Small-Leaf Spiderwort
4.7 out of 5 (114 experiences)
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
About Small-Leaf Spiderwort
Tradescantia fluminensis is an exceptionally easy plant to care for and rewards growers with delightful white blossoms. They are extremely easy to propagate by stem and one plant can give rise to dozens of new ones, which makes them great for sharing. 🤝 As houseplants they often trail, but will also creep along the ground if grown outdoors. Their succulent leaves make them sensitive to frost, so be sure to bring them indoors if your winter temperatures dip below freezing. ❄️
Taxonomy
Tradescantia fluminensis
Tradescantia
Commelinaceae
Commelinales
Also known as
Inch Plant, Tradescantia tricolour and Quicksilver
How to care for Small-Leaf Spiderwort
How often to water your Small-Leaf Spiderwort
every 9
Small-Leaf Spiderwort needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9
Finding light for Small-Leaf Spiderwort in your home
a window
Small-Leaf Spiderwort may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Small-Leaf Spiderwort in your home 🏡.
How to fertilize Small-Leaf Spiderwort
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Small-Leaf Spiderwort after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
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Not dying but not getting better So since the very beginning with this plant it has had these brown spots on the leaves, i thought it was too little water, so i made sure i was watering when the top inch was dry-ish, but the spots just haven’t stoped appearing. What might be wrong?
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There is only two shoots coming out of my delightful small leaf spider wart plant. Isn’t there supposed to be more? This is one of my favorite plants do I need to repot it it’s a 4 inch pot now. #SmallLeafSpiderwort
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Small leaf spiderwort not doing so well, help! The last 1-2 months Little Inessa has been withering. I’m not sure what’s going on, it’s been a healthy plant and has grown a LOT since I got it and it’s been in the same place for sunlight. I’m thinking maybe the summer sun was too much for it? Regardless I could use some help! Is it too big for its pot? What do I do? I really love this plant and want to ensure it doesn’t die. Any help would be appreciated!
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Watered this little guy yesterday and this morning i noticed tiny water droplets along the edges of the leaves. Is this normal and should i wipe them off? Any other advice appreciated 😊 #SmallLeafSpiderwort #TradescantiaNanouk #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddict
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I just want to keep a trandescentia alive. Tips I can keep all my other plants relatively healthy but I cannot keep these things looking pretty for the life of me. Does anyone have tips or tricks that will help me keep their leaves pretty?
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Potting #SmallLeafSpiderwort Do these roots look ready to pot or should I wait longer? I am new to propagation and don't want to mess it up.
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My plant has had a hard time ever since buying it. It grows but very slowly and with brown spots consistently. I have tried propagating but as soon as I have grown roots in water and return them to the pot they die. I have since taken it out of a somewhat lit area further away from sunlight but still nothing seems to help. Any advice would be appreciated. #SmallLeafSpiderwort
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Why do some leaves have brown spots? #SmallLeafSpiderwort
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Wondering what is the best way to propagate to get a fuller plant ?
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Why is my Small Leaf Spiderwort looking so sad ? I’ve had this in the restroom because it said it’s a low light plant but now it’s it all floppy. Already had to chop off one stalk because it was was so flimsy. What do I do ? #help
Small-Leaf Spiderwort is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
💦 Water Needs
Small-Leaf Spiderwort prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
☀️ Sunlight Needs
Small-Leaf Spiderwort may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity
Small-Leaf Spiderwort is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Small-Leaf Spiderwort Toxicity to Cats →
💨 Humidity
Small-Leaf Spiderwort doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
🪴 Soil
Small-Leaf Spiderwort does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
💩 Fertilizer
Small-Leaf Spiderwort should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
❄️ Dormancy
It’s common for Small-Leaf Spiderwort to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
🌎 Native Region
Small-Leaf Spiderwort is native to the Americas.
🌸 Flowers
Yes, you may see your Small-Leaf Spiderwort bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.
⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern
Small-Leaf Spiderwort has long, trailing foliage which makes them a great addition to a hanging planter. The newest growth will emerge from the tip of the stems.
🌦️ Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Small-Leaf Spiderwort can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9a-12b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
🌱 Propagation
Small-Leaf Spiderwort can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:
- Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
- To get the cutting to root, you can either:
- Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2” long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
- Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.
🍂 Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Small-Leaf Spiderwort, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
🧐 Troubleshooting
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
- Common Bugs Affecting Small-Leaf Spiderwort →
- Drooping Small-Leaf Spiderwort Leaves →
- Small-Leaf Spiderwort Dropping Leaves →
- Small-Leaf Spiderwort Mushy Leaves →
- Small-Leaf Spiderwort Leaves Falling Over →
- Small-Leaf Spiderwort Leaves Curling →
- Small-Leaf Spiderwort Yellow Leaves →
- Small-Leaf Spiderwort Root Rot →
Care Summary for Small-Leaf Spiderwort
Small-Leaf Spiderwort
Greg recommends:
Water
0.5 cups every 9 days
Placement
< 3ft from a window
Nutrients
Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
What other plant parents say
Fast grower 87
Easy to propagate 65
Survivor 54
Browns easily 24
Blooms easily 23
Large, lush leaves 20
Pest magnet 5
03/22/2022
Pretty to look at. Can flower if right conditions. Such colorful foliage!
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
01/13/2022
These things grow like crazy! My first one didn’t turn out as well as this one. They are really pretty to hang on a shelf.
Fast grower
Blooms easily
12/19/2021
The small-leaf spiderwort was one of my first plants in my “collection” and it was an EASY way to start. I picked it up at Lowes thinking it would be a good indoor hanging plant. Before I knew much about watering schedules and the importance of repotting, this poor little plant was surviving in the worst conditions. I watered it way too much, and it had super old, crummy soil with a plastic pot and no drainage. Eventually, I repotted it in a terracotta pot with a drainage hole and fresh soil and figured out a good watering schedule; my small-leaf DRASTICALLY improved after that. Not that it wasn’t doing well before, but it really grew after that. I’ve propagated it dozens of times and it doesn’t matter where or how you cut it. 10/10 plant for beginners.
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Survivor
11/28/2021
Very fast grower. Pretty easy to take care of, doesn’t really need anything special.
Fast grower
11/15/2021
It’s an ok plant but mine also got fungus. On the plus it is still alive.
Browns easily
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
08/21/2021
Love love love this plant! She grows super fast in my east facing window, doesn’t like direct sun and will burn her leaves. However, super chill plant that is easy to care for. And beautiful to look at! Serves best in a hanging planter.
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Pest magnet
Browns easily
08/10/2021
Love love love this plant! Grows so fast and is very beautiful
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Survivor
08/03/2021
This one was a random Trader Joe’s find about a year ago. I had been hoping to stumble upon this one somewhere as the PINK is lovely, and I got luckily.
It’s been a tremendous grower- probably double in length since I’ve picked it up. It isn’t fussy- I haven’t even repotted it yet so it’s sitting in whatever soil it was in at TJ’s. Has done really well in two locations close to a window, but getting filtered/indirect light.
Fast grower
Blooms easily
07/29/2021
Beautiful but browns often and easily
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Survivor
Browns easily
07/21/2021
This plant does well in sunlight. And shade. First year having it. Works well so far.
Fast grower
Blooms easily
07/18/2021
I love this plant and have gifted cuttings to friends in new pots throughout the years. This plant is so easy to propagate and keep. Trim up the defy vine like stems and put your cuttings in soil. In a week or two you’ll have a fully rooted and growing plant.
I will say it can me leggy and the leaves can get brown near the soil, BUT this is easy to fix with more sun. I’ve found that the brown leaves or leggy situation can be avoided with proper sunlight and rotation.
The great thing about this plant is, if it does not look the way you want, you can literally start a whole new one by cutting off healthy parts. After you do that you can uproot unhealthy plant, the. stick the cut stems in the soil to create a new plant!
Easy to propagate
Survivor
Fast grower
07/16/2021
I love this plant because it is easy to take care of and is gorgeous
07/11/2021
Alive and well!!!
Fast grower
Survivor
06/28/2021
Sensitive to direct light
06/22/2021
Love the variegated leaves with purple hue. Super easy plant that is easy to care for and doesn’t mind being neglected a bit.
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Survivor
06/21/2021
super easy!! and it’s so pretty
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Survivor
06/18/2021
Grew so quickly, all I do to propagate it is put it in a shot glass full of water and kept topping it off :) grew roots within a few days
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Survivor
06/12/2021
So so easy to propagate! Just snip off below a node and place in water making sure the node(s) are fully in the water, within a few days roots will start to grow. I change the water every 5 days until they have enough roots to pot into soil and a clean pot ☺️
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Blooms easily
06/06/2021
Super fast grower and very easy to propagate
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Survivor
06/06/2021
Needs sun!
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
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