
(Tradescantia virginiana)

Virginia spiderwort, Wood spiderwort, Zebra plant, Wandering jew
Tradescantia virginiana is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 1-2 feet tall. It has lance-shaped leaves that are green on top and purple underneath. The flowers are small and blue or purple in color.
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Tradescantia virginiana prefers bright, indirect light, but can tolerate some shade.
Tradescantia virginiana prefers moderate to high humidity levels, but can tolerate lower humidity.
Fertilize Tradescantia virginiana every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Tradescantia virginiana benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess. Pinch back the tips of the stems to promote branching.
Common pests for Tradescantia virginiana include spider mites and aphids. It can also be susceptible to fungal diseases if overwatered.
12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Water Tradescantia virginiana when the top inch of soil is dry. It prefers consistently moist soil, but be careful not to overwater as it can lead to root rot.
Tradescantia virginiana prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but should be protected from frost.
Tradescantia virginiana typically blooms from late spring to early summer, but can continue to bloom intermittently throughout the growing season.
Tradescantia virginiana is relatively easy to grow and care for, making it a good choice for beginner gardeners.
Tradescantia virginiana is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Tradescantia virginiana is named after John Tradescant, a 17th-century English gardener and botanist who is credited with introducing many new plant species to England.