 80°F (16°C to 27°C). While it tolerates temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C), sustained exposure below this range can hinder growth and potentially damage the foliage. Small leaf spiderwort benefits from moderate to high humidity, ideally between 40-60%, which promotes lusher growth. In drier indoor environments, humidity can be increased through regular misting, grouping plants, or using a pebble tray or humidifier.
Fertilizer
During its active growing period in spring and summer, small leaf spiderwort benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK ratio, diluted to half strength, can be applied every 2 to 4 weeks. Water the plant thoroughly before fertilizing to prevent root burn. Fertilization should be reduced or ceased entirely during fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Propagating Small Leaf Spiderwort
Small leaf spiderwort is easy to propagate, primarily through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select a healthy stem and cut a section 4-6 inches long, just below a node. Remove any leaves from the bottom portion of the cutting to expose the nodes.
These cuttings can be rooted in either water or moist potting mix. If rooting in water, place the prepared cuttings in fresh water, ensuring no leaves are submerged, and place in bright, indirect light. For rooting in soil, plant the cuttings directly into a well-draining potting mix, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within 2-4 weeks, and once they are several inches long, the new plants can be potted into their permanent containers.
Common Problems and Solutions
Small leaf spiderwort plants are generally robust, but some common issues can arise. Leggy growth, where stems become long and sparse with fewer leaves, often indicates insufficient light; moving the plant to a brighter location with indirect light can help. Regular pruning by pinching back stem tips also encourages bushier, more compact growth.
Leaf discoloration is another common problem. Yellowing leaves can signal overwatering or a nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen. Crispy, brown leaves might suggest underwatering or excessively low humidity. Adjusting watering practices and increasing humidity can often resolve these issues. While relatively resistant, small leaf spiderwort can occasionally be affected by pests such as spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs. Inspecting the plant regularly, especially the undersides of leaves, and treating infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help manage these pests effectively.