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Tradescantia Fluminensis

Tradescantia fluminensis

houseplant

verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team

Commonly called Spiderwort, this vigorous trailing houseplant features small, oval green leaves and variegated cultivars with white or silver markings. It is among the easiest houseplants to grow and propagate, making it ideal for beginners and indoor gardeners. The plant produces delicate three-petaled white flowers occasionally and spreads rapidly, serving well as ground cover or in hanging baskets.

Common Problems

Select the problem your Tradescantia Fluminensis is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

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Leggy Growthchevron_right

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Pale Leaveschevron_right

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Slow Growthchevron_right

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Underwateringchevron_right

hive

Spider Miteschevron_right

Care Guide

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Light

Thrives in bright, indirect light; tolerates medium light but variegation fades and growth slows in low light. Direct sun can bleach foliage.

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Water

Keep soil consistently moist during the growing season; reduce frequency in winter. Tolerates slightly dry conditions better than most houseplants.

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Soil

Any well-draining potting mix works; standard indoor houseplant soil is suitable. Avoid heavy, compacted soil.

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Fertiliser

Feed with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring–summer). Rarely needs heavy feeding.

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Temperature

Adapts to room temperature; ideal range is 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cooler winters but prefers consistency.

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Humidity

Tolerates average indoor humidity (30–50%); mist occasionally to keep foliage clean and prevent spider mites.

Toxicity

dangerousToxic to CatsdangerousToxic to Dogscheck_circleSafe for Children

Mildly toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation in sensitive pets.

Common Diseases

filter_dramaRoot Rotchevron_right

Common Pests

pest_controlSpider Miteschevron_right coronavirusMealybugschevron_right hiveScale Insectschevron_right

Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tradescantia Fluminensis a good beginner plant?

Yes — it's described as among the easiest houseplants to grow and propagate, tolerating slightly dry conditions better than most houseplants and spreading rapidly, whether as ground cover or in a hanging basket.

Is Tradescantia Fluminensis safe for pets?

It's mildly toxic to cats and dogs, and ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation in sensitive pets, so it's worth keeping this fast-spreading trailer out of easy reach.