The Beauty and Benefits of Growing Spiderworts

Have you heard about spiderworts? These beautiful plants are also known as Tradescantia, and they are becoming increasingly popular among gardeners. Spiderworts come in various shades of blue, pink, purple, and white, and their delicate flowers bloom throughout the summer months. Not only are spiderworts aesthetically pleasing, but they also offer several benefits to our health and environment.

What Are Spiderworts?

Spiderworts are herbaceous perennials that belong to the Commelinaceae family. They are native to North and South America and thrive in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Spiderworts grow up to 2 feet tall and spread out up to 18 inches wide. Their leaves are long and narrow, and their stems are hairy and succulent.

The Beauty of Spiderworts

One of the reasons why spiderworts have become so popular among gardeners is their beauty. Spiderwort flowers are delicate and come in different colors, from deep blues to bright pinks and purples. The flowers last for only a day, but new ones bloom regularly during the summer months. Spiderworts also attract bees and butterflies, making them a great addition to any pollinator garden.

A close-up of beautiful blue spiderwort flowers

Benefits of Growing Spiderworts

Aside from their aesthetics, growing spiderworts can benefit both our health and the environment. For one, spiderwort extracts have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate pain and swelling. Additionally, spiderworts are natural air purifiers, absorbing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air. This means that growing spiderworts indoors can improve indoor air quality.

A spiderwort plant filtering indoor air pollutants

Growing Spiderworts

Now that we know how beautiful and beneficial spiderworts are, let's talk about how to grow them. Spiderworts are relatively easy to grow, and they can be propagated from cuttings or seeds. Here are some tips on how to care for spiderworts:

Soil and Watering

Spiderworts prefer moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. They also prefer partial shade but can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist. Water your spiderworts regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.

Fertilizing

You can fertilize your spiderworts once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in winter or during dormancy.

Pruning

Spiderworts don't require much pruning, but you can deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms. You can also trim back stems in the fall to keep the plant tidy.

Spiderworts are beautiful and beneficial plants that can add color and freshness to any garden or indoor space. With their anti-inflammatory properties and air-purifying abilities, spiderworts are not just pretty to look at – they can also improve our health and environment. If you're looking for an easy-to-grow and low-maintenance plant, consider growing spiderworts.

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