Overview
Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana (Shuttlw. ex Britt.) E.S. Anderson & Woods. is a herbaceous plant with a variety of common names. This species is native to North America and is a popular ornamental plant in some regions.
Origin and Common Names
Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana (Shuttlw. ex Britt.) E.S. Anderson & Woods. is commonly known as Ohio spiderwort or rough-leaved spiderwort. It is found in the eastern United States and is particularly prevalent in the Ohio River valley and nearby regions. Despite being called "spiderwort," this species is actually a member of the Commelinaceae family rather than the Asterales family that includes true spiderworts.
General Appearance
Ohio spiderwort typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet and has a clumping growth habit. Its leaves are long and narrow, up to 20 cm in length, and are rough to the touch. The plant produces a cluster of flowers at the top of the stem, with each individual flower consisting of three blue-violet petals. The flowers are only open for a single day, but new flowers appear continuously throughout the blooming season, which typically lasts from May to August.
Uses
Ohio spiderwort has been used by some Native American tribes for its medicinal properties, though these uses have not been extensively studied. In modern times, it is primarily valued as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and foliage. It can be grown in a variety of soil types and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. It is also drought tolerant, making it a good choice for xeriscaping in regions with low rainfall.
Light Requirements
The Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana (Shuttlw. ex Britt.) E.S. Anderson & Woods. plant requires bright light for its growth. It does well in partial shade and direct sunlight. However, it is advisable to provide filtered light during the midday hours when the sun is intense. Failure to provide enough light may lead to weak stems, variegation loss, and stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana (Shuttlw. ex Britt.) E.S. Anderson & Woods. plant to thrive is between 18 to 27°C. Temperatures below 10°C may damage the plant, significantly impacting its growth rate. This plant can survive in freezing temperatures with some protection. However, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to the plant's death.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for the Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana (Shuttlw. ex Britt.) E.S. Anderson & Woods. plant is well-draining with adequate moisture content. A light, loamy soil mix with organic matter is perfect for this plant. Fertilize with organic compost and other natural fertilizers every six to eight weeks to provide sufficient nutrients. Additionally, this plant can grow in a wide variety of soils ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline as long as other conditions are met.
Cultivation
The Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana (Shuttlw. ex Britt.) E.S. Anderson & Woods. plant is a hardy plant that can grow in various conditions. It can thrive in both full sun and partial shade conditions. However, it prefers to grow in a well-draining soil mixture.
The pot should be at least 2 inches larger in size than the current pot to allow for optimal growth.
Watering Needs
The plant should be watered regularly, especially during the growing season. Avoid over-watering the plant as this can lead to root rot. Always make sure that the soil is dry before watering the plant again.
During the winter months, watering can be reduced due to the plant's dormancy period.
Fertilization
The Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana (Shuttlw. ex Britt.) E.S. Anderson & Woods. plant is not a heavy feeder and can thrive without frequent fertilization.
However, during the growing season, the plant can benefit from a balanced fertilizer, applied every six weeks to help promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana (Shuttlw. ex Britt.) E.S. Anderson & Woods. is a plant that can become bushy if not pruned regularly. To promote a bushy and compact plant, pruning should be done at least once every six months.
Pruning involves the removal of dead or yellowing leaves and stems, and pinching back leggy shoots to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana
Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana is a hardy perennial plant that is prized for its beautiful foliage and attractive flowers. Propagating this plant is relatively easy, and there are several different methods that you can use to increase your stock. In this section, we will discuss the different propagation methods that you can use for Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana.
Division
One of the easiest ways to propagate Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana is by division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in a new location. You can do this either in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant. Start by digging up the plant and gently separating the roots into smaller sections. Be sure that each section has a healthy portion of roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in a well-draining soil mix and water thoroughly.
Stem Cuttings
Another way to propagate Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana is through stem cuttings. This method involves cutting a section of stem from the plant and rooting it in a soil mix or water. Take a stem cutting that is at least 4-6 inches long and has several leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the end in rooting hormone. Plant the stem cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep moist. It should take 2-3 weeks for roots to form.
Seed Propagation
Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana can also be propagated through seed. This method involves harvesting the plant's seeds after the flowers have bloomed. The seeds can be planted in a soil mix and kept moist until they germinate. Keep in mind that not all plants grown from seed will be identical to the parent plant.
Overall, Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana is an easy plant to propagate. Whether you prefer to divide the plant, take stem cuttings, or grow from seed, there's a propagation method that will work for you.
Disease and Pest Management for Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana
Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana (Shuttlw. ex Britt.) E.S. Anderson & Woods. is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it is still important to monitor the plant regularly and take appropriate measures when necessary.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana is leaf spot. This fungal disease can cause characteristic circular spots on the leaves, which can later merge to form large irregularly shaped patches. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy infected leaves as soon as they are identified. Providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can also help prevent the spread of this fungal disease.
Another common disease that can affect Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To control this disease, it is important to keep the plant dry and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may also be necessary in severe cases.
Common Pests
Two of the most common pests that can affect Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana are spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites can cause tiny yellow or white speckles on the leaves of the plant, and eventually cause the leaves to curl and fall off. Mealybugs, on the other hand, can cause a white, waxy coating on the stems and leaves of the plant. To control these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and remove any affected leaves or stems immediately. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control these pests.
In summary, while Tradescantia subaspera Ker-Gawl. var. montana is a relatively hardy plant, it is still important to monitor for pests and diseases regularly. Early detection and appropriate measures can help maintain the health and beauty of this plant.
