Tradescantia is a diverse genus of plants native to the Americas, from Argentina to Canada. Hardy Tradescantia species may be found growing naturally in grasslands and woodland areas. Tropical species are most often found forming dense mats of foliage along the forest floor. Tropical varieties are also popular for growing as houseplants, prized for their colorful foliage.
How to Grow Tropical Tradescantia
In cooler climates, tropical varieties of Tradescantia can be grown as houseplants. Potted Tradescantia plants prefer bright, indirect sun, but are tolerant of varying light levels. Watering should be thorough, but the soil should be left to partially dry out between waterings. Water when the top 1-2” (2.5-5cm) of soil is dry to the touch.
In regions with mild winters, the creeping growth habit of several tropical Tradescantia species make them good choices for use as perennial groundcover. The plants form dense, ivy-like mats that will fill in well along garden borders or small areas that need coverage. Plants can also be grown in individual patio pots or used in combination with flowering annuals. Position plants near the edge of mixed container plantings where they can drape down the side of the pot. They also look great in hanging baskets that allow their trailing stems to cascade freely.
Note that in areas where Tradescantia can survive the winter, only native varieties should be planted outdoors. Because they spread quickly and easily self-propagate, they can become invasive in tropical and subtropical regions. Several nonnative Tradescantia species are considered invasive species in the Southeastern United States.
In areas with cold winters, you can grow your potted Tradescantia outdoors for most of the year, then bring it inside during winter.
Pruning and Propagating Tropical Tradescantia
To keep leggy growth under control, prune Tradescantia as needed in spring and summer by pinching off stems to the desired length. Cuttings can then be used to grow more plants. Tropical Tradescantia species are favorites for rooting in water.
How to Grow Hardy Tradescantia
While many species of Tradescantia are best suited for growing indoors as houseplants, species like Tradescantia occidentalis and Tradescantia virginiana are North American natives that can be used for growing in garden borders or in meadows.
These hardy perennial species, commonly known as spiderworts, flower in the spring and may die back during the hottest part of the summer. They’ll resume growth later when conditions are more favorable, and possibly even bloom again. The native species typically have flowers in shades of purple but there are hybrid varieties with flowers ranging from white, to many shades of purple, to vibrant reddish-rose.
Spiderwort contains viscous sap that stretches into fine strands when a cut section is pulled away from the main plant. Its common name may have originated from this characteristic as the strands resemble the webbing made by a spider. The sap contains raphides, needle-like crystals that are found in many familiar plants, but that can be a skin irritant. Those with sensitive skin should wear gloves when pruning spiderworts.
Common Tradescantia Species
Inch Plant, Silver Inch Plant
(Tradescantia zebrina)
Tradescantia zebrina, known as the “inch plant”, is native to Central and South America and the Caribbean. This species is a semi-succulent, meaning its leaves are somewhat fleshy, but not as thick and rubbery as those of true succulents. In warmer climates, Tradescantia zebrina grows as a creeping groundcover. Elsewhere, it can be grown indoors where it makes a lovely, easy-care houseplant.
Tradescantia zebrina has gorgeous variegated (multi-colored) foliage that resemble a zebra’s stripes. The pattern consists of green or purplish stripes along the center and border of leaves, with two light-colored, silverish stripes flanking the center. Occasionally, dainty three-petaled pink flowers appear, although these are less common for inch plants grown indoors.
This plant has long been known as a “wandering Jew” plant but that common name has fallen out of favor due to its anti-Semitic origins. “Inch plant” is the popularly accepted common name these days.
Small-Leaf Spiderwort
(Tradescantia fluminensis)
Tradescantia fluminensis, commonly known as small-leaf spiderwort, grows in low, dense bunches. This plant spreads easily because it takes root anywhere a node touches the ground. As a houseplant, small-leaf spiderwort is attractive and easy to care for. The small leaves come in green or various variegations, and petite white flowers may appear in summer.
Small-leaf spiderwort is native to South America. Outside of its native range, it should only be grown indoors. It’s considered invasive in many parts of the world, including the southeastern US.
Oyster Plant
(Tradescantia spathacea)
Commonly known as oyster plant, Tradescantia spathacea is native to Central America. Oyster plants grow fleshy, waxy, lance-shaped leaves with striking green and purple colorations.
Oyster plant can be grown as a houseplant, or it can be treated as an annual plant for use outdoors. Oyster plant looks great growing in window boxes or in mixed planters, where its colors provide impressive contrast with other plants. This species can also be used as an annual groundcover but should be avoided in warm, frost-free climates where it may become invasive.
An oyster plant may bloom at any time of year. Another common name for this species, Moses-in-the-cradle, refers to its small white flowers. These emerge from boat-shaped bracts, resembling a baby in a cradle.
Purple Heart
(Tradescantia pallida)
Tradescantia pallida, commonly known as purple heart or purple queen, is native to the Gulf Coast region of eastern Mexico. Tradescantia pallida spreads on trailing vines that grow low to the ground and form dense foliage clusters. Like many tropical tradescantia species, purple heart is commonly grown as a houseplant, in outdoor pots, or as an annual groundcover.
As the name suggests, purple heart displays foliage in rich shades from green to intensely purple. In garden beds, purple heart spreads to form dense mounds that contrast nicely against taller, lighter-colored plants. Purple heart is also lovely in hanging baskets, with trailing growth that spills down the sides.
Tahitian Bridal Veil
(Tradescantia multiflora)
The charming Tradescantia multiflora species is perfectly suited for growing in containers or hanging baskets where the fine foliage can cascade over the sides of its container. Plants produce dainty little white flowers over a long season.
It’s unclear how this plant became known as a “Tahitian” bridal veil since the species is native to Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. The combination of delicate foliage sprinkled with white flowers forms a veil-like effect that is the source of the name “bridal veil”. In fact, this is a popular plant for using in wedding bouquets and cut flower arrangements.
White Velvet Plant, Cobweb Spiderwort
(Tradescantia sillamontana)
The white velvet tradescantia is an intriguing plant that produces leaves densely coated with fine white hairs. The soft texture of the foliage begs to be touched! The white cast of the foliage is a perfect backdrop to bright magenta-pink flowers. The blooms typically appear in summer and have three petals; typical of most species of Tradescantia.
Tradescantia sillamontana is native to mountainous regions of Northern Mexico where it is a perennial plant, but it doesn’t tolerate freezing temperatures. This is an excellent choice for growing as a potted houseplant or patio plant for the summer. It’s perfect for growing in a hanging basket that allows the foliage to cascade over the sides. There is also a purple form of this species that is often marketed as the “teddy bear plant”.
Virginia Spiderwort
(Tradescantia virginiana)
Virginia spiderwort is native to the central and eastern US, where it occurs in meadows, moist woodlands, and along roadsides. It grows in dense clumps, with long, narrow leaves that resemble large blades of grass. Blooms come in rich shades of blue or violet, with a three-petaled, flat flower shape that provides easy access for pollinators.
Virginia spiderwort is beautiful, but it can stand out as a rather unruly and wild-looking plant. Thus, it’s a better fit for semi-naturalized areas, rather than tidy garden beds. This species is ideal for cottage gardens, woodland gardens, and for growing along ponds or streams.
Find More Ideas for Native Groundcover Plants
If you are considering using Tradescantia as groundcover, you might be interested some of the other native options found in our article, Native Groundcover Plants. We even present specific suggestions for groundcovers suitable to different regions of the U.S.
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