Tradescantia Types

Tradescantia types

As a genus, Tradescantia is part of the Commelinaceae family, also called the spiderwort or dayflower family – so named because many species in this family have flowers that only last a single day.

How do you identify Tradescantia?

The undersides of leaves are pale purple (mauve). Small-leaf Spiderwort produces pale purple sap. Tradescantia fluminensis has the varieties variegata with cream striped leaves, Quicksilver with white striped leaves, tricolor whose leaves are striped with cream and purple, among others.

Does Tradescantia like full sun?

Tradescantia loves bright light. It will grow in full sun to partial shade outdoors, however, monitor how long they get full sun, particularly if you live in a hot climate. Tradescantia can only take so much heat before it begins to brown. Move it to a location with partial shade or full shade, which it really enjoys.

Is Tradescantia hard to care for?

Tradescantia plants originated in Central America, Mexico, and South America, but Tradescantia Nanouk originated in Sappemeer, The Netherlands. While it's the new “it” plant, it's not a difficult plant. In fact, it's one of the easiest houseplants to care for, which makes it a great choice for beginners!

What is the difference between Tradescantia lilac and Nanouk?

Another variety of T. fluminensis, 'Nanouk' looks much like 'Lilac' with its thin green stripes and creamy white background, but has brighter pink accents than 'Lilac. ' 'Nanouk' has foliage with bright pink undersides, and its flowers are white with a pink blush at the tips of the petals.

Is it rare for a Tradescantia to flower?

Spiderwort houseplants Leaves and stems are glossy and monochrome green to green-white striped. In indoor cultivation, flowering is rare with this species.

How do I keep Tradescantia happy?

Don't ever let your plant get too dry, especially in winter. To keep soil evenly moist, a regular watering schedule is best. Water until water drains through the bottom of the pot, taking care that your plant won't sit in water. Tradescantia thrives in humidity, and they love regular misting.

Do you cut back Tradescantia?

Yes, you should prune your wandering jew (Tradescantia) periodically. In fact, it should be a part of your regular care routine. When you trim it back, multiple branches will form below the cuts, promoting bushiness, and reducing legginess. It's also a good way to clean up dead leaves or weak segments.

Why is Tradescantia called spiderwort?

Today I learned that the reason that Tradescantia virginiana aka spiderwort is called “spider” wort or spider lily is because when the stem of a spiderwort is cut, “a viscous stem secretion is released which becomes threadlike and silky upon hardening (like a spider's web), hence the common name,” says Missouri

Does Tradescantia need deep pots?

On a practical note, Tradescantias have shallow roots and are top-heavy. For a large plant, consider selecting a shallow pot with a wide base, such as an Azalea Pot. This will prevent your Tradescantia from falling over, keeping pets and children safer.

Should I Bottom water Tradescantia?

Tradescantia plants don't like a wet crown. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and allow all excess water to drain out of the bottom. Excess water stuck inside will drown the roots. Or be extra careful, and water from the bottom rather than the top.

How long do Tradescantia live?

Additionally, Tradescantias have a short life expectancy when compared to other houseplants. The original plant will only survive one to two years. Pruning allows you to propagate your cuttings, making your overall Tradescantia last longer.

Does Tradescantia like to climb?

Tradescantia – These attractive plants produce long trailing stems with purple and silver-variegated leaves. The trailing stems can be tied to supports to encourage them to climb. Tradescantias do well in bright, filtered light.

Do Tradescantia like to be root bound?

This houseplant will need to be repotted one time per year when the plant begins to look root bound. You'll know it's time because it will continue producing vines but will lose its leaves. Gently remove the plant from its old container and transfer it to a slightly larger planter.

How do I make my Tradescantia more purple?

The most common cause for green leaves on your purple queen plant is lack of sunlight. They need full sun, or 8+ hours of bright light indoors every day in order to maintain the deep purple color.

How do I make Tradescantia nanouk more purple?

Bright, indirect light is best for the Tradescantia Nanouk and will keep its pink and purple leaves nice and brightly colored.

Is pink lady plant a Tradescantia?

The Callisia repens Pink Lady is a fast-growing plant, closely related to the Tradescantia family. Its normally used as a hanging plant. It has light pink and silver round green leaves.

Is pink Panther a Tradescantia?

Tradescantia Pink Panther is a tropical houseplant, known for its bright pink variegated leaves. This variety of tradescantia is a trailing variety, and its delicate leaves would look beautiful haning from a macrame hanger or trailing down a windowsill.

Can Tradescantia live in water forever?

Water is devoid of the nutrients your plant requires to survive long-term and can encourage fungal infection, so your Tradescantia will eventually need to be potted in soil.

How do I make my Tradescantia more pink?

If you notice your plant reverting to green (sometimes as a result of inadequate light) you'll want to trim any particularly green stems + discard. This allows the plant to put more energy into the pinker, more variegated growth – you can do this any time you give your plant a trim.