Spiderwort (Tradescantia) is a perennial plant often cherished as an ornamental but quickly becomes an aggressive, invasive weed in garden settings. Also known as Wandering Jew or Inch Plant, it is notorious for its rapid, mat-forming growth habit. Eliminating it is difficult because of its ability to spread and regenerate, making simple pulling or cutting ineffective for long-term control. Eradication requires a multi-pronged approach combining diligent manual removal with targeted cultural and chemical strategies.
Understanding Spiderwort’s Resilience
Spiderwort’s persistence is rooted in biological characteristics that allow it to quickly recover from damage. The plant’s fleshy, semi-succulent stems feature nodes that easily sprout roots when they contact moist soil. It also possesses a robust, fibrous, or sometimes tuberous root system and a large root crown that stores energy reserves. This stored energy allows the plant to quickly regrow new shoots even after the above-ground foliage has been cut. Furthermore, some species produce rhizomes, which are underground stems that send up new growth, complicating manual removal efforts.
Manual and Cultural Removal Strategies
The most effective non-chemical method is thorough manual extraction, which is physically demanding but precise. Begin by carefully raking or rolling up the dense mats of above-ground growth, taking care not to break the stems into many small pieces. After removing the bulk of the foliage, use a small hand trowel or fork to gently dig and sift through the soil, ensuring that all root crowns, rhizome sections, and stem fragments are collected. Since the stems break easily, it is important to lift the plant rather than simply pulling it, which leaves the root base intact. All removed plant material should be placed into sealed bags and disposed of in the trash, not composted, as the fragments can survive and contaminate the compost.
For large, heavily infested areas, cultural control methods like solarization can weaken the weed. This involves covering the area with a clear plastic sheeting, securely anchoring the edges, and leaving it in place for six to eight weeks during the hottest part of the year. The sun heats the trapped air, effectively baking the soil and killing the plant material, including stem fragments and shallow roots. Another effective cultural strategy is deep shading, as spiderwort is generally intolerant of very low light levels.
Targeted Chemical Application
When manual and cultural methods are insufficient, targeted chemical application provides effective control, particularly for species with dense root crowns. Herbicides containing triclopyr are often recommended, as they are selective and generally target broadleaf weeds, leaving desired grasses unaffected. Products containing glyphosate, a non-selective option, are also effective, though they will damage or kill any plant they contact.
The application timing is important, and the herbicide should be applied when the spiderwort is actively growing to ensure the chemical is properly translocated to the root system. For maximum efficacy, consider using a non-ionic surfactant, which helps the herbicide penetrate the plant’s somewhat waxy leaves and improves coverage. Multiple applications, spaced four to six weeks apart, are typically required for total elimination, since the plant’s root reserves allow for significant regrowth after a single treatment.
For spot treatment, a cut-stem application can be highly effective and minimizes damage to surrounding plants. This involves cutting the stem near the base and immediately applying a concentrated solution of a glyphosate or triclopyr product directly onto the cut surface. This method ensures the chemical is absorbed directly into the vascular system and transported to the root crown for a definitive kill. Always read and strictly follow the directions on the product label for mixing ratios and safety precautions, as concentrations vary widely between products.
Preventing Regrowth
Long-term management is crucial after the initial removal and treatment phase. Immediately after clearing the infestation, suppress the soil with thick layers of organic mulch. A layer of wood chips or shredded bark at least three to four inches deep will block sunlight and inhibit the sprouting of missed fragments. Alternatively, landscape fabric can be installed before the mulch to act as a physical barrier against regrowth. The most sustainable approach is to establish a dense, desirable groundcover that will out-compete the spiderwort for resources. Regular monitoring of the treated area is necessary, as any new sprouts should be removed immediately before they can establish a new root system.