Zigzag spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera) is an herbaceous perennial flowering species native to the United States. Zigzag spiderwort can be damaged by snails when the plant’s shoots are new. This species gives off a silky, threadlike stem secretion that resembles a spider’s web, which is how it got its common name.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
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. It is recommended for shady naturalistic garden settings. It has three petals which are violet-blue to purple in color. Flowers bloom May to September.
II. How to Grow and Care
Zigzag spiderwort is known for its resilience and easy care, making it a suitable choice for novice gardeners. It thrives in indirect light and requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. One special care point is to ensure consistent moisture without waterlogging the soil, as zigzag spiderwort is sensitive to overwatering. Regular pruning helps to maintain its shape and promote fuller growth.
Sunlight
Zigzag spiderwort thrives in partial sun, where it can bask in a gentle mix of light and shadow. This balance of light ensures robust growth while shielding zigzag spiderwort from the potential stress of intense, direct sunlight. However, zigzag spiderwort demonstrates an admirable flexibility by tolerating full shade environments, often with only a slight reduction in growth vigor.
In outdoor settings, zigzag spiderwort is best situated in areas where dappled sunlight can reach it, such as under the canopy of larger plants. While its ability to adapt to less light is notable, zigzag spiderwort’s coloration and flourishing may be optimal when provided with the right balance of indirect light.
Temperature
The zigzag spiderwort is native to America and grows well at a temperature of 18 to 30 ℃. It doesn’t like the cold and frost of winter, meaning that its overwintering temperature needs to be kept above 10 ℃. Once the temperature drops below 4 ℃, the plant will enter a dormant state. At 0 ℃, the plant may be frozen to death directly. The zigzag spiderwort prefers a humid environment and requires the relative humidity of the air in its growth environment to be between 60-75%. It is not resistant to drought or water-logging.
Watering
Thriving in its native moist woodlands, zigzag spiderwort has adapted to environments with consistent moisture. It exhibits a preference for regular hydration without being waterlogged, maintaining a balance that supports its health and growth. Accordingly, it requires watering every week to mimic the natural conditions of its habitat. Given its need for steady moisture levels, zigzag spiderwort is best suited as an indoor plant where humidity can be more easily regulated. This species benefits from a well-draining soil mix that retains some water but allows excess to escape, ensuring optimal root health during its active growing season.
Soil
The zigzag spiderwort isn’t fussy when it comes to soil, and the plant can grow normally in both sandy and loam soil. With certain saline-alkali tolerance, it can also grow in mild saline-alkali soil, although it does best in neutral or alkaline soil. The zigzag spiderwort likes fertilizer; it won’t grow well in poor soil, with slender plants that have no or few flowers. When it is cultured as a potted plant, perlite with good water permeability and drainage can be selected as its substrate, while sandy loam is also a good choice.
Fertilizing
For thriving zigzag spiderwort, apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during growing seasons (spring-summer), with a reduced frequency in fall and minimal feeding in winter. Fertilizing zigzag spiderwort supports robust growth, vibrant foliage, and flower production. Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer, ensuring to follow package instructions to avoid root burn. During dormant periods, over-fertilization could harm zigzag spiderwort; therefore, lessen the frequency to prevent nutrient build-up. Seasonal adjustments in feeding help zigzag spiderwort maintain its vitality year-round. Rinse soil occasionally to prevent salt accumulation from fertilizers.
Planting Instructions
The zigzag spiderwort is generally planted by cuttage, with this being best done in the autumn. When growing the plant in a pot, change its soil once a year. When changing the pot soil in the spring, cut off any old stems, so that the axillary buds can germinate and grow.
Pruning
In order to keep its graceful plant shape and prolong its flowering period in the fall, it is necessary to consistently remove dense and diseased leaves. Old stems should be trimmed, and you should also maintain ventilation and light transmission, which will promote the growth of new tillers. After flowering, the residual flower stems, as well as any dead branches and leaves, should be cut off to promote the development of new flower stems.
Propagation
A hardy perennial, zigzag spiderwort, thrives when propagated through division. To promote growth, carefully separate the rootball during the plant’s dormancy period, ensuring each new section has an adequate root system. Following separation, immediately replant the divisions into moist, well-draining soil, and maintain consistent moisture while new roots establish. This method capitalizes on the plant’s natural clumping habit, enabling gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
Transplanting
For zigzag spiderwort, the quintessential time for relocation is from the burgeoning warmth of late spring to the cusp of summer’s zenith or during the tranquil dormancy from late autumn to early winter, ensuring roots establish in mild temperatures. Position in a spot where morning light filters through, with protection from harsh afternoon rays. When transplanting, handle with care to maintain soil integrity around the root ball for seamless adaptation.
III. Harvesting and Storage
The zigzag spiderwort flowers in the summer or early fall. It can be harvested at this time too by drying the flowers in the sun to retain their original bright color. The whole grass can also be cut for use as a medicine.
