Ohio Spiderwort Plant Care
Tradescantia ohiensis Raf.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tradescantia ohiensis, commonly known as bluejacket or Ohio spiderwort, is an herbaceous plant species in the genus Tradescantia native to eastern and central North America. It is the most common and widely distributed species of Tradescantia in the United States, where it can be found from Maine in the northeast, west to Minnesota, and south to Texas and Florida.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Ohio Spiderwort?
Water Ohio 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.
Where Is the Ohio Spiderwort Native To?
What Is the Ohio Spiderwort?
Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) belongs to the Commelinaceae family within the Tradescantia genus. Ohio Spiderwort is native to eastern and central North America. Ohio Spiderwort is also known as Bluejacket, Wild Spiderwort.
Ohio Spiderwort displays a trailing or spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Ohio 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 Ohio Spiderwort?
Tradescantia ohiensis 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 Ohio Spiderwort Need?
Ohio Spiderwort thrives in bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid placing Ohio 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 Ohio Spiderwort Prefer?
Tradescantia ohiensis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Ohio Spiderwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Ohio Spiderwort?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Ohio Spiderwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Ohio Spiderwort?
Feed Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio Spiderwort?
Ohio 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 Ohio Spiderwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Ohio Spiderwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
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 Ohio Spiderwort?
Ohio 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 Ohio Spiderwort Need?
Ohio Spiderwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Ohio Spiderwort is native to eastern and central North America. In cooler regions, grow Ohio Spiderwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Ohio 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.
Ohio 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 ohiensis Raf., family Commelinaceae (first published in Précis Découv. Somiol. : 45 (1814)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Ohio Spiderwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Ohio Spiderwort Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species