Spiderwort (Tradescantia) is a popular plant, known for its vibrant foliage and delicate flowers. However, these plants often develop elongated stems and fall over. This article offers guidance on cultivation and corrective measures to maintain compact, upright growth.
Reasons Spiderwort Plants Fall Over
Spiderwort plants become leggy and fall over due to several environmental factors. Insufficient light causes etiolation, where stems stretch excessively, resulting in sparse foliage. Too much nitrogen fertilizer promotes rapid, weak stem growth instead of sturdy development. Overwatering also contributes to weak stems and can lead to root rot, impairing the plant’s structure. Additionally, some spiderwort varieties naturally trail, and as they mature, their increasing size and weight can cause them to sprawl.
Optimizing Growing Conditions
Adequate light prevents leggy growth in spiderwort. These plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, which encourages compact, robust stem development. Placing them near an east or west-facing window, or a diffused south-facing window, provides ideal conditions. Too much direct sun can scorch leaves, while fading leaf color or lack of variegation indicates insufficient light.
Proper watering maintains stem strength and prevents collapse. Spiderwort prefers consistently moist soil but should never be waterlogged. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering leads to root rot and yellowing leaves, while too little water causes wilting or limp stems.
Well-draining soil prevents water accumulation around spiderwort roots. A humus-rich mix, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.8-7.2), is suitable. Incorporating materials like perlite or sand improves drainage and aeration.
Fertilization should be balanced and applied judiciously during the active growing season, from spring through summer. Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks to support healthy growth without promoting excessive, weak stems. Over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen products, can lead to leggy growth and cause root burn.
Providing Physical Support
For spiderwort plants that sprawl, physical support helps maintain an upright appearance. Staking is an effective method: gently secure individual or grouped stems to stakes made of bamboo, metal, or repurposed chopsticks. Insert stakes carefully to avoid damaging roots, and use soft ties to prevent stem abrasion.
Plant cages or support rings offer a solution for larger spiderwort clumps. These structures encircle the plant, providing a framework that prevents stems from falling outward. Place supports early in the growing season to allow the plant to grow into the structure naturally. For outdoor plantings, companion planting with sturdy, upright species nearby offers natural support.
Strategic Pruning
Regular pruning encourages a more compact, bushy form, reducing spiderwort’s tendency to fall over. Pinching back new growth tips stimulates side shoots, leading to a denser appearance. Do this just above a leaf node, as new growth emerges from this point.
Trimming leggy or overly long stems redirects the plant’s energy into developing stronger, more compact growth. When cutting, aim for a point just above a node to encourage new branching. Avoid removing more than one-third to one-half of the plant’s total mass at one time to prevent stressing it.
For overgrown or scraggly plants, rejuvenation pruning revitalizes spiderwort. This involves cutting back the plant extensively, often by one-third of its height or to about six to eight inches above ground level. This severe cut encourages a flush of fresh, vigorous growth from the base. Perform this type of pruning in late winter or early spring before the main growing season, or after the primary bloom period.