How to Grow Setcreasea Plants

Setcreasea Growing and Care Guide

• Common Names: Setcretia, Wandering Jew, Spiderwort, Purple heart.
• Syn.: Tradescantia.
• Life Cycle: Half-hardy perennial. Often grown as an annual or as a houseplant.
• Height: 16 to 20 inches (50—75 cm).
• Native: Central and North America.
• Growing Region: Zones 9 to 10.

• Flowers: Spring to autumn, dependent on species and location.
• Flower Details: White, pink, purple. Small. Three petals.
• Foliage: Evergreen. Purple or green with red or purple fringes. Oblong, elongated and pointed. Fleshy.

• Sow Outside: Flowers are often sterile so seed can be difficult to come by; very easy to grow from cuttings.
  Sowing: Cover seed. Autumn, using fresh seed. Germination time: four to six weeks at a temperature of ~70°F (21°C). Space at 12 to 18 inches (30—45 cm).
• Sow Inside: No.

• Requirements and care: Full sunlight (for best leaf color) or partial shade. Good drainage. Coarse soil. Plants are drought tolerant and low maintenance. Will enjoy a little water during prolonged dry spells. Cut back plants to maintain appearance. Container grown plants should be brought indoors in the autumn before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), as they are very susceptible to frost. Propagate: from cuttings.
• Family: Commelinaceae.
• Closely Related Species: Dayflower, Spiderwort.
• Miscellaneous: Synonymous with the Tradescantia genus. E.g., the commonly grown Setcreasea purpurea is also known as Tradescantia pallida. Scrambling plant great for use as ground-cover in warmer areas. Makes a great houseplant as its leaves filter out volatile compounds and improves air-quality.