How Do You Care For Tradescantia Ohiensis?

What is a Tradescantia Ohiensis?

Tradescantia Ohiensis is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows to a height of approximately 2-4 feet and is usually unbranched except at the apex. Round, glabrous, and occasionally glaucous, the central stem is. The alternating grey- or blue-green leaves reach a maximum length of 15″ and a width of 1″.

They are linear in shape, but broader at the base, where the leaves form sheaths around the stem, than at the tip. Additionally, they are glabrous, with parallel venation and smooth borders that curve downward toward the center.

The light violet to blue-violet blooms bloom in tiny clusters near the top of the plant on hairless flowering stalks. Each flower is accompanied by two tiny bracts, each up to 3″ long and less than 12″ broad.

Each bloom measures around 1 inch in diameter and features three rounded petals, six bright yellow anthers, and delicate spidery violet hairs towards the base. In bright conditions, the blooms open in the morning and close by afternoon, but remain open longer on overcast days. There is no flowery aroma present.

When does Tradescantia Ohiensis blooms?

The flowering season runs from late spring to mid-summer and lasts around 112 months, during which just a few flowers bloom simultaneously. The mature seed capsules split into three pieces, each portion containing 3-6 brown ovals to oblong seeds.

The root system is dense, meaty, and fibrous, occasionally sending out offshoots nearby. Tradescantia Ohiensis is said to be one of the easiest plants to cultivate.

Its flowers are primarily pollinated by bees, beetles, and butterflies. A single bloom can live up to two weeks and several blooms can be produced per plant per season. Unlike most other flowering plants, this perennial does not require dormancy, even during extreme weather conditions such as droughts or exceptionally cold winters.

How do you care for Tradescantia Ohiensis?

Tradescantia Ohiensis thrives in full or partial sun and wet to somewhat dry conditions are preferred. This plant thrives in a wide variety of soil types, including loam, clay, gravel, and sand.

Occasionally, the leaves acquire brown patches or become yellow as a result of adverse weather conditions, competition from other plants, or aging. Consider the following aspects when providing care:

Sunlight

Tradescantia Ohiensis is a shade-tolerant plant that can survive in partial to full sunlight, but prefers to be located in the shade when possible. The glaucous leaves do not burn under normal conditions and do not become tannic due to excessive exposure to direct sunlight.

Watering

The soil should be thoroughly moist and well-drained for maximum growth. This plant tends to overexert itself at the beginning of its flowering period, which often results in wilting leaves.

Soil

Plant in a well-drained, heavy and loamy soil. Tradescantia Ohiensis is also tolerant of sand, clay and gravel types. In soil with a high content of organic matter, the plant tends to grow faster and bloom more abundantly.

Fertilizer

Apply once every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted at one-quarter of the recommended strength. Nitrogen helps promote growth while phosphorus and potassium are essential for optimum flowering.

Temperature

The hardiness zone is 4-10 and can thrive in temperatures of 50℉-75℉ (10℃-23℃). The plant is not heat-tolerant, so avoid exposure to temperatures above 80℉ (27℃) for extended periods of time.

Pruning

Prune as needed to remove dead or damaged stems while making sure to leave at least two leaves on each stem.

Propagation

The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings of mature, healthy stems 12″ long with two fully developed leaves. It is recommended to include rooting hormone in the water used for soaking the cutting before planting.

Tradescantia Ohiensis is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of approximately 2-4 feet and is usually unbranched except at the apex. Round, glabrous, and occasionally glaucous, the central stem is.

Repotting

The plant should not be repotted until it becomes root-bound. If a larger pot is needed, repot only when the soil becomes completely exhausted, using container size one size larger.

Pests and Diseases

This plant is considered to be resistant to most pests and diseases, but still maintains the capability of harboring pests and diseases. Other common problems include soil-borne fungal diseases including peach aphid, cottony cushion scale, tobacco fleck virus and square rust.

How do you identify Tradescantia Ohiensis?

This is most likely the most prevalent Tradescantia Ohiensis in the state of Illinois. The blossoms are fleeting yet stunning, especially when viewed up close.

Tradescantia Ohiensis may easily be identified from Virginia Spiderwort by the absence of prominent hairs on the flowering stems around the inflorescence and the thin, greyish or blue leaves.

Additionally, it is often taller and more spindly than other Spiderwort species, with smaller bracts subtending the flower. Fresh or cooked, the leaves and stems are said to be edible.

Long-tongued bees, particularly bumblebees, are the primary pollinators of the blooms. Halictine bees and Syrphid flies are also frequent visitors.

However, Syrphid flies are non-pollinating since they feed on stray pollen. Insects seldom trouble spiderwort; however Lema collaris (Leaf Beetle sp.) is known to eat on the leaf. Mammalian herbivores such as White-Tailed Deer, Cottontail Rabbit, Box Turtles, and cattle also consume the plant. These creatures are not harmed by the greenery.

Is Tradescantia Ohiensis native to Ohio?

Tradescantia Ohiensis (Ohio spiderwort) | North American Native Plants Tradescantia Ohiensis (Ohio spiderwort) is an extremely rare and local native plant, originally found only in a few locations in Ohio.

It represents a distinct lineage of the spider wort genus and is closely related to T. lateriflora, which is also fairly well known but not as easy to find in the wild.

Tradescantia Ohiensis is fairly easy to grow in a container. It grows well in part shade to full sun. It prefers wet soil, but can tolerate soggy soils and is extremely forgiving of nutrient deficiencies and poor drainage.

In fact, it can take quite a lot of neglect and completely overtaxing the root system, which makes it a perfect houseplant for beginners or those who simply want to experiment with gardening without having to worry about serious damage and lack of results.

Where is the best place to plant Tradescantia Ohiensis?

Tradescantia Ohiensis plants thrive in partial shade, but will also thrive in full sun if the soil is maintained hydrated. Tradescantia Ohiensis can be produced from bought plants or through division, cuttings, or seed propagation.

Plant them in the spring at a depth of 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) with an 8 to 12 inch spacing (20.5-30.5 cm.) Tradescantia Ohiensis is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to a height of approximately 2-4 feet and is usually unbranched except at the apex.

Is Tradescantia Ohiensis plant toxic?

Although you may have heard that Wandering Jew (Tradescantia Zebrina) is edible, this is not the case. This confusion stems from the fact that the plant shares the popular name, Spiderwort, with a few edible members of the same genus.

Tradescantia Ohiensis, which has a central stem that is unbranched, has a much different taste from Wandering Jew. Tradescantia Ohiensis is best known for its fragrance, which some describes as a piney or clove flavor.

The foliage of Tradescantia Ohiensis has a slight bitterness, like celery and garlic, but the plant seems to be safe for consumption unless you are pregnant or have severe cardiopulmonary problems. If you do eat the plant, raw fresh leaves or stems can help support a healthy immune system and aid in weight management. Fresh or cooked, the leaves and stems are said to be edible.

Should Tradescantia Ohiensis be cut back?

Tradescantia Ohiensis frequently bloom again in late summer or early fall if they are pruned back in midsummer following their initial flush of bloom. After the foliage fades and the temperatures rise, the Missouri Botanical Garden suggests severely pruning the shrub almost to the ground.

Tradescantia Ohiensis will often sprout in early fall, with a second autumn flush of blooms. Cut the old stems to the ground in the early spring, keeping only the new growth. Tradescantia Ohiensis will then bloom again in late summer or early fall.

In warmer, coastal regions, the plant may be left unpruned year-round; however it is not necessary to prune for aesthetics, as many gardeners simply enjoy this plant as foliage and specimen plant.

If you are interested in Tradescantia Ohiensis being an indoor plant, be advised that this is not recommended. It will survive indoors with only morning sun or artificial lighting from a grow light but it will not flower or thrive like it does outdoors.

Where does Tradescantia Ohiensis grow in Ohio?

Easily cultivated in full sun or partial shade on ordinary, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Full sun produces the most flowers. Tradescantia Ohiensis is extremely versatile and will grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, clay, gravel, and sand.

Tradescantia Ohiensis requires full sun for best flowering, with adequate water in the summer, but tolerates light shade in the winter. Tradescantia Ohiensis plants are not particular about soil pH and the flowers are loved by bees and butterflies.

It is best to plant Tradescantia Ohiensis when temperatures are between 60-75F (15-24C). Planting depth should be approximately 1/2 of the height of the plant.

If a Tradescantia Ohiensis is planted in an area of the garden that is shaded, it may not bloom in the same way that it would if left in an area of full sun.

Tradescantia Ohiensis has large, broad leaves and is, therefore, susceptible to leaf spots. Make sure your plant stays as dry as possible when watering and clean up any dead leaves that may be lying on the ground below.