Tradescantia ohiensis, commonly known as Ohio spiderwort, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to North America. A member of the Commelinaceae family, it can reach a height of 1 to 2 feet. The plant features long, narrow leaves that form a basal rosette, and it produces clusters of small blue or purple flowers that bloom from May to July.
Ohio spiderwort thrives in moist soil and can be found in prairies, meadows, and along roadsides throughout the eastern United States. It is notable for its drought tolerance and its attractive flowers, which are popular with pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Historically, Native Americans used Ohio spiderwort for medicinal purposes, treating ailments such as headaches, stomachaches, and even snakebites. Today, it is primarily grown for ornamental purposes, valued for its attractive foliage and vibrant blooms.
Tradescantia ohiensis typically blooms in the morning, graced by the dew, but wilts by noon. The Japanese have a deep appreciation for beauty that is fleeting. In Japanese history and culture, Tradescantia ohiensis is closely associated with autumn, making it a popular subject often referenced in haiku. FUN FACT · FROM THE LIBRARY
Overall, Tradescantia ohiensis is an easy-to-grow perennial that adds color and interest to any garden or landscape with minimal maintenance required.
The Ohio spiderwort gets its name for a couple of interesting reasons. Some people believe it is named for its angular leaves and stems, which resemble spider legs. Others suggest the name comes from the plant's sap, which forms strands that look like spider webs when the plant is cut or injured. The species name, ohiensis, means "of" or "from Ohio," which is why it is called the Ohio spiderwort.
Ohio spiderwort has strong resistance to disease and is generally not prone to illnesses. Nevertheless, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its surroundings. Such infections are typically mild. Regarding care, this plant requires moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to maintain an attractive appearance and healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also help encourage flowering. Ohio spiderwort is appropriate for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Tradescantia Ohiensis.
Light
The ohio spiderwort has a strong preference for sites that receive light for most of the day. It can also do well in locations with reduced sunlight exposure. Its native habitat is open clearings that typically provide ample light. Insufficient light can hinder the plant's growth, while excessive light may scorch the leaves.
Water
Ohio spiderwort thrives in moist conditions and grows best in slightly moist soil. Although it is moderately drought-tolerant, it benefits from weekly watering. To help retain moisture during the growing season and reduce the need for frequent watering, mulching is recommended.
Temperature
Ohio spiderwort is naturally suited to moderately warm conditions, doing best at temperatures between 68 and 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). To maintain healthy growth, especially in extreme climates, adjusting its environment seasonally may be important.
Fertilizer
Usually a single fertilizer application in spring is adequate for Ohio spiderwort, though additional feedings can boost growth. Apply fertilizer roughly every month to month and a half. Fertilization improves the appearance and function of the leaves, encouraging uniform color and a healthy texture. It also promotes root development and nutrient uptake, supporting long-term plant health.
Pruning
Ohio spiderwort showcases beautiful blue-purple flowers and grass-like leaves. To enhance the blooms, prune it from early to late spring. During the pruning process, remove any spent flowers and cut away dead stems. This practice promotes healthier growth, reduces legginess, and helps maintain a fuller appearance. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Ohio spiderwort, pick a container 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, making sure the root ball sits just below the rim of the pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial, Annual
- Genus
- Tradescantia
- Family
- Commelinaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-9
- Mature Height
- 0.15 m to 1.07 m
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen, Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Blue, Purple
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Native Area
- Eastern and central USA
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Ohio spiderwort plant?
To properly water the Ohio spiderwort, follow these steps for optimal growth. Use filtered water at room temperature, as tap water may contain harmful particles. The plant prefers warmer water, so avoid using cold water that may be a shock to the system. Instead of overhead watering, which can cause issues with the foliage, gently apply filtered room temperature water to the soil until it is completely saturated. This method helps moisten the roots and supports their spread for nutrient absorption.
Why should I put fertilizer on my Ohio spiderwort?
The main structure of the Ohio spiderwort is made up of its leaves. Fertilizing it is important to ensure that the leaves not only look great but also serve their function effectively. Proper fertilization helps the Ohio spiderwort maintain consistent leaf color and a healthy texture. Additionally, fertilization supports root growth and maintenance underground. This not only keeps the plant healthy in the present but also aids in future absorption of soil nutrients.
What are the sunlight requirements for Ohio spiderwort?
Ohio spiderwort thrives when it receives full sun, which is above 6 hours of sunlight per day, but it can also grow in partial sun, about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's essential to observe how sunlight moves through your garden to find spots that provide the perfect balance for the plant's growth. The plant's native habitat includes open clearings, which are typically abundant in light. However, too little light can hinder its growth, while too much can cause leaf scorching.
What are the optimal growing conditions for Ohio spiderwort?
Ohio spiderwort, known botanically as Tradescantia ohiensis, thrives in medium warm conditions, with optimal temperatures ranging from 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 °C). It is naturally adapted to withstand cold conditions and generally does not require special frost protection measures. However, in climates where temperatures can drop below -30°C, providing cold protection by covering the plant with soil or straw is advised. To prepare for winter, watering the plant abundantly before the first freeze to ensure the soil remains moist is recommended, helping prevent drought and water scarcity during the colder months.
What should I do if I give my Ohio spiderwort too much or too little water?
The health of your Ohio spiderwort can be negatively affected by both overwatering and underwatering, but overwatering is a more common issue. When this plant receives too much water, its stems and leaves may wilt and turn yellow. Overwatering for a long period of time can also lead to diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew, which can be fatal for the plant. Underwatering is less common because the Ohio spiderwort can tolerate drought fairly well. However, it can still happen and result in brittle and brown leaves. It's important to be vigilant for signs of overwatering when caring for your Ohio spiderwort because some of the diseases caused by overwatering, such as root rot, may not be fixable if not addressed promptly. If you notice early signs of overwatering, reduce your watering schedule immediately. Also, check the quality of the soil where your plant is growing. If the soil drains poorly, replace it with loose, well-draining potting mix. Conversely, if you see signs of underwatering, simply water the plant more regularly until the signs improve.
When should I fertilize my Ohio spiderwort for the best results?
If you grow your Ohio spiderwort outdoors each year, the plant will start to grow new leaves in early spring. This is when you should begin fertilizing it for the year. Usually, giving it fertilizer once in the spring is enough. But if you want it to grow more, you can fertilize it multiple times in the spring and early summer. In that case, you can feed it about once every month to a month and a half.
How can artificial lighting be used for indoor Ohio spiderwort plants?
For indoor Ohio spiderwort plants, artificial lighting can be crucial, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient. LED lights are recommended due to their ability to provide specific wavelengths needed for plant growth. The requirements vary based on the plant's natural sun exposure: full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant for 8-12 hours per day to mimic natural sunlight conditions.
How does Ohio spiderwort react to low temperatures?
Ohio spiderwort is quite cold-tolerant and performs best when temperatures are maintained above 20°C. While the plant should ideally be kept above 0°C during winter, it can endure temperatures below -30°C without noticeable changes in its winter appearance. However, extremely low temperatures may affect the plant's ability to sprout in spring. If this occurs, removing the parts of the plant that have failed to sprout is recommended as a solution to encourage new growth.
How frequently should I give water to my Ohio spiderwort?
If your Ohio spiderwort is in a pot, the most precise way to determine if it needs water is by checking the soil with your finger. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry, it's time to water it. If you are growing the Ohio spiderwort outside in the ground, you can use the same method to test the soil. When the top few inches of soil have dried out, it's time to water. Typically, during the spring and early fall, this plant needs watering about once a week. However, in extremely hot weather, you may need to water it two or more times per week. It's worth noting that mature, well-established Ohio spiderwort can withstand drought well.
When is it not a good time to fertilize my Ohio spiderwort?
During late fall and winter, your Ohio spiderwort goes into a dormant phase and stops growing. It's best to avoid fertilizing during this time. If you choose to fertilize in spring and summer, gradually reduce the amount as summer approaches because the growth rate of your Ohio spiderwort slows down. In general, it's not a good idea to fertilize when the weather is exceptionally hot or the soil is very dry as it can cause stress and premature death of your Ohio spiderwort.
What are common symptoms of inadequate sunlight in Ohio spiderwort?
Common symptoms of inadequate sunlight in Ohio spiderwort include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slowed or halted growth, and lighter-colored or yellowing leaves (chlorosis). Too much sunlight can cause sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, leaf scorching, and damage indicative of overexposure, impacting the plant's ability to photosynthesize and overall health.
What should be done if Ohio spiderwort is exposed to high temperatures?
During the summer months, it's crucial to keep Ohio spiderwort's temperature below 35°C to prevent heat stress. Exposure to temperatures above 38°C can result in lighter-colored leaves, curling, susceptibility to sunburn, and in severe cases, wilting and drying out of the plant. If these symptoms occur, it's advisable to trim away the sunburned and dried-up portions of the plant. Moving it to a shaded location, particularly during the midday and afternoon sun, or using a shade cloth, can provide necessary protection. Watering the plant in the morning and evening to maintain soil moisture is also beneficial in mitigating heat stress.
