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Small-leaf spiderwort

How to identify Small-leaf spiderwort (Tradescantia fluminensis)

Small-leaf spiderwort, also known as Wandering Trad, Speedy Henry, Inch plant, Giant White Inch plant

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.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Vine, Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Small-leaf spiderwort

1

Oval leaves with pointed tips, 2.5-3.5 inches (6.5-9 cm) long, cluster and trail elegantly.

2

Small white flowers under 1 inch (2.5 cm), three equal delicate petals, and boat-shaped bracts.

3

Smooth, ovate-oblong leaves, green upper surface, purplish undersides, distinctive vein pattern.

4

Slender green stems, ascending or trailing growth, nodes spaced 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart, rooting.

Small-leaf spiderwortSmall-leaf spiderwortSmall-leaf spiderwortSmall-leaf spiderwortSmall-leaf spiderwort

Detailed Traits of Small-leaf spiderwort

Leaf Features

The leaves of small-leaf spiderwort are 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long, alternate, and grow in two-ranked (distichate) patterns. They are simple, ovate-oblong in shape, with a pointed apex (acute). The leaf blade is attached directly to the stem (sessile) and encased in a closed sheath. The upper surface is green, while the undersides exhibit a purplish tint. The texture is smooth, and the prominent midrib and secondary veins create a distinctive vein pattern.

Leaf Arrangement

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Flower Features

Small-leaf spiderwort flowers are small, white, and less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. They feature three equal, delicate petals and three sepals, all subtended by a pair of distinctive boat-shaped bracts. The inflorescence forms on one-sided cymes, either at the end of stems or in the leaf axils, hidden by two leafy bracts. Typically, small-leaf spiderwort flowers are not fragrant and usually bloom in compact clusters. These flowers rarely appear when the plant is grown indoors as a houseplant.

Small-leaf spiderwort Flower imageSmall-leaf spiderwort Flower image
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Stem Features

The stems of small-leaf spiderwort are slender, green, and typically measure up to 0.3 inches (0.75 cm) in diameter. They exhibit an ascending, decumbent or trailing growth habit, often rooting at the nodes which are spaced about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. The stems can branch frequently, forming dense mats. The texture is smooth and slightly fleshy, aiding in retaining moisture. Key distinguishing features include the spacing of nodes and the rooting at these points, which facilitates the plant's spread.

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Small-leaf spiderwort and Their Similar Plants

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Silver inch plant vs. Small-leaf spiderwort: What's The Difference?
The silver inch plant is a popular trailing plant known for its attractive foliage with zebra-like stripes of green, silver, and purple. Tradescantia zebrina is very easy to care for and can be hung or placed indoors. The plant grows fast; the creeping stems bear roots along the way, making it suitable as ground cover.
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Virginia spiderwort vs. Small-leaf spiderwort: What's The Difference?
Virginia spiderwort is called 'spiderwort' because its complex leaf formations have a spider-like shape. The fine hairs found on the plant’s stamen are frequently studied under the microscope in biology classes. The violet-blue flowers and elegant leaves make this North American native a popular ornamental plant.
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White velvet vs. Small-leaf spiderwort: What's The Difference?
White velvet (Tradescantia sillamontana) is a perennial evergreen species native to northeastern Mexico. White velvet can grow in areas with very little water and is one of the most drought-tolerant species in its genus. This species won't flower if it is given too much water or too much shade. White velvet is a popular plant in ornamental rock gardens in subtropical regions and in Europe.
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Zigzag spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera) is an herbaceous perennial flowering species native to the United States. Zigzag spiderwort can be damaged by snails when the plant's shoots are new. This species gives off a silky, threadlike stem secretion that resembles a spider's web, which is how it got its common name.
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Key Facts About Small-leaf spiderwort

Attributes of Small-leaf spiderwort
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Vine, Herb
Plant Height
60 cm
Spread
23 cm to 60 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Purple
Flower Size
1.3 cm to 2.5 cm
Flower Color
White
Fruit Color
Green
Stem Color
Green
White
Purple
Pink
Cream
Leaf type
Evergreen
The Toxicity of Small-leaf spiderwort
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Scientific Classification of Small-leaf spiderwort

Species
Small-leaf spiderwort (Tradescantia fluminensis)
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Distribution Map of Small-leaf spiderwort

Small-leaf spiderwort is native to South America and is cultivated in various regions for its ornamental appeal. With a prolific presence across continents, small-leaf spiderwort thrives in temperate and subtropical areas. Although it is considered an asset in gardens, small-leaf spiderwort can sometimes be thought to be challenging in certain areas where it may have an impact on local ecosystems, notably in some oceanic regions. Despite this, its cultivation continues, and the plant maintains a broad introduced range in the northern and southern hemispheres.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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