Tradescantia ohiensis aka Ohio Spiderwort

Taxonomy

Tradescantia ohiensis, also known as bluejacket or Ohio spiderwort, is a clumping herbaceous plant native to eastern and central North America. It is the most common and widely distributed species of Tradescantia in the United States, growing from Maine to Minnesota and south to Texas and Florida, with a small distribution in Canada. The plant has glaucous leaves and stems that form an acute angle, and sepals with hairs lacking glands, which are confined to the apex if present at all. It can grow up to 115cm tall and typically grows in fields, thickets, and along roadsides and railroads, though it can also occur in woods and along streams. Tradescantia ohiensis often forms hybrids with other species in the genus where they co-occur. The plant has edible flowers, shoots, and leaves, with the latter being mucilaginous and useful for soothing insect bites. Spiderwort produces clusters of violet tripetalled flowers and occasionally a white bloom, with the ability to detect radiation which makes the stamens on the flowers turn pink. It is an easy plant to care for and propagate by stem, making it great for sharing. As a houseplant, it often trails or creeps along the ground if grown outdoors, but its succulent leaves make it sensitive to frost, so bringing it indoors in freezing temperatures is necessary.

Common names

Ohio Spiderwort, Spiderwort, Bluejacket

How to care for Ohio Spiderwort

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Ohio Spiderwort is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Ohio Spiderwort should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Ohio 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.

Lighting

Ohio Spiderwort thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Bluejacket.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Ohio Spiderwort plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Humidity

The Ohio Spiderwort does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Ohio Spiderwort should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Ohio Spiderwort is characterized by clumping growth, with new shoots emerging from the soil around the primary plant.

Region of origin

Ohio Spiderwort’s native range is the Americas.


More info:
Wikipedia