Also known as Wide-Leaf Spiderwort
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Tradescantia subaspera, Zigzag Spiderwort, is a woodland perennial native to eastern North America, featuring attractive foliage and delicate blue-purple flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Moderate to High
75% intensity
Thrives in partial shade to full sun. In hotter climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogging. Allow top inch to dry out between waterings.
Well-drained, Humus-rich
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost; bring indoors if temperatures drop below 10°C.
Low to Moderate
35% intensity
Feed lightly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Irritant
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Zigzag Spiderwort regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, as it prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged conditions.
Prune back leggy or overgrown stems to maintain a compact shape and encourage bushier growth. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Light pruning can be done anytime to remove unsightly foliage or to shape the plant.
Zigzag Spiderwort is easily propagated by stem cuttings. Take 10-15 cm cuttings from healthy stems, remove lower leaves, and insert them into moist potting mix or water. Roots typically form within a few weeks.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix. Spring is the ideal time for repotting.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Zigzag Spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera)
Where Zigzag Spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Genus | Tradescantia |
| Species | Tradescantia subaspera |
Similar in genus Tradescantia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
