Please make sure JavaScript is enabled.
 
Bolivian Spiderwort in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

Callisia repens syn. Tradescantia callisia

 

Bolivian Spiderwort

Callisia is related to the Tradescantia family. It is a straggly, cascading, low-growing plant bearing a multitude of small green, fleshy leaves. In late autumn/winter, as watering slows down or ceases, the leaves become deep purple. Often grown as a houseplant in temperate climates as it is a native of tropical origin. They need a light shaded or bright room but not in direct sunshine. Callisia repens is a neat little plant spreading sideways to make a carpet of green slightly succulent leaves. Grow in a shallow pot or hanging basket it will eventually trail in a shady position. Also a good plant for terrariums.

 
plant Features
  • Bolivian Spiderwort likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Bolivian Spiderwort likes very little water

    Very little water

  • Bolivian Spiderwort is not frost hardy

    Not Frost hardy

  • Bolivian Spiderwort likes moist and fertile

    Moist and fertile

 
plant information

Common name

Bolivian Spiderwort

Latin name

Callisia repens syn. Tradescantia callisia

type

Perennial

family

Commelinaceae

ph

6.0 - 7.5 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    Bolivian Spiderwort likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Frost

    Bolivian Spiderwort is not frost hardy

    Not Frost hardy

  • Soil

    Bolivian Spiderwort likes moist and fertile

    Moist and fertile

  • Water

    Bolivian Spiderwort likes very little water

    Very little water

Plant & bloom calendar

  •  
    Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Bolivian Spiderwort is 0.60meters x 0.15meters 0.60 M 0.15 M

Callisia repens syn. Tradescantia callisia

Callisia is related to the Tradescantia family. It is a straggly, cascading, low-growing plant bearing a multitude of small green, fleshy leaves. In late autumn/winter, as watering slows down or ceases, the leaves become deep purple. Often grown as a houseplant in temperate climates as it is a native of tropical origin. They need a light shaded or bright room but not in direct sunshine. Callisia repens is a neat little plant spreading sideways to make a carpet of green slightly succulent leaves. Grow in a shallow pot or hanging basket it will eventually trail in a shady position. Also a good plant for terrariums.


Planting young plants

From Early Spring TO Early Spring

Callisia require bright light, especially the variegated types. Keep them above 17C (63F), although they will survive down to a few degrees above freezing in winter. Re-pot small plants annually in spring, but large plants can be fed once a week instead of re-potting. Pinch out regularly to promote bushy growth. House plants are best replaced every two or three years.

 

Propogation by cuttings

From Early Spring TO Late Winter

Callisia can easily be propagated by taking tip cuttings at any time of the year. Place in a tumbler of water until the cutting has rooted and then re-plant in fresh compost.

 
Subscribe to GardenTags Premium to get personalised planting tasks and more for your entire plant collection
 
Gardeners who are growing this plant