Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) Indoor Care, Propagation, Problems and Remedies
Some links in this post may be affiliate links
Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) blossoms in medium indirect light, warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Siderasis fuscata also called Bear Ears Plant is a small plant with a rosette of short, bronze-colored leaves which gives this plant its common name, 'Brown Spiderwort'.
Brown Spiderwort can grow to a height of 1-1.5 feet and the leaves are only about 6-8 inches long. It bears attractive purple flowers about 1 inch across if the correct growing conditions are provided.
Siderasis fuscata exhibits some characteristics similar to those of Tradescantia plants and was intially classified under Tradescantia genus and hence the synonym Tradescantia fuscata.
On account of its compact size and requirement for warm humid conditions, Brown Spiderwort is one of the best plants for a closed terrarium where these conditions are present.
Botanical name: Siderasis fuscata
Synonmy: Tradescantia fuscata
Family: Commelinaceae
Subfamily: Commelinoideae
Common name: Brown Spiderwort, Bear Ears Plant
Origin
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.
Toxicity
Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) is non-toxic to humans and pets. The plants are safe to grow indoors.
Siderasis fuscata Care Indoors
Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) flourishes in medium indirect light, average warmth of 18-270C, humidity of 70-80% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, all purpose potting soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Siderasis fuscata also requires pruning to keep the plant neat and to reduce pest and disease infestations. Repotting is only needed when the plant has become pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Light Requirements
Brown Spiderwort grows best medium indirect light. Keep it away from direct sunshine as it can lead to scorching of the leaves.
Siderasis fuscata can be grown under grow lights where the natural light is not sufficient. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Turn the pot regularly to ensure that the Bear Ears Plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth.
Watering
Water Brown Spiderwort liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Decrease watering during the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely
Ascertain the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it may lead to root-rot and loss of the plant.
Temperature and Humidity
Average warmth of 18-270C is ideal for Brown Spiderwort. A room temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for this plant. Keep it away from cold drafts to prevent sudden changes in temperature as they can cause reduced growth and leaf drop.
Brown Spiderwort thrives in a high humidity of 70-80%. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity. You may also grow the plant in a closed terrarium as a high humidity can be maintained inside a terrarium. In addition, it can be grown in the bathroom and other moist areas in the home.
Mist the leaves regularly and clean them by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust as well as reduce infestation by pests. Ensure that there is good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed Brown Spiderwort with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing period for lush growth. Do not feed in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time may lead to fertilizer burn and death of the plant.
Potting Soil
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 all purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant.
Repotting
Repot Brown Spiderwort during the growing season only when the plant has become pot-bound. Use a rich, free-draining soil and a pot one size larger than the current one.
Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot. Take a look at these pots with drainage holes on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Brown Spiderwort involves regular removal of dead foliage to maintain the plant neat and also reduce pest and disease infestations.
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 the Brown Spiderwort from its pot and carefully divide it into several sections. Ensure each section has adequate roots and at least one set of leaves.
Pot the sections in individual pots in free-draining soil.
Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges on the cuttings.
Allow the new Siderasis fuscata plants to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.
Siderasis fuscata Growing Problems
Brown Spiderwort (Siderasis fuscata) problems include shrivelled leaf tips, yellow leaves, spotted leaves, and pests. Read on for more on these problems, their remedies and solutions.
Brown, shrivelled leaf tips
Brown and shrivelled leaf tips in Brown Spiderwort are caused by too low humidity especially when the indoor temperatures are very high. To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. You may also grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom. kitchen and other moist areas in the home. Learn more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Yellow and spotted leaves
Yellow and spotted leaves in Brwon Spiderwort are caused by underwatering causing too little moisture in the soil. Water the plant liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering during the cold season but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Learn more on how to water houseplants the right way.
Pests
The common pests in Brown Spiderwort are aphids and spider mites which are more common where the air is too low humidity. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil as per the manufacturer's instructions. Mist the leaves more regularly and clean them by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to reduce infestation by these pests.
You liked it? Share on social media.
Related Content
Amazon Associates Disclosure
Homeplantsguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.