Tradescantia tharpii Plant Care
Tradescantia tharpii E.S.Anderson & Woodson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Tradescantia tharpii, the shortstem spiderwort or spider lily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Commelinaceae, native to the central United States. It is small for its genus, reaching only 8–12 in (20–30 cm).
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Tradescantia tharpii?
Water Tradescantia tharpii 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 Tradescantia tharpii Native To?
What Is the Tradescantia tharpii?
Tradescantia tharpii (Tradescantia tharpii) belongs to the Commelinaceae family within the Tradescantia genus. Tradescantia tharpii is native to the central United States.
Tradescantia tharpii displays a trailing or spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Tradescantia tharpii produces small, three-petaled flowers in various colors like purple, pink, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Tradescantia tharpii?
Tradescantia tharpii 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 Tradescantia tharpii Need?
Tradescantia tharpii thrives in bright indirect light to partial shade. Avoid placing Tradescantia tharpii 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 Tradescantia tharpii Prefer?
Tradescantia tharpii grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Tradescantia tharpii prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Tradescantia tharpii?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Tradescantia tharpii to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Tradescantia tharpii?
Feed Tradescantia tharpii 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 Tradescantia tharpii?
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 Tradescantia tharpii?
Tradescantia tharpii 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 Tradescantia tharpii Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Tradescantia tharpii, 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 Tradescantia tharpii?
Tradescantia tharpii 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 Tradescantia tharpii Need?
Tradescantia tharpii grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Tradescantia tharpii is native to the central United States. In cooler regions, grow Tradescantia tharpii as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Tradescantia tharpii 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.
Tradescantia tharpii 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 tharpii E.S.Anderson & Woodson, family Commelinaceae (first published in Contr. Arnold Arbor. 9: 70 (1935)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Tradescantia tharpii, 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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