Purple Flower Spider Plant – Your Complete Guide To Growing
Have you ever heard whispers of a purple flower spider plant and found yourself picturing the classic, green-and-white striped spider plant but with vibrant purple blooms? You’re not alone! It’s one of the most common points of confusion for houseplant enthusiasts, and it often leads to a search for a plant that doesn’t quite exist as imagined.
But don’t worry—the plant you’re likely looking for is real, and it’s even more spectacular. We promise to demystify this gorgeous plant for you. The “purple flower spider plant” is the common nickname for the stunning Tradescantia spathacea, also known as Moses-in-the-Cradle or the Oyster Plant.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. From identifying the right plant to mastering its care and propagation, you’ll learn exactly how to grow a thriving, colorful specimen. Get ready to unlock the secrets to one of the most uniquely beautiful houseplants you can own!
What Exactly *Is* a Purple Flower Spider Plant?
Let’s clear this up right away, because understanding your plant is the first step to helping it thrive. When people search for a “purple flower spider plant,” they are almost always referring to Tradescantia spathacea.
The confusion is understandable! This plant has a rosette-like growth habit and produces small “babies” or offsets, much like a traditional spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum). However, the similarities end there.
Here’s how to tell the difference:
- Foliage: A true spider plant has slender, arching leaves that are typically green or variegated with white. Tradescantia spathacea, on the other hand, boasts broad, sword-like leaves that are deep green on top and a brilliant, rich purple underneath.
- Flowers: This is the biggest giveaway. A classic spider plant produces small, delicate white flowers on long, dangling stems (stolons). The Tradescantia spathacea produces tiny white flowers nestled inside unique, boat-shaped purple bracts (the “cradle” or “oyster”), giving it the “purple flower” association.
- Growth Habit: While both produce offsets, spider plant babies dangle from long stolons. Tradescantia spathacea’s pups emerge from the base of the mother plant, creating a dense, clumping look.
So, while it’s not a true spider plant, the plant you’re seeking is a vibrant, easy-to-care-for beauty. Now that we know who we’re dealing with, let’s dive into the ultimate purple flower spider plant care guide.
The Ultimate Purple Flower Spider Plant Care Guide (Tradescantia Spathacea)
Growing Tradescantia spathacea is incredibly rewarding, and don’t worry—these plants are perfect for beginners! Following these best practices will ensure your plant shows off its best and brightest colors.
Lighting: The Secret to Vibrant Color
This is the most important factor for maintaining that stunning purple hue. Your plant needs bright, indirect light to truly flourish. Think of a spot a few feet back from a sunny south- or west-facing window, or right in an east-facing window where it gets gentle morning sun.
If the light is too low, the purple will fade, and the plant will become “leggy,” stretching toward the light source. Conversely, direct, harsh sunlight will scorch its beautiful leaves, leaving brown, crispy patches. Finding that bright, happy medium is key!
Watering: Finding the Perfect Balance
Overwatering is the number one enemy of Tradescantia spathacea. These plants are susceptible to root rot if their soil stays soggy. The golden rule is to let the top inch or two of soil dry out completely between waterings.
The easiest way to check is with the finger test. Stick your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If you feel any moisture, wait a few more days and check again. When you do water, give it a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes, then discard the excess from the saucer.
Pro Tip: These plants can be sensitive to the minerals in tap water. If you notice brown, crispy leaf tips, try using filtered, distilled, or rainwater instead.
Soil and Potting Best Practices
Proper soil is your best defense against overwatering. Your Tradescantia needs a well-draining potting mix. A standard indoor potting soil amended with perlite or orchid bark (about a 3:1 ratio of soil to amendment) is a perfect choice. This creates air pockets and allows excess water to escape easily.
Always, always use a pot with a drainage hole! This is non-negotiable for preventing root rot. You’ll likely need to repot your plant every 1-2 years, or whenever you see roots coming out of the bottom. Choose a new pot that’s only 1-2 inches wider in diameter.
Humidity and Temperature Needs
Coming from subtropical regions, Tradescantia spathacea enjoys average to high humidity. While it will tolerate typical household levels, it will be much happier with a little boost. You can easily increase humidity by:
- Grouping it with other plants.
- Placing it on a pebble tray filled with water.
- Running a small humidifier nearby.
Keep your plant in a warm spot, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Protect it from cold drafts from windows or air conditioners, as sudden temperature drops can stress the plant.
How to Get Your Purple Flower Spider Plant to Bloom
One of the most charming features of this plant is its unique bloom. Knowing how to purple flower spider plant is really about encouraging a healthy, mature plant. The “flowers” themselves are tiny and white, but they emerge from those beautiful, boat-shaped purple bracts that are so eye-catching.
To encourage blooming, focus on getting the fundamentals right:
- Give It Enough Light: This is crucial. A plant in a dim corner will focus all its energy on survival, not flowering. Bright, indirect light is the number one trigger for blooms.
- Ensure It’s Mature: A young, small plant won’t flower. Be patient! As your plant grows larger and more established, its chances of blooming increase significantly.
- Fertilize Lightly: During the spring and summer growing season, you can feed your plant with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks. This provides the extra nutrients needed for flower production. Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter.
When your plant is happy and healthy, you’ll be rewarded with those little “oysters” tucked between the leaves. It’s a delightful sign that you’re doing a great job!
Propagation: Sharing the Purple Beauty
One of the best benefits of the purple flower spider plant is how easy it is to create new plants to share with friends! Tradescantia spathacea can be propagated in two simple ways.
Propagating Offsets
The most common method is by separating the offsets, or “pups,” that grow around the base of the mother plant.
- Wait until an offset is a decent size—at least a few inches tall with its own set of leaves.
- Gently remove the entire plant from its pot.
- Carefully tease the pup away from the main root ball. Try to get some roots with it, but don’t panic if you only get a few.
- Pot the new pup in its own small container with fresh, well-draining soil.
- Water it lightly and place it in bright, indirect light. It will establish itself in a few weeks!
Division
When you’re repotting a large, crowded plant, it’s the perfect time to divide it. Simply separate the plant into 2 or 3 smaller clumps, ensuring each clump has a healthy section of roots. Pot each division into its own container, and you’ve instantly tripled your collection!
Solving Common Problems with Your Purple Flower Spider Plant
Even the easiest plants can have an off day. Here are some solutions to the most common problems with purple flower spider plant specimens.
Problem: Brown, Crispy Leaf Tips
This is almost always a sign of either low humidity or a reaction to minerals in your tap water. Try switching to filtered water first. If the problem persists, increase humidity using the methods mentioned earlier.
Problem: Fading Color and Leggy Growth
The cause is simple: not enough light. Your plant is literally stretching to find more sun, and it can’t produce the purple pigments without enough light energy. The fix is just as simple: move it to a brighter location with more indirect sun.
Problem: Yellowing Leaves and a Mushy Base
This is the classic sign of overwatering and potential root rot. Immediately stop watering and check the roots. If they are brown and mushy, trim them away with clean scissors. Repot the plant in fresh, mostly dry, well-draining soil and be much more conservative with your watering going forward.
Problem: Pests Like Spider Mites or Mealybugs
Inspect your plant regularly for pests, especially on the undersides of leaves and where the leaves meet the stem. If you see fine webbing (spider mites) or small, white cottony masses (mealybugs), isolate the plant and treat it by wiping the pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by spraying the plant thoroughly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Plant Care
Part of being a Greeny Gardener is caring for our plants in a way that’s kind to the planet. Adopting a sustainable purple flower spider plant routine is easy and effective.
- Water Wisely: Collect rainwater to water your plants. It’s free of the chemicals found in tap water and better for your plants.
- Compost Your Scraps: Create your own nutrient-rich compost to amend your potting soil instead of buying synthetic fertilizers.
- Natural Pest Control: Reach for eco-friendly solutions like neem oil or a simple soap-and-water spray before considering harsh chemical pesticides.
- Propagate and Share: The most eco-friendly purple flower spider plant is the one you grow yourself from a cutting. Share offsets with friends to spread the green joy without the carbon footprint of shipping a new plant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Flower Spider Plants
Is the purple flower spider plant (Tradescantia spathacea) toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, it is considered mildly toxic. The sap can cause skin irritation (dermatitis) and mild digestive upset (drooling, vomiting) if ingested by pets. It’s best to keep it out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
Why are the leaves on my plant turning green instead of staying purple?
This is a direct result of insufficient light. The vibrant purple on the underside of the leaves is a pigment that the plant produces in response to bright light. To bring the color back, gradually move your plant to a location with more bright, indirect sunlight.
How is this plant different from a Wandering Dude (Tradescantia zebrina)?
While they are in the same family (Tradescantia), their growth habits are very different. The Moses-in-the-Cradle grows in an upright, clumping rosette. The Wandering Dude has a vining, trailing habit, making it ideal for hanging baskets. Its leaves are also typically striped with silver and purple on top.
Can I grow my purple flower spider plant outdoors?
Yes, but only in warm climates (USDA Zones 9-12). It makes a beautiful, colorful groundcover. In cooler climates, it’s a fantastic annual for container gardens but must be brought indoors before the first frost.
Your Journey with the Purple Plant Begins!
So, the mystery of the “purple flower spider plant” is solved! You are now equipped with a complete purple flower spider plant guide to help your Tradescantia spathacea not just survive, but truly shine.
Remember the keys to success: provide plenty of bright, indirect light to keep that purple popping, water only when the soil is dry, and don’t be afraid to propagate and share its beauty. You’ve got this!
Go forth and enjoy the stunning contrast of green and purple in your home. Happy growing!
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