Image: AI generated
Small Leaf Spiderwort Plant Care
Tradescantia fluminensis Vell.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tradescantia fluminensis is a species of spiderwort native to South America. It is one of several plants known by the common name wandering Jew.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Small Leaf Spiderwort?
Water Small Leaf Spiderwort every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Small Leaf Spiderwort Native To?
What Is the Small Leaf Spiderwort?
Small Leaf Spiderwort (Tradescantia fluminensis) belongs to the Commelinaceae family within the Tradescantia genus. Small Leaf Spiderwort is native to South America. Small Leaf Spiderwort is also known as Wandering Jew, Inch Plant, Flowering Inch Plant.
Small Leaf Spiderwort displays a trailing or spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Small Leaf Spiderwort produces small, three-petaled flowers in various colors like purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Small Leaf Spiderwort?
Tradescantia fluminensis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Small Leaf Spiderwort Need?
Small Leaf Spiderwort thrives in bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid placing Small Leaf Spiderwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Small Leaf Spiderwort Prefer?
Tradescantia fluminensis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Small Leaf Spiderwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Small Leaf Spiderwort?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Small Leaf Spiderwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Small Leaf Spiderwort?
Feed Small Leaf Spiderwort every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Small Leaf Spiderwort?
Repot annually in spring to refresh soil and promote growth. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Small Leaf Spiderwort?
Small Leaf Spiderwort can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, or seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wandering jew plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Small Leaf Spiderwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Small Leaf Spiderwort?
Small Leaf Spiderwort is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Small Leaf Spiderwort Need?
Small Leaf Spiderwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Small Leaf Spiderwort is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Small Leaf Spiderwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Small Leaf Spiderwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Tradescantia genus — compare its care with other Tradescantia species on PlantoScan.
Tradescantia is part of the Commelinaceae plant family — browse all Commelinaceae genera and species.
Small Leaf Spiderwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tradescantia fluminensis Vell., family Commelinaceae (first published in Fl. Flumin. 3: 140, t. 152 (1829)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Small Leaf Spiderwort as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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