Zigzag Spiderwort Plant Care
Tradescantia subaspera Ker Gawl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tradescantia subaspera, the zigzag spiderwort, is a species of flowering plant in the family Commelinaceae, native to the eastern United States. Its zigzagging stems and wider leaves distinguish it from Tradescantia virginiana.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Zigzag Spiderwort?
Water Zigzag 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 Zigzag Spiderwort Native To?
What Is the Zigzag Spiderwort?
Zigzag Spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera) belongs to the Commelinaceae family within the Tradescantia genus. Zigzag Spiderwort is native to the eastern United States. Zigzag Spiderwort is also known as Creeping Spiderwort.
Zigzag Spiderwort displays a trailing or spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Zigzag 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 Zigzag Spiderwort?
Tradescantia subaspera 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 Zigzag Spiderwort Need?
Zigzag Spiderwort thrives in bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid placing Zigzag 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 Zigzag Spiderwort Prefer?
Tradescantia subaspera grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Zigzag Spiderwort prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Zigzag Spiderwort?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Zigzag Spiderwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Zigzag Spiderwort?
Feed Zigzag 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 Zigzag 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 Zigzag Spiderwort?
Zigzag 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 Zigzag Spiderwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Zigzag 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 Zigzag Spiderwort?
Zigzag 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 Zigzag Spiderwort Need?
Zigzag Spiderwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Zigzag Spiderwort is native to the eastern United States. In cooler regions, grow Zigzag Spiderwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Zigzag 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.
Zigzag Spiderwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Tradescantia Species
Other Tradescantia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Tradescantia subaspera Ker Gawl., family Commelinaceae (first published in Bot. Mag. 38: t. 1597 (1813)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Zigzag 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.
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