Small-Leaf Spiderwort
Photo: Enrique Dans from Madrid, Spain · CC BY 2.0
houseplantbeginnerstem cuttingwater

How to Propagate Small-Leaf Spiderwort

Tradescantia fluminensis

Methods Stem cutting, water
Difficulty Beginner
Best season Spring–summer
Time to root 1 week
Group Houseplant

One of the fastest-rooting plants on this entire list. Cuttings in water often show roots within days, similar to its relative Tradescantia zebrina.

Water propagation

Cut below a node, strip lower leaves, place in water, bright indirect light.

When to propagate

Spring through summer, or nearly any time indoors.

Common problems

Cutting rotted. Leaves submerged — strip and change water regularly.

Questions people ask

Why does it grow so fast? A naturally vigorous, fast-spreading habit — in some regions it’s even considered invasive outdoors, which is part of why it propagates so readily.

Water propagation hub · Similar plants: Tradescantia, Purple Heart