Ohio spiderwort
tradescantia ohiensis
Also known as: ["Bluejacket","Dayflower"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial native to North America, known for its slender, arching leaves and clusters of blue-purple flowers that open in the morning.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Commelinales |
| Family: | Commelinaceae |
| Genus: | Tradescantia |
| Botanical Name: | Tradescantia ohiensis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in an open, sunny area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter; cactus or succulent mix can work well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks or as needed to control size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light to avoid scorching; place in filtered sunlight outdoors or near an east-facing window indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from cold drafts; maintain moderate warmth year-round.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil; division of clumps is also effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, cut below a node, remove lower leaves, place in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix or water; perlite or sand can improve drainage.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting; rooting powder or gel can be used.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 1–3 weeks in water; soil propagation may take slightly longer.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors or knife, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or containers, water or soil medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; change water regularly if using water propagation; keep cuttings out of direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess; remove dead or damaged stems to maintain health.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune above a node, remove dead/damaged growth, shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring or early summer before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage, gently remove plant, trim roots if needed, add fresh soil, water lightly.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains freely from the pot, ensure even moisture without waterlogging, water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration (yellowing or browning), stunted growth, or bud drop.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or damage if exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, protect from drafts, cover with a frost cloth if outdoors in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTradescantia ohiensis is generally considered non-toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicTradescantia ohiensis is generally considered non-toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects associated with ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicContact with the sap of Tradescantia ohiensis can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. The irritation is typically mild and localized, resolving without significant physiological impact.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often does Tradescantia ohiensis bloom?
A: It typically blooms from late spring to early summer, with flowers opening in the morning and lasting for one day.
Q: Is Tradescantia ohiensis suitable for container gardening?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers but may require division every few years to prevent overcrowding.
Q: Does Tradescantia ohiensis attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Commelinaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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