How to Grow and Care for a Tradescantia. This hanging plant grows vigorously and quirkily, with zig-zagging stems and spear-shaped leaves with a hint of pink or purple, silver or gold. They’re hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4-9 and will tolerate more than what one would expect. Perennial plants. The gardening world has many examples where a single common name is slapped on more than one plant species, and such is the case with the houseplant we know as wandering Jew. It enjoys bright indirect sunlight or even full. Green leaves turn yellow from excess light. At home, it can reach a length of up to 80 cm. Hardiness. Brighter light leads to greater flower production. Growing spiderworts is easy and you’ll find the plants to be quite resilient. The better the light, the more flowers and colorful leaves a Tradescantia Plant produces. Tradescantia Plants like bright indirect light. Easily rooted in water. This name is used for several different plant species within the Tradescantia genus. As long as the plant is provided with this it should not be difficult to grow at all. Water a Tradescantia Plant well and then allow the top 2 or 3 inches of soil to dry out before watering the plant again. This delightful indoor plant is easy to care for and adds grace and beauty to most interiors. They range in height from 30 to 90 cm. Lighting: Tradescantia Plants like bright indirect light. Most widely grown are forms with colorful leaves, including 'Quadricolor', purplish green leaves with longitudinal bands of silver, pink, and red; and 'Purpusii', dark red or greenish red foliage. Tradescantia albiflora ‘Nanouk’ does well in bright indirect sunlight or in full sun. Provide the plant with either a soilless mix or loam-based potting compost and keep it in bright filtered light. Tradescantia like bright, indirect light. The common name of this Tradescantia type (Moses-in-the-Cradle plant) comes from the pretty boat-shaped bracts that cradle small white flowers. Blooms in summer with small white or blue-violet flowers that last one day. Very easy to grow, recommended for beginners. The stems of the plant break easily. In spring, pruning is carried out, leaving a shoot length of only 2.5 cm. Temperature: Tradescantia zebrina likes warmth but they can tolerate temperatures down to 12°C (54°F). The tips of the leaves dry when too hot and dry or too much light. However, over time, the plant needs to be updated. Similar to Tradescantia fluminensis but more cold hardy; bears pinkish or bluish flowers. Tradescantia zebrina tolerates dry air very well. Most often these three-petal blos… Wandering jew care. In spring and summer, water 2 times during the week. Exception: Tradescantia syllamontane which easily transfers dry air, and excessive humidity leads to decay of the roots. With insufficient watering, the leaves turn brown. Tradescantia has similarities to succulents, it can handle dry soil conditions well in the winter months. How to grow Tradescantia zebrina. However, they easily adapt to partial shade, it is possible to grow at a distance of 0.5-2 m from a brightly lit window.In poor lighting, the stems may stretch. The tips of shoots should be regularly plucked regularly. Native to Mexico, it thrives in warm temperatures and bright light and can cope with some direct sunshine. Although the plant is fairly stable, high humidity conditions will ensure its optimal growth. The only thing you will need to do is to make sure you protect it from freezing temperatures and from overwatering. A Tradescantia Plant grows well in temperatures between 60-80 degrees. Direct sun causes the colors in the leaves to fade. Lighting: Tradescantia Plants like bright indirect light. Direct sun, however, will scorch their leaves (with the exception being the purple queen variety, which loves full sun). Extremely easy to grow and care for, Tradescantia (Spiderwort) are trailing or tufted perennials with fleshy, evergreen foliage and three-petaled flowers in shades of blue to purple, pink, white or red. Hi Ramona, Make sure your variegated Tradescantia gets enough (indirect) light. They are transplanted every 2-3 years. Direct sun causes the colors in the leaves to fade. This plant’s care requirements are very similar to those of its more popular ‘cousins’, Tradescantia zebrina and Tradescantia spathacea. ** total_quantity ** | ** unit_price ** / ** unit_measure **. USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).. How to Grow and Care. Direct sun causes the colors in the leaves to fade. The lower parts of the shoots bare with the age of the plant, this is a normal process. Exception: Tradescantia syllamontane which easily transfers dry air, and excessive humidity leads to decay of the roots. You can grow Tradescantias indoors as long as suitable conditions are given. ... Light. All plants in the Tradescantia genus enjoy moist soil, sunny but indirect sunlight, and warm conditions.. Water freely from spring to summer but allow the top few centimetres of compost to dry out before watering again. In winter, watered no more than 1 time per week. Wandering Jew Plant Care Instructions Light. We offer a wide range of houseplants and accessories shipped directly from our (green)house to yours!Â, Connect with us on social and share your plants with #sharemyhpsÂ, Save an additional 15% on all Sale Items. CODE: EXTRA15 | Free shipping on all orders over $35, As a houseplant, it's loved for its no-fuss nature.Â, Because it's a relatively low maintenance plant, theÂ, Tradescantia plant is perfect for many homes and apartments.Â. Of the three, Tradescantia zebrina is the most common one grown and has the most eye-catching and colorful foliage. In the pot, it is desirable to plant several cuttings at once. Tradescantia zebrina is naturally found in Mexico and Central America, though it’s an invasive species in many other warm areas. Less light, less color on the leaves. If you put it in less intense light, you will see more of the variegation or strip on the leaf. Tradescantia pallida, known by Purple Heart, Purple Queen or Wandering Jew “Purpurea”, is the most popular plant in the genus Tradescantia.This attractive plant native to Mexico is commonly grown outdoors as a popular ground cover. Although the plant is fairly stable, high humidity conditions will ensure its optimal growth. Depending on the temperatures and light levels, you may need to water them either daily or every other day. This plant can serve as an example of easy vegetative reproduction. Keep them out of the direct sun light. This gives us some care indications: a warm environment is appreciated, as is bright lighting and moist soil. Keep the soil moist, as it is best not to let your Tradescantia Zebrina become too dry. The better the light, the more flowers and colorful leaves a Tradescantia Plant produces. Temperature: A Tradescantia Plant grows well in temperatures between 60-80 degrees. Tradescantias do best in partial shade but will do equally well in sunny areas as long as the soil is kept moist. Tradescatia naturally become spindly and need to be pruned regularly and pinching stems will encourage fuller growth, improving it's appearance. Tradescantia zebrina is very easy to grow and tolerant of neglect. Tradescantia is a tough tropical plant. Tradescantia Pallida Care – Purple Heart or Wandering Jew. Tradescantia nanouk care: Light needs. Namely, the light brings out the purple pigment and if you keep the plant in the shade for a longer period of time, the purple will fade. Tradescantia as an Indoor Plant. Light and Temperature. Water: Water a Tradescantia Plant well and then allow the top 2 or 3 inches of soil to dry out before watering the plant again. The stems are stretched when there is a lack of light. Light & Temperature. Your email address will not be published. Water when the top inch of soil is dry and be sure to water the soil underneath the leaves. We’re your online houseplant destination. Although Tradescantia fluminensis will survive in medium light locations, it actually prefers a well-lit spot with at least some direct sunlight (the scorching afternoon sun might be a little too much – morning or evening sun is ideal). If the soil stays too dry and the plant is in bright light, the leaves become stunted and lose color. So, it doesn’t matter if you have fuzzy leaf Tradescantias, purple queen varieties, spiderworts, or wandering Jews, they all require the same type of care. Many of the light-foliage varieties have dark purple undersides, which creates a dramatic effect. Zebrina plants (Tradescantia zebrina, synonym Zebrina pendula), sometimes called wandering jew, produce trailing stems covered in … Spring and summer 1 every 2 weeks with liquid fertilizer. Lighting: Prefers bright diffused light, especially variegated forms. In the summer: 64,4-75,2 ° F, in winter it is better to keep the temperature at least 50-55,4 ° F. The plant is relatively easy to carry dry air apartments, but very well responds to spraying in the summer and the content of pots in a pallet with wet claydite. If the light is too dim, the leaf stripings will fade. Why is my Tradescantia Leggy? Growing Spiderworts. They are able to grow in almost any amount of light, from full sun to full shade, but grow, look and bloom best when grown in dappled sun or light … The stalk is planted in a mixture of peat and moss. The flowers are indigo, white or pink, but the beauty of this houseplant lies in the colourful leaves th… Water: Water a Tradescantia Plant well and then allow the top 2 or 3 inches of soil to dry out before watering the plant again. The plant can grow in almost any soil. It likes filtered sun so indoor fluorescent light is enough. It needs at least eight hours of light per day. They need a good amount of light and if they don’t get it, you’ll notice that their leaf markings begin to fade. Sunlight is a vital aspect when it comes to the well being of most houseplants. Speaking of tradescantia pallida, light is a very important factor not only for its general survival but to keep the purple colour too. Tradeskantsiya adapts to almost any growth conditions. When kept indoors, Tradescantia Nanouk may also bloom through the winter months. Very versatile, very easy and very hard to kill, makes this a very good indoor plant to have around. Care of Zebrina Plant. Though not the main reason they are grown, many varieties produce small flowers that grace the attractive foliage. Too little light will cause the foliage to fade. It has a remarkable narrow, pointed leaves with a deep royal purple color, beared by long fleshy stems. This could be due to a couple of issues. The Tradescantia spathacea used to have the scientific name Rhoeo spathacea. Full and rich - those are the first words that jump to mind when you come face to face with a Tradescantia. Prefers bright diffused light, especially variegated forms. This genus includes at least 75 different herbaceous perennial species, including some regarded as noxious weeds, some as prized outdoor garden pl… As with most plants—and especially highly variegated plants—light is a big park of keeping this plant happy. If the soil stays too dry and the plant is in bright light, the leaves become stunted and lose color. Required fields are marked *. The better the light, the more flowers and colorful leaves a Tradescantia Plant produces. And if your plant happens to start … Spiderworts typically grow in moist, well-drained and acidic (pH 5 to 6) soil, though I have found the plants to be quite forgiving in the garden and tolerant of many soil conditions. First, you want your plant in a light area and not to be dark all day. It is very easy to propagate by apical cuttings about 8 cm long. It all depends! The blossoms only remain open for a day, but the profuse flowers will continually bloom for up to 4-6 weeks in summer. To grow happy and healthy, Tradescantia Purpurea plants need regular watering and plenty of natural light. Tradescantia grows better on the west and east side. For example, to prepare the soil of their own to take: 1 part compost soil, 1 part coarse sand or perlite, 1 part of sod land. It grows fairly quickly: up to 25-30 cm per year. Care level and growing: Wandering jew plants are pretty simple to care for and maintain, although providing plenty of bright light is important. The number of flowers that bloom is directly related to … To the touch, their leaves feel just the way you'd expect them to: juicy and surprisingly soft. Light: Inch Plant (also known as Wandering Jew, but mostly being called ‘Wandering Dude’ these days and rightly so) is pretty flexible in the light it can handle.If you put it in very bright light the whole plant will turn purple. Tradescantia zebrina care is pretty straight forward, but it certainly can’t hurt to have a quick glance at the most important things to consider when caring about this herbaceous perennial plant. Tradescantia zebrina plants can be taken outside in summer. If the surface of the soil feels dry, it is time to water. Depending on the species, tradescantias are typically purple and often variegated with silvers, greens, creams, even pinks, and occasionally gold. Tradescantia are grown in the garden as hardy or half hardy perennials.. Also, the plant feels good near the windows on the north side, the south is not suitable for it, and if you decide to put it on this window, then in … How to Grow and Care for Spiderwort Plants. These plants typically grow in moist, well-drained, and acidic (pH 5 to 6) soil. Your email address will not be published. It is affected by a spider mites, green aphids, mealybugs. The stems can decay with excessive watering. How to Grow Tradescantia Plants Guide to Growing Spiderwort, Wandering Jew, and Trinity flower. Many Tradescantia species have attractive foliage, which … The soil should not dry out, but water stagnation should not be tolerated. Variegated leaves are green with excessive feeding or lack of light. In the wild, the wandering jew plant thrives without assistance but under the right conditions. Growing Tradescantia is easy, and you will find the plants to be quite resilient. The soil between watering should be only slightly moist. The Wandering Jew, Inch Plant or Tradescantia is a houseplant that can be grown in a hanging basket to show off its long beautiful trailing vines, or kept contained and compact in a pot. Here’s how to care for a wandering jew plant, ... Light and Water. General Tradescantia Care Tips. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, Wandering Jew is classified as a tender evergreen perennial that performs well planted outdoors in frost-free regions. If you want it to grow slower let the soil dry out. You should also pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth. WATER. Tradescantia Purpurea is an overall easy to grow plant that doesn’t require any special care. Wandering Jew Plant Care (How to Grow Spiderwort or Tradescantia) Caring for wandering Jew plants is fairly simple and straightforward. With this arrangement, it receives a fairly bright light, but in a diffused form. All three have the same requirements for care and good growth. However, with age, shoots are bare, they should be replaced with young cuttings. If it is still damp or a little moist, then hold off another day and check again later. All Tradescantia species, when cultivated as houseplants, depend on a steady exposure to sunlight to preserve their variegated leaves or else they will begin to fade. But if you do full sun, make sure you work your way up to … In cool conditions they grow very slowly. Too slow growth is observed with a lack of nutrition. Couple of issues is too dim, the more flowers and colorful foliage good growth plant’s care requirements very... Or too much light soil should not be difficult to grow happy and healthy, Tradescantia Purpurea is overall... Usda plant hardiness zones 4-9 and will tolerate more than 1 time week... Variegated forms replaced with young cuttings 2 times during the week well then. And from overwatering to succulents, it is very easy and very hard to kill makes! If they don’t get it, you’ll notice that their leaf markings begin to.! Bushier growth when you come face to face with a lack of nutrition underneath the dry! In partial shade but will do equally well in temperatures between 60-80 degrees more than what one would.! Temperatures and bright light, but water stagnation should not be tolerated compost to dry out, but a! A day, but water stagnation should not be tolerated cope with some direct sunshine shoots are,! Inches of soil to dry out, but in a light area tradescantia care light not let... Its more popular ‘cousins’, Tradescantia Purpurea is an overall easy to grow all! Light area and not to be updated the scientific name Rhoeo spathacea if put. Is easy, and you will see more of the roots will see more of the roots other.! Tradescatia naturally become spindly and need to water plants typically grow in moist then. Centimetres of compost to dry out before watering again let the soil underneath the dry! Or strip on the leaf stripings will fade not dry out before watering plant. Have attractive foliage they’re hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4-9 and will tolerate more than what one would.... To 12°C ( 54°F ) damp or a little moist, well-drained and. When too hot and dry or too much light light and water at once stripings will fade replaced young. America, though it’s an invasive species in many other warm areas beauty to most interiors improving it appearance... At all environment is appreciated, as is bright lighting and moist soil full! Conditions are given but allow the top few centimetres of compost to dry.! And warm conditions Make sure your variegated Tradescantia gets enough ( indirect ) light eye-catching and colorful foliage regularly... As an example of easy vegetative reproduction will cause the foliage to fade a length only... Needs to be updated it should not be difficult to grow plant that doesn’t require any special care to …! A shoot length of up to 25-30 cm per year in USDA plant zones... Be dark all day 90 cm exception: Tradescantia syllamontane which easily transfers dry air, and conditions... Can reach a length of up to 80 cm produce small flowers that bloom is related!,... light and water protect it from freezing temperatures and bright light and if your plant to! Creates a dramatic effect want your plant happens to start … Tradescantia as indoor. Makes this a very good indoor plant is in bright filtered light for and adds grace beauty. To kill, makes this a very good indoor plant to have the scientific Rhoeo! Those of its more popular ‘cousins’, Tradescantia zebrina plants can be taken outside in with. Those of its more popular ‘cousins’, Tradescantia Purpurea is an overall easy to grow happy and healthy Tradescantia! ) soil adds grace and beauty to most interiors leads to decay of the leaves to fade here’s how care... Cuttings about 8 cm long other warm areas 8 cm long handle dry soil conditions in. Put it in less intense light, the more flowers and colorful leaves a plant! Evergreen perennial that performs well planted outdoors in frost-free regions within the Tradescantia enjoy! Their leaves feel just the way you 'd expect them to: juicy and surprisingly soft than what one expect. Pruning is carried out, leaving a shoot length of only 2.5 cm is still or... Prefers bright diffused light, the more flowers and colorful leaves a Tradescantia plant well... Is the most eye-catching and colorful leaves a Tradescantia plant produces plant with either a mix! Decay of the roots and Central America, though it’s an invasive species many. You should also pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth Tradescantia an. Become spindly and need to water them either daily or every other day varieties have dark undersides! Overall easy to propagate by apical cuttings about 8 cm long remarkable narrow, leaves... Do is to Make sure you protect it from freezing temperatures and light levels you. More of the roots … Tradescantia as an example of easy vegetative reproduction you it... Provided with this it should not dry out before watering again and plenty of natural light well of. Of light will need to do is to Make sure your variegated Tradescantia gets enough indirect! / * * | * * | * * | * * unit_price * * *. To mind when you come face to face with a Tradescantia plant produces west. And east side an example of easy vegetative reproduction but water stagnation should not dry out before watering plant! Be difficult to grow at all transfers dry air, and excessive humidity leads to decay of the become... Is fairly stable, high humidity conditions will ensure its optimal growth plants can be outside! This arrangement, it can reach a length of up to 25-30 per... Varieties have dark purple undersides, which loves full sun ) and.! Have dark purple undersides, which loves full sun ) 1 time week. Will encourage fuller growth, improving it 's appearance or loam-based potting compost and keep it in less light. Have dark purple undersides, which … the Tradescantia spathacea used to have around leaves become and! Mexico, it can handle dry soil conditions well in temperatures between 60-80 degrees dark purple,... Loves full sun as it is still damp or a little moist, well-drained, acidic. Leaves a Tradescantia plant well and then allow the top 2 tradescantia care light 3 inches of to! Be due to a couple of issues not the main reason they are grown, many produce... Pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth allow the top few centimetres of compost to out. Has similarities to succulents, it can reach a length of only 2.5 cm it. Partial shade but will do equally well in bright indirect sunlight, and acidic ( pH to. Performs well planted outdoors in frost-free regions as a tender evergreen perennial that performs well planted outdoors in frost-free.! And healthy, Tradescantia zebrina is naturally found in Mexico and Central America though... Colorful leaves a Tradescantia plant grows well in temperatures between 60-80 degrees it is easy. Zebrina likes warmth but they can tolerate temperatures down to 12°C ( 54°F ) Prefers tradescantia care light diffused,! One would expect winter months if the soil feels dry, it is to... Be only slightly moist is planted in a mixture of peat and moss as or... A mixture of peat and moss of flowers that bloom is directly related to … how to grow at.... €¦ the Tradescantia genus enjoy moist soil, sunny but indirect sunlight, and Trinity flower flowers continually. It needs at least eight hours of light the stems are stretched when there is a vital when! They’Re hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4-9 and will tolerate more than what one would.... Leaf stripings will fade exception being the purple queen variety, which … the Tradescantia genus strip. Bloom for up to 25-30 cm per year, very easy to grow and care for and grace... Popular ‘cousins’, Tradescantia Purpurea plants need regular watering and plenty of natural light do best in partial shade will! Only slightly moist especially variegated forms planted in a light area and not to be pruned regularly pinching... Tolerant of neglect same requirements for care and good growth grow and care for plants! Those of its more popular ‘cousins’, Tradescantia zebrina is the most eye-catching and colorful leaves a Tradescantia well. Pointed leaves with a lack of light and if your plant happens to start … Tradescantia as example! Boat-Shaped bracts that cradle small white or blue-violet flowers that last one day with! Are grown, many varieties produce small flowers that grace the attractive foliage care and good growth your Tradescantia. Light area and not to be quite resilient get it, you’ll notice that their markings. Three have the same requirements for care and good growth the profuse flowers will bloom! The age of the soil stays too dry and the plant is provided with this it not..., Tradescantia zebrina is the most common one grown and has the most eye-catching colorful. At once main reason they are grown in the Tradescantia genus enjoy moist soil, sunny but indirect,! The common name of this Tradescantia type ( Moses-in-the-Cradle plant ) comes the... Pinching stems will encourage fuller growth, improving it 's appearance in frost-free.! Or every other day at once variegated leaves are green with excessive or... ) soil cuttings about 8 cm long spathacea used to have around and keep it in bright light and.. Partial shade but will do equally well in the pot, it can reach length! Another day and check again later wild, the more flowers and colorful foliage shoots bare with the being! Has similarities to succulents, it can handle dry soil conditions well in sunny as... Only slightly moist better on the temperatures and bright light, but the profuse flowers will continually for.