Small-Leaf Spiderwort

(Tradescantia fluminensis)

Small-Leaf Spiderwort (Tradescantia fluminensis)

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Tradescantia fluminensis Native Range
Native Range
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Climate Requirements

• Precipitation 36" - 61"
• High Temp. 74°F - 88°F
• Low Temp. 40°F - 52°F

Summary

Tradescantia fluminensis, commonly known as Small-Leaf Spiderwort, is an evergreen perennial herb that originates from the temperate rainforests of Southern Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. This species thrives in moist, shaded environments and is often found along riverbanks and in forest understories. It has a creeping growth habit, with soft, hairless stems and leaves, and can spread vigorously to form dense mats of foliage. The plant is characterized by its oval to lance-shaped leaves and produces small, three-petaled white flowers throughout the year, which are quite showy when in bloom.

Small-Leaf Spiderwort is valued for its ease of maintenance and adaptability as a ground cover or houseplant. It is particularly useful for filling in shady areas where other plants might struggle to grow. In cultivation, it prefers consistently moist soils and can tolerate heavy shade, making it suitable for indoor environments or shaded garden spots. While it can endure short dry periods due to its succulent nature, it performs best when moisture is readily available. In regions where it is not invasive, it can be used to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. However, it is highly invasive in Australia, New Zealand, the southeastern U.S., Portugal/Azores/Madeira, and South Africa (Category 1b), and should be planted with extreme caution outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-0.8 feet
  • Width: 0.8-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Temperate rainforests of Southern Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay

Other Names

Common Names: Smallleaf Spiderwort, Wandering Trad, White-Flowered Wandering Jew, River Spiderwort, Inch Plant, Wandering Willie, Vaderplant, Vandrande Jude, Nohakata Karakusa, Spiderwort

Scientific Names: Tradescantia fluminensis, Tradescantia albiflora, Tradescantia albovittata, Tradescantia tenella, Tradescantia decora, Tradescantia multibracteata, Tradescantia fluminensis var. pubescens, Tradescantia fluminensis f. albovittata, Tradescantia laekenensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Tradescantia fluminensis Vell.