How To Grow and Care for Tradescantia

Learn everything about growing and caring for Tradescantia, including different types and varieties, soil, light, water requirements, propagation, and more. Discover the detailed care instructions for Tradescantia zebrina, nanouk, pallida, fluminensis, sillamontana, spathacea, blushing bride, pink panther, and purple heart.

What is Tradescantia?

Tradescantia is a genus of herbaceous perennial flowering plants, commonly known as Wandering Jew or Spiderwort. It is known for its beautiful and colorful foliage and attractive, delicate flowers. This genus is native to America but widely cultivated and naturalized in many parts of the world.

Varieties

Tradescantia consists of more than 70 species, and many cultivars have been developed over the years. Some of the most popular Tradescantia varieties include Tradescantia zebrina, Tradescantia nanouk, Tradescantia pallida, Tradescantia fluminensis, Tradescantia sillamontana, Tradescantia spathacea, Tradescantia blushing bride, Tradescantia pink panther, and Tradescantia purple heart.

Types

There are some types of Tradescantia.

Tradescantia zebrina

Tradescantia zebrina is a trailing plant with long, narrow leaves striped in silver and green. This variety is known as “Wandering Jew” or “Inch Plant.”

Tradescantia nanouk

Tradescantia nanouk is a new hybrid variety known for its unique, chubby leaves that are pink and green. This variety is also called “Tricolor” or “Nanouk.”

Tradescantia pallida

Tradescantia pallida is a clump-forming plant with fleshy, purple leaves and small, three-petaled, lavender-blue flowers.

Tradescantia fluminensis

Tradescantia fluminensis, also known as “Small-Leaved Spiderwort,” is a trailing plant with small, shiny leaves that are green, purple, or blue. This type is known for its attractive, delicate flowers that come in shades of blue, purple, or pink.

Tradescantia sillamontana

Tradescantia sillamontana is a trailing plant with silvery-green leaves and small, three-petaled, pink or purple flowers. This variety is famous for its delicate and airy appearance.

Tradescantia spathacea

Tradescantia spathacea, also known as “Boat Lily,” is a clump-forming plant with glossy green leaves and small, three-petaled, pink, or purple flowers. This variety is famous for its stunning foliage and easy-to-care-for nature.

How to Grow

Soil Requirements

Tradescantia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, but a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7) is ideal.

Light Requirements

Tradescantia thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions. However, too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so protecting them from harsh sun exposure is best. Follow the proper lighting so that it will grow healthy.

Watering

Tradescantia is sensitive to over-watering and prefers to be kept on the dry side. Water them when the top inch of soil is dry, and be sure to drain any excess water to prevent root rot. Try to follow the watering guide for houseplants.

Propagation

Tradescantia can be propagated easily by cuttings, division, or by planting their stems. Cut a stem about 4-6 inches long, remove the bottom leaves, and plant in a pot filled with well-draining soil.

Fertilization

Tradescantia can be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. However, be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can cause excessive growth and result in a leggy plant.

Tradescantia Care

Pruning

Tradescantia can be pruned to control their growth and shape. Prune back the stems as needed, being careful not to cut too far back, or you may damage the plant.

Repotting

Tradescantia should be repotted every 2-3 years to provide them with fresh soil and room to grow. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one, and be sure to use well-draining soil.

Common Problems and Solutions

Yellowing Leaves

This can be caused by over-watering or under-fertilizing. Reduce watering and fertilize regularly to resolve this issue.

Leggy Growth

This can be caused by low light or lack of fertilization. Provide bright, indirect light and fertilize regularly to resolve this issue.

Brown Tips

This can be caused by too much direct sunlight or dry air. Protect the plant from direct sunlight and increase humidity to resolve this issue.

Varieties with Detailed Care Instructions