How to grow and care for Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) Indoors
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Botanical name: Siderasis fuscata
Synonmy: Tradescantia fuscata
Family: Commelinaceae
Subfamily: Commelinoideae
Common name: Brown Spiderwort, Bear Ears Plant
Brown Spiderwort Description
Siderasis fuscata commonly called Brown Spiderwort or Bear Ears Plant is a small plant whose short bronze-colored leaves form a rosette and is a moisture-loving plant ideal for a terrarium.
The common name, 'Brown Spiderwort', is in reference to the bronze-colored leaves.
Brown Spiderwort can grow to a height of 1-1.5 ft and the leaves are only about 6-8 in. long. It bears attractive purple flowers about 1 in. across.
Brown Spiderwort Origin
Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) is endemic to the State of Rio de Janeiro in Southeastern Brazil, though it is also naturalized on the Island of Java in Indonesia.
Photo Credit: Paldat
Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) Care Indoors
Brown Spiderwort Light Requirements
Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) grows best in semi-shade (partial shade). Keep it away from direct sunshine as it can lead to scorching of the leaves.
Turn the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
How to Water Brown Spiderwort
Water Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) liberally during the growing season and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Reduce watering for your Brown Spiderwort during the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time. Read more on how to water houseplants.
Ensure the pot for your Brown Spiderwort has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease and eventual death of your plant.
Temperature for Brown Spiderwort
Average warmth with a minimum 160C is ideal for Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata). A room temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for Brown Spiderwort.
Protect your Brown Spiderwort from cold draughts to prevent sudden changes in temperature. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.
Humidity for Brown Spiderwort
Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) thrives in a high humidity environment. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity for your Brown Spiderwort. Read more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Mist the leaves regularly and clean them by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to reduce infestation by pests. Read more on how to clean houseplants.
You can also grow your Brown Spiderwort in a terrarium as a high humidity can be maintained inside a terrarium. Read more on how to make a terrarium for houseplants.
Fertilizer (Feeding) for Brown Spiderwort
Feed Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) with a weak balanced water-soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing period.
Withhold feeding for your Brown Spiderwort during the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time may lead to fertilizer burn. Read more on how to feed houseplants.
How to Repot Brown Spiderwort
Repot Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) during the growing season only when the plant has become pot-bound. Use a rich, free-draining soil and a pot one size larger.
Ensure the pot for your Brown Spiderwort has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot disease and eventual death of your plant.
Soil for Brown Spiderwort
The best soil for Brown Spiderwort should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most multi-purpose potting mixes are ideal for Brown Spiderwort.
Buy quality Potting Mix for your Brown Spiderwort from Etsy.
How to Prune Brown Spiderwort
Pruning Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) involves regular removal of dead foliage to maintain the plant neat and tidy.
Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) Propagation
Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) propagation can be done by plant division during the growing period.
How to propagate Brown Spiderwort by plant division
Take out your Brown Spiderwort from its pot and carefully divide it into several sections.
Ensure each Brown Spiderwort section has adequate roots and at least one set of leaves.
Pot the Brown Spiderwort sections in individual pots in free-draining soil.
Place the set up in a cool shaded place and maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges on your Brown Spiderwort cuttings.
Allow the new Brown Spiderwort plants to be well established before transplanting after which routine care can begin.
Photo Credit: Garden Explorer
Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) Problems Indoors
Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) Problems Indoors are brought about by cultural faults. The plant has few problems but poor maintenance or care practices in watering, temperature and humidity will result in problems. Read on for solutions and remedies.
Brown Spiderwort brown, shrivelled leaf tips
Brown and shrivelled leaf tips in Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) are caused by too dry air (low humidity).
Set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity for your Brown Spiderwort. Read more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Brown Spiderwort yellow and spotted leaves
Yellow and spotted leaves in Brwon Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) are caused by underwatering causing too little moisture in the soil.
Water your Brown Spiderwort liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 1-2 in. of soil to dry out slightly between waterings and never allow the soil to dry out completely. Read more on how to water houseplants.
Brown Spiderwort pests
The common pests in Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) are Aphids and Red Spider Mites which are more common where the air is too dry.
Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it appropriately for the pests.
Mist the leaves more regularly and clean them by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to reduce infestation by these pests. Read more on how to clean houseplants.
Is Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) toxic?
Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) is non-toxic to humans and pets. The plants are safe to grow indoors.
