Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot, as Tradescantia crassifolia prefers consistently moist but not saturated soil.
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Tradescantia crassifolia, or Leatherleaf Spiderwort, is a succulent perennial native to Mexico. It features thick, fleshy leaves and clusters of pinkish-purple flowers, t
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright
75% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid intense afternoon sun.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
Mildly toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in cooler months to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Ensure good drainage to avoid root rot, as Tradescantia crassifolia prefers consistently moist but not saturated soil.
Prune annually in spring to maintain a bushy shape and encourage new growth. Pinch back leggy stems to promote branching. Remove any dead or damaged foliage promptly to keep the plant healthy and tidy.
This also prevents the plant from becoming too sparse.
Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 10-15 cm cuttings in spring or summer and remove lower leaves. Insert the cut ends into moist potting mix or water.
Roots will typically form within a few weeks, allowing for transplanting.
Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Repotting in spring is ideal, coinciding with the start of the active growing season.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Leatherleaf Spiderwort (Tradescantia crassifolia)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Genus | Tradescantia |
| Species | Tradescantia crassifolia |
Similar in genus Tradescantia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
