How to Grow and Care for Small-leaf spiderwort

Small-leaf spiderwort, also known as Inch Plant, Spiderwort, Wandering Trad, Variegated Laurel, Giant White Inch Plant

Small-leaf spiderwort is a low-maintenance houseplant, well-adapted to indoor environments. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering, although it's crucial to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. One special care point is to avoid direct sun exposure which can scorch the leaves. Additionally, small-leaf spiderwort has a propensity to spread quickly, so regular pruning is beneficial to manage growth and encourage bushier foliage.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Toxic to Pets

In This Article

Planting and Growing Small-leaf spiderwort

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Partial sun
Soil Type	Potting Mix, Garden Soil
Soil pH	5.5-7.5
Planting Time	All year round
Hardiness Zones	9-12
Toxicity	Toxic to Pets

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Varieties of Small-leaf spiderwort

Inch plant

Inch plant puts its parent, Tradescantia fluminensis, to shame, at least in terms of color; its green and white-striped leaves, along with the lavender undersides for which it is named, are far more striking. This plant is a popular houseplant that is ideal for small containers.

Inch plant 'Maiden's Blush'

Inch plant 'Maiden's Blush' is a delightful hybrid with leaves that are a combination of green, white, and a blushing pink, which explains the plant's name. In comparison, the parent plant, Tradescantia fluminensis, has plainer all-green leaves. These are the plant's main ornamental appeal, but it also produces occasional white flowers.

Aurea Wandering Jew

Aurea Wandering Jew is cultivated from the Spiderworts genus and is easily distinguishable by its thick green and yellow-striped leaves. The coloring is what gives the cultivar its name. Its unique foliage and trailing stems make it a popular groundcover or houseplant. The foliage can be a skin irritant.

Inch plant

Inch plant is a Tradescantia fluminensis cultivar that sports variegated leaves (hence the name "Variegata") with emerald green and very light green or white stripes. Relatively cold hardy, disease-resistant, and very fast-growing, these are super popular houseplants, often being grown in hanging baskets.

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The Toxicity of Small-leaf spiderwort

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More General Info About Small-leaf spiderwort

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Quickly Identify Small-leaf spiderwort

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Small-leaf spiderwort is characterized by its lush green leaves that exhibit an elongated oval shape with pointed tips, growing to about 2.5-3.5 inches (6.5-9 cm) in length. Its stems are known to be quite flexible and have the propensity to trail or spread over the surface they inhabit, making the plant appear as a verdant carpet. When broken, the stems release a distinctive viscous sap that, once dried, resembles spider silk. The leaves form in clusters, gracefully tapering off the stems, which contributes to the plant's notable trailing appearance.