Tradescantia sillamontana · Cobweb Spiderwort

The plant shows fuzzy, hairy, ovate-to-oblong leaves densely covered in white cobweb-like trichomes, arranged alternately along trailing succulent stems - a hallmark of Tradescantia sillamontana. The small pink/magenta flowers visible among the foliage are consistent with this species' typical three-petaled pink blooms. The variegated cream-and-green striping on some leaves is also a known trait of cultivated varieties of this species (e.g., 'Variegata' forms). Growth habit is trailing/cascading from a pot, matching the species' natural sprawling habit. Alternatives to rule out would include other hairy Tradescantia species or Callisia repens, but the dense white wooly pubescence is most distinctive of T. sillamontana. A closer photo of a fully open flower and stem cross-section would help confirm with full certainty.

Generated 2026-10-06 04:28 by anthropic (claude-sonnet-5).

Light

Bright light with some direct sun tolerated; this fuzzy-leaved species actually prefers more sun than most Tradescantia to maintain its compact, hairy growth and purple coloring.

Water

Let soil dry out fairly well between waterings; this species is more drought-tolerant than typical Tradescantia due to its water-storing, hairy leaves. Overwatering causes rot faster than underwatering harms it.

Nutrients

Balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength monthly during spring and summer; skip feeding in fall and winter.

Repotting

Repot every 1-2 years or when rootbound; it's fast-growing and often easier to refresh by propagating new cuttings than repotting an old leggy plant.

Soil media

Well-draining potting mix with extra perlite or sand, similar to a succulent blend.

Temp & humidity

65-80F; tolerates average room humidity well (30-50%) and does not require extra moisture -- high humidity can actually promote fungal issues on the fuzzy leaves.

Temperature range

🌡️ 65-80F

Humidity range

💦 30-50%

Care group

🏷️ Bright & Dry

Toxicity

Mild skin irritant for some people (sap can cause dermatitis); keep away from pets and advise visitors not to touch/ingest.

Pests & diseases

Watch for mealybugs and spider mites, especially in the fuzzy leaf axils. Prone to rot or fungal spotting if kept too wet or misted -- keep foliage dry.

Propagation

Very easy from stem cuttings; place a cutting in soil or water and it roots within days to weeks.

Generated 2026-10-06 04:29 by anthropic (claude-sonnet-5).