Scientific Name
Tradescantia sillamontana Matuda
Synonym(s)
Tradescantia pexata
Common Name(s)
Cobweb Spiderwort, Hairy Wandering Jew, White Gossamer, Velvet Wandering Jew, White Gossamer Plant, White Velvet
Scientific Classification
Family: Commelinaceae
Subfamily: Commelinoideae
Tribe: Tradescantieae
Subtribe: Tradescantiinae
Genus: Tradescantia
Etymology
The specific epithet "sillamontana" (pronounced "see-yuh-MON-tah-nuh") means "Of or pertaining to the Silla mountain." It refers to Cerro de la Silla, a mountain and natural monument in the Monterrey metropolitan area, Nuevo León, northeastern Mexico, where this species originates.
Origin
Tradescantia sillamontana is native to northeastern Mexico.
Description
Tradescantia sillamontana is a densely branched plant with fleshy, prostrate to ascending stems bearing dull olive-green to gray-green leaves densely covered with white hairs. The stems are also covered with white hairs and can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) long, rooting at the soil surface. The leaves are ovate, folded, and arranged in 2 ranks, measuring up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length and about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width. They turn bright purplish-red under high-light conditions. The underside of the leaves is reddish-purple.
The flowers are bright purplish-pink with three petals and appear at apical growth points or in the axils of the bracts in summer.
How to Grow and Care for Tradescantia sillamontana
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Growing Tradescantia is easy, and you will find the plants quite resilient. These plants typically grow in moist, well-drained, and acidic soil (pH 5 to 6). Tradescantias do best in partial shade but will do equally well in sunny areas as long as the soil is kept moist.
You can grow Tradescantia indoors, too, if suitable conditions are given. Provide the plant with a soilless mix or loam-based potting compost and keep it in bright filtered light. You should also pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth.
Allow it to spend warm spring and summer days outdoors, if feasible. Water moderately during active growth and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every four weeks. Water sparingly in winter.
These plants like to be kept fairly moist, so water regularly, especially when growing in containers. Cutting the plants back once flowering has ceased can often promote a second bloom and help prevent re-seeding. Cut the stems about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) from the ground.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Tradescantia.
Links
- Back to genus Tradescantia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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