Siderasis fuscata (sy-DEE-ra-sis FUS-kah-tuh) is an evergreen perennial plant usually grown for its leaves.
It has thick succulent leaves with brown hair, making it appear like a bear’s ears. Therefore, one of the plant’s common names is Bears Ears.
Native to Brazil, the Siderasis fuscata thrives in warm and humid climates. In its native habitat, it grows as a forest floor plant, needing little light.
It can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA hardiness zones 10a and higher, but most gardeners keep the plant indoors.
Although grown for its velvety leaves, the Siderasis fuscata flowers randomly throughout the year. However, the inconspicuous purple flowers usually only last for a day.
The Siderasis fuscata is relatively easy to care for if temperature and humidity are controlled.
Some of the Siderasis Fuscata common names include:
- Brown Spiderwort
- Bears Ears
Here are the several Siderasis Fuscata synonyms:
- Siderasis acaulis Raf.
- Tradescantia fuscata Lodd.
- Tradescantia hirsutissima Pohl ex Seub.
Quick Facts On Siderasis Fuscata
- Family: Commelinaceae
- Light: Direct light; low to medium light
- Temperature: 70° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Regular watering
- Fertilizer: Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer monthly
- Propagation: Division
- Common Problems: Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites
Siderasis Fuscata Care
What Does The Brown Spiderwort Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Brown Spiderwort plant is low-growing and, in its native habitat, is a forest floor plant. It has beautiful green leaves with brown hairs resembling a bear’s ear.
While the top side of the leaves is dark green with a white stripe, the bottom side is usually purple.
Siderasis fuscata only grows to about 6″ to 8″ inches tall, so it is very compact, making it perfect for a houseplant.
When Does Brown Spiderwort Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
While the Brown Spiderwort plant flowers, the blooms are somewhat hard to see as they are hidden at the bottom of the clusters.
They bloom in the summertime, and the flowers are a lovely purple-blue mix.
Siderasis fuscata is popular with pollinators because of its semi-fragrant blooms.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Because of its native habitat as a forest floor plant, the Brown Spiderwort does not require much light.
The plant only requires low to medium light and does not do well with direct sunlight. Like many plants, direct sunlight can burn its beautiful leaves.
The plant does best in temperatures between 70° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit if planted outside.
However, if you live in a colder climate where winters drop below 60° or 65° degrees, you can keep the plant as an outdoor annual or bring it inside when the temperature drops.
Otherwise, most people keep Siderasis fuscata indoors because the temperature is easier to control.
In addition, because the plant thrives in temperatures between 70° to 85° degrees Fahrenheit, it is an easy-to-maintain houseplant.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Brown Spiderwort?
The Brown Spiderwort appreciates even watering, so don’t let the soil get completely dry, but be careful not to overwater it either.
When watering, avoid getting water on the leaves, just on the soil. In the winter, the Brown Spiderwort doesn’t need as much water.
The plant will fare best with a monthly fertilizer application during the spring and summer. It does not need fertilizer in the winter.
Because Siderasis fuscata is native to a humid region, it appreciates moderate to high humidity levels.
Therefore, you can mist the leaves or place the pot on a tray of pea gravel filled with water.
Misting the leaves or putting the plant on a tray of gravel with water gives the plant some extra moisture that may be lacking when the air is dry.
What Is The Best Soil For Siderasis Fuscata, And When Should You Transplant?
The Brown Spiderwort plant does best with well-draining soil.
Many people mix a standard potting soil with perlite or peat moss. This combination gives the soil the ability to drain excess water.
Siderasis fuscata is very compact, so you don’t need to repot often, maybe once every 2 years.
However, spring is the best time to repot and refresh the soil so the plant can have fresh nutrients.
Does Brown Spiderwort Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Because the Brown Spiderwort is a compact plant, there’s no need to prune it back because of its size.
However, it’s always a good time to trim back any damaged or dead leaves and deadhead blooms.
How To Propagate Tradescantia Fuscata Lodd?
The Tradescantia Fuscata Lodd plant can be propagated easily by dividing the plant.
When new rosettes, or clusters, appear at the base of the plant, you can remove them along with their roots.
If you want a bushier plant, it’s best to plant a few of the rosettes together in one pot.
Make sure that the new pots have well-draining soil and that the plants have a humid environment to thrive.
While propagating by division is the easiest method, you can also reproduce via stem cuttings.
When the plant is mature, do the following:
- Take long stem cuttings and remove the leaves at the bottom of the stems.
- Then place the stem cuttings in pots with well-draining soil.
- Again, if you want a bushier plant, you can plant a few of the cuttings together in one pot.
- Finally, ensure that the divisions or cuttings have adequate water, humidity, and light.
Siderasis Pests And Diseases
Like many houseplants, the Siderasis is prone to usual pests like:
- Mealybugs
- Aphids
- Spider mites
While some plants may do well with a strong spray of water to remove aphids, the Siderasis Acaulis does not take kindly to a stream of water.
For this plant, treatment with insecticide is your best bet.
In addition, if your Siderasis Acaulis has mealybugs or spider mites, the best treatment is also an insecticide.
Suggested Siderasis Fuscata Uses
Siderasis fuscata is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in fluorescent lights and makes a beautiful desktop plant.
It also thrives in low-light, humid environments like restrooms and kitchens.
It’s a great year-round terrarium plant, and it can also be kept outside as a container plant in tropical and semi-tropical climates.
Brown Spiderwort is also an excellent choice for a border plant or ground cover when grown as an annual in cooler climates or as a perennial in warmer temperatures.