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Dichorisandra musaica

Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Dichorisandra mosaica
  • Dichorisandra reginae
  • Tradescantia reginae
Description

Queen's Spiderwort is a tropical perennial plant native to wet, tropical regions of Columbia and Peru with showy purple flowers that bloom from summer into fall and dark green evergreen leaves. At maturity, it will reach a height of 1 foot. It is often used as a houseplant in interiorscapes. In the landscape, the plant has an upright, branching form. The genus name is from the Greek dis (twice) and chorizo (to part), and anther referring to the two-cleft flowers. The species name means queenly.

Queen's Spiderwort prefers partial shade and moderately moist soil. The plant is not cold hardy and tolerates temperatures down to 20 degrees F. To propagate the plant, divide in the Spring and take stem cuttings in the Summer.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests. If grown indoors, avoid over watering.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#purple flowers#interiorscape#tropical herbaceous perennial#ornamentals#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical feel#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#houseplant#purple flowers#interiorscape#tropical herbaceous perennial#ornamentals#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical feel#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Dichorisandra
    Species:
    musaica
    Family:
    Commelinaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Western Columbia and Nothern Peru
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Panicle
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    Small, dense raceme spikes of very pale purple three-stellate flowers from June to October.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    The dark-green, simple leaves are alternate and purple, flecked with silver, on the underside. They are linear with entire margins and parallel venation.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Songbirds