Native to the tropical climates of Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean, some spiderwort plants are regarded as noxious weeds; some are prized as garden plants; and some, like Tradescantia zebrina, are grown primarily as indoor houseplants for their bold patterns and dazzling foliage. Like their garden-varieties counterparts, the houseplant varieties produce flowers with three petals, although they are not particularly showy in these species. The blooms are white, purple, or pink—depending on species and variety—and appear regularly.
When tended to indoors, spiderwort plants can be started and grown year-round (though they should be planted in early fall if grown outdoors). They will grow rapidly and become invasive in their outdoor environment if left to their own devices—however, indoor plants remain more contained. Some types of Tradescantia may be mildly toxic to humans and animals
