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Description
Tradescantia Occidentalis, commonly known as Prairie Spiderwort or Western Spiderwort, is a flowering perennial plant that belongs to the Commelinaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in several states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado.The plant grows up to 2 feet in height and produces small, blue to purple flowers that bloom from May to July. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring around 12 inches in length, and are arranged in a basal rosette.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Genus | Tradescantia |
Appearance
Tradescantia Occidentalis has a unique appearance that makes it an attractive addition to any garden. The plant has long, narrow leaves that are green in color and measure around 12 inches in length. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette and have a sheathing base that wraps around the stem.The flowers of the plant are small, measuring around 1 inch in diameter, and are blue to purple in color. They bloom from May to July and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem.
Care Guide
Tradescantia Occidentalis is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy and thriving:Water: Water your plant regularly, making sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.Fertilization: Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Tradescantia Occidentalis is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tradescantia Occidentalis is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To prevent spider mites, keep the plant well-watered and mist the leaves regularly.
Habitat
Tradescantia Occidentalis is native to North America and can be found in several states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado. The plant prefers open, sunny areas and can often be found in prairies and meadows.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Tradescantia Occidentalis grow in containers?
A: Yes, Tradescantia Occidentalis can be grown in containers. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and use a well-draining soil mix.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Tradescantia Occidentalis plant?
A: Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Tradescantia Occidentalis tolerate drought?
A: Tradescantia Occidentalis prefers moist soil but can tolerate drought for short periods of time.
Q: How do I propagate my Tradescantia Occidentalis plant?
A: The plant can be propagated by dividing the root ball or by taking stem cuttings.
Related Plants
- Tradescantia virginiana (Virginia Spiderwort)
- Tradescantia fluminensis (Small-leaf Spiderwort)
- Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew)
References
- “Tradescantia occidentalis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 18 August 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=283848&isprofile=0&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=&=
- “Prairie Spiderwort.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 18 August 2021. <https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=TRVI2>
