Pink spiderwort, with its striking foliage and vibrant hues, is a favored ornamental plant. Its distinct coloration adds a unique visual element, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. This plant offers a straightforward growing experience.
Identifying Pink Spiderwort
Pink spiderwort is a common name for several species within the Tradescantia genus, primarily Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’ and Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Tricolor’. Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’, often called Purple Heart or Purple Queen, features long, pointed leaves that are deep royal purple on top and bright violet underneath, growing alternately along thick, fragile purple stems. It produces small, three-petaled, pale orchid-pink flowers that emerge at the stem tips during warm weather.
Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Tricolor’ displays variegated foliage with a mixture of green, white, and pink or purple hues. Its small leaves are green with white bands and pink-purple undersides. This plant grows quickly with a drooping habit and can produce tiny white flowers. Both varieties are characterized by their trailing nature and fleshy stems.
Caring for Pink Spiderwort
Light
Pink spiderwort thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near an east or west-facing window with filtered sunlight is ideal. While it tolerates some direct morning or late afternoon sun, excessive exposure can lead to leaf scorch and fading of its vibrant colors. Insufficient light causes the foliage to lose its pink or purple coloration, reverting to a greener shade, and may result in leggy growth.
Soil
A well-draining, fertile potting mix is essential. Incorporating perlite or sand enhances drainage and prevents waterlogging. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.2). For outdoor planting, a rich, moist, well-drained soil is recommended.
Water
Consistent moisture is beneficial, but avoid overwatering, which causes root rot. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings before watering thoroughly. Frequency varies; more frequent watering is needed during warmer months or in brighter light, and less in cooler seasons or lower light conditions.
Temperature and Humidity
Pink spiderwort thrives in moderate room temperatures (18°C to 24°C / 65°F to 75°F). It prefers average to high humidity. In drier environments, especially indoors, increasing humidity through misting or placing the plant on a pebble tray is beneficial. Sustained temperatures below 10°C (50°F) cause leaf discoloration or damage.
Fertilizer
Pink spiderwort does not require heavy fertilization; excessive feeding can lead to a loss of variegation or color. During the active growing season (spring through summer), apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month. Diluting the fertilizer to half strength is recommended to prevent over-fertilization. Reduce or stop fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows.
Propagating Pink Spiderwort
Pink spiderwort is easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Take a healthy stem cutting a few inches long, with several leaf nodes. Remove any leaves from the lower part of the stem, leaving a few at the top.
Place cuttings in a jar of water, ensuring the cut end is submerged; roots typically form within a few weeks. Alternatively, plant cuttings directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix in a warm, bright location. Once roots are several inches long or new growth appears, transplant cuttings into permanent containers.
Common Problems and Solutions
Pink spiderwort is a resilient plant, but issues can arise from improper care or environmental factors. Leggy growth indicates insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location or pinching back stem tips encourages bushier, more compact growth. Loss of variegation or color is attributed to inadequate light or excessive fertilization. Providing optimal light and adjusting fertilizer application restores the desired coloration.
Leaf discoloration, such as yellowing or browning, points to watering issues. Yellow leaves signal overwatering, while browning or limp leaves indicate underwatering. Adjusting watering frequency to allow the topsoil to dry between waterings prevents these problems. Common pests like aphids and spider mites can affect pink spiderwort. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil manages these infestations.
Placement and Growth Habits
Pink spiderwort exhibits a vigorous, trailing growth habit, making it versatile for various display options. Its sprawling stems cascade elegantly, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, shelves, or containers where foliage can spill over the edges. It also functions as a colorful groundcover outdoors, with stems rooting in moist soil to form a dense carpet.
Outdoors in USDA Zones 9-12, pink spiderwort spreads rapidly. In these frost-free areas, it remains evergreen, though it may die back with mild freezes and re-sprout. While its spreading nature provides lush coverage, it may require management to prevent it from overtaking other plants. In colder regions, it is commonly grown as an annual or brought indoors as a houseplant during winter.