Tradescantia fiumiensis (white-flowered spiderwort) is a perennial herb in the Commelinaceae family, genus Tradescantia. Grown indoors, Tradescantia fiumiensis has a spreading habit and attractive foliage, making it ideal for potted display and a fine decorative plant for bookcases and shelves. In summer it can also serve as a foliage plant hung under a corridor. As an ornamental plant, Tradescantia fiumiensis has extremely high ornamental value; at the same time, the whole plant can be used medicinally, with effects such as reducing swelling and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation and diuresis, and it can treat conditions such as carbuncle poisoning, scrofula, and gonorrhea.
Propagation Methods
Tradescantia fiumiensis grows quickly and roots easily, and is commonly propagated by division, cuttings, and layering.
Division: the stems readily root at the nodes; once roots have formed, cut them off and plant them separately in pots to make new plants.
Layering: bend the stems down onto the soil surface and cover them with soil; they root very easily at the nodes, and cutting them off and transplanting them makes new plants.
Cuttings: can be done in spring, autumn, or summer; cut 5-8 cm stems and root them in water or soil, and they will root within a week.
Cultivation Techniques
1. For potting, use a substrate of equal parts leaf mold, garden soil, and river sand. Because Tradescantia fiumiensis grows in a creeping manner, it is best to hang the pot to achieve a better ornamental effect.
2. In the early stage of stem and vine growth, apply liquid fertilizer once every 10-15 days; once the stems and vines have filled the pot, stop fertilizing.
3. A mesophytic flowering plant: keep the potting soil moist during the growing season, water so that it alternates between dry and moist, and water less in winter; in hot, dry conditions, spray water on the leaves regularly to maintain the humidity around the pot. If it is too dry, growth is inhibited and the leaves dry up and lose vigor.
4. In winter it can be placed in a sunny spot; in summer avoid direct sunlight. During the growing season it should be kept in shade, but if it is too shady the stems grow excessively and the markings on variegated varieties become indistinct.
5. Repot once a year; when repotting in spring, the old stems can be cut off, and after repotting let the axillary buds sprout and grow fully.
Daily Care
(1) When the water-culture roots have grown out and show new growth vigor, cultivate with a foliage plant nutrient solution, replacing the nutrient solution once a month. Place in a spot with bright indirect light.
(2) Although Tradescantia fiumiensis is shade-tolerant, it should not be kept in deep shade for long periods, otherwise the stems will become leggy, the leaves brittle and tender, and growth will be poor.
(3) In midsummer, place it in a cool, ventilated spot and avoid strong direct light, otherwise the leaves will scorch. It likes moisture; when the air is dry, spray the leaves to increase the relative humidity.
(4) In winter, place it in a sunny spot indoors and keep the room temperature above 5°C so it can overwinter safely.
(5) During the growing season, prune withered and old leaves appropriately.