Tradescantia bracteata aka Long Bract Spiderwort

Q: What is the right soil for Long Bract Spiderwort

Long Bract Spiderwort loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Q: What is the sunlight requirement for Long Bract Spiderwort

Long Bract Spiderwort requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Long Bract Spiderwort will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Taxonomy ID: 10748

Genus Tradescantia Family Commelinaceae Order Commelinales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta

Tradescantia bracteata is a small perennial in the Commelinaceae family. Common names include prairie spiderwort and small spiderwort. Its native range covers the northern and east-central United States. In Missouri, it grows in open, sunny places. These include prairies, meadows, fields, roadsides, and railway land. It forms compact clumps rather than woody stems.

Garden plants reach about 1.5 feet (0.46 metres) tall. Their spread reaches about 2 feet (0.61 metres). The dark green leaves arch out from the clump. They can reach 1 foot (0.30 metres) long. Each leaf folds along its length, making a groove. The narrow, curved leaves give the plant an iris-like form. This neat shape can loosen as summer moves on.

Flowers range from rose pink to purple, with yellow stamens. Each flower has three petals and lasts just one day. The blooms measure about 0.06–0.13 feet (0.02–0.04 metres) across. They open a few at a time in terminal umbels. Each cluster holds many buds, which extend the flowering season. Bloom runs from late May into early July. The bright flowers stand out against the dark leaves.

Grow this spiderwort in full sun and well-drained soil. It accepts average soil and also tolerates poor ground. Moist, acidic soil suits it best, despite its drought tolerance. It can also cope with dry and shallow, rocky soil. Its usual moisture range runs from dry to moderately moist. It is hardy in USDA zones 4–9. Divide the clumps when growth becomes crowded. Plants may spread by seed where conditions suit them.

Prairie spiderwort fits native plant gardens and less formal planting. It also works as ground cover in naturalized areas. Borders and rock gardens can show off its spring flowers. Yet its leaves may decline and sprawl by midsummer. This limits its value in a highly visible spot. Cutting faded growth nearly to ground level encourages fresh leaves. It may also bring another flush of flowers in fall. No major insect or disease problems are reported. Snails can damage the tender young shoots.

Common names

Long Bract Spiderwort, Longbract Spiderwort, Spiderwort

More information about Long Bract Spiderwort

How difficult is it to take care of Long Bract Spiderwort

Long Bract Spiderwort requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

What is the growth pattern and size of Long Bract Spiderwort?

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

What is the region of origin of Long Bract Spiderwort

Long Bract Spiderwort’s native range is the Americas.

What are the water needs for Long Bract Spiderwort

💧 Dry to moist

Long Bract Spiderwort does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

What is the right soil for Long Bract Spiderwort

pH: Acidic

Long Bract Spiderwort loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Long Bract Spiderwort

Long Bract Spiderwort requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Long Bract Spiderwort will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

What's the right humidity for Long Bract Spiderwort

The Long Bract Spiderwort is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

How to fertilize Long Bract Spiderwort

The Long Bract Spiderwort should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Is Long Bract Spiderwort toxic to humans/pets?

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

What seasonal care does Long Bract Spiderwort need?

During the cold period, it is common for Long Bract Spiderwort to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

More info:
Wikipedia • GBIF

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Sources

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