With over 50 varieties, the tradescantias are fast-growing plants, and can also be called the inch plant or wandering Jew because they keep growing non-stop.
They are native to Guatemala and Mexico. Their distinctive hues include purple, green, white, and they stand out in the garden, accompanied by their colorful flowers. These plants can grow up to four feet tall when cared for rightly.
The vining plant is a low maintenance plant, that does not stress its caregiver. They are very flexible, and caring for them is relatively easy. The tradescantias can be grown either indoors or outdoors. They can grow anywhere in the home: the bathroom, bookshelf, patios, or even the living room.
If you’re a beginner, this is a great plant to start with, and it is enjoyable to grow. With basic care knowledge, which we have provided in this tradescantia Lilac Care and Propagation guide, the plants would grow just fine.
Tradescantia Lilac Burgundy Explained
| Common Name | Tradescantia Lilac |
| Scientific Name | Tradescantia Fluminensis |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Plant Family | Tradescantiacaea or Spiderwort |
| Light | Bright Indirect sunlight |
| Soil Type | Well-drained soil |
| Foliage Color | Green, Lilac, white |
| Flower Color | White |
| Temperature | 60°-80° F |
| Plant Size | 9- 25 inches |
| Soil Ph | Neutral |
| Native | South America |
| Toxicity | Poisonous |
The colorful stripes make the tradescantia fluminensis lilac attractive and a must-have on every plant lover’s shelf. This plant is extremely easy to grow, as it grows really fast and beautiful. The foliage is not big, but they produce beautiful color mixtures.
The tradescantia lilac is native to South America but can be found and grown in most places with conducive humidity and temperature. The variegated foliage is very luscious and is vulnerable to extreme weather if not cared for properly. The flowers grow on this plant but might not last very long.
Watering is one care that must be consistent and well done for this houseplant, but the caregiver should take care never to overdo it. The soil is to be evenly moist and well-drained, and inch plant loves to be clean at all times.
Tradescantia Lilac Propagation
Propagation of this plant is extremely easy, and it helps to multiply the plants, and save money. You can also give them as gifts to family and friends. Make sure you sanitize the shears with rubbing alcohol to prevent pests from spreading. You can either use soil or water propagation.
The tradescantia lilac however grows root more quickly in water than in the soil.
Needs for the propagation of the Tradescantia lilac:
- Tradescantia lilac
- Pot/ Container
- potting soil
- sterilized cutting shears
- Water
1. Soil Propagation
Here is how to use soil propagation.
- From the bottom of the plant, check for the nodes and cut some inches below the node, which the root will sprout out from.
- Take off the bottom leaf.
- Stick up to 4- 7 stem cuttings in the soil to have a full plant.
- Water the soil thoroughly.
- For the first week, keep the soil moist, because that will help to allow the cuttings to grow their roots.
- Once they have rooted, leave for up to a month.
2. Water Propagation
- Cut the stem close to the node.
- Place in a container filled with water enough to accommodate the stems.
- Keep in a bright place, and expose to indirect sunlight.
- Change the water as often as you should.
- Once you notice that there is rooting around the nodes, you can transfer to a small pot, filled with potting mix.
Tradescantia Lilac Care guide
As they grow older, they lose their foliage on top, so propagation helps to grow new ones. Spring or early summer is the best time to grow and propagate. Here is a care guide for the Tradescantia lilac.
1. Light
These plants love bright and indirect light, which helps the colors to be more vibrant, and they grow fast when close to the window. They love bright light, and if they do not get it then leaves turn green. 4 hours of direct sunlight is good enough for the plant and might even help it grow flowers. However, if exposed to too much sunlight, the delicate foliage will suffer scorching or sunburn.
2. Water
If it is placed in direct sunlight, the sun tends to dry out quickly and should be watered as soon as the soil dries out. if it is in a shaded area, you might not need to water as often as that to prevent root rot. It will dry out faster in the summer than in other seasons. they do not like their soil to be completely dry.
3. Soil
A standard indoor potting mix will help it do fine. Moist, well-drained soil is perfect for the growth of the plants, they do not like to dry out because it makes the plants crispy and droopy.
4. Humidity
The tradescantia loves high humidity. When there is low humidity, a humidifier can work well. A humidity tray, which is simply a tray with pebble, filled with water will also help the humidity around the plant. During winter when the air is dryer, you can consider using a humidifier or humidity tray.
5. Temperature
The tradescantia lilac will do very well in temperature between 60°-80° F. They however cannot thrive in extreme temperatures, as it will affect the foliage color and growth.
6. Fertilizer
Fertilizing is not essential for tradescantias, because they are fast growers. If you however desire to feed your plant, you use half the recommended dose, and a water-soluble fertilizer bi-monthly. You should only fertilize during the growing season for optimum results.
Growing Tips For Tradescantia
- The inch plants love to be clean, so you need to take extra care in spraying and cleaning the leaves.
- Pruning the tradescantia lilac is extremely important, as it helps to remove dead leaves, encourage new growth, and also keeps them from getting leggy.
- Repotting is essential because they are vigorous growers. Get pots that fit the size of the plants as they increase in size.
- You should consider the hanging basket when growing the tradescantia lilac, as it makes it compact and more attractive.
- When watering, be sure to water the soil directly, and not the leaves of your plant. Then bottom watering method can help you to do just fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the tradescantia lilac leaves turn brown?
Low humidity is the major cause of the tradescantia leaves turning brown. Also, when too much fertilizer is applied to the soil, it will make the plant lose its color.
How do I make the Tradescantia lilac flourish as an indoor plant?
The basic care tips, such as watering, fertilizing, and bright light will make the houseplant flourish indoors. If the house does not have adequate bright light, you can consider getting a grow light.
Does the Tradescantia lilac have a fragrance?
No, these houseplants do not have fragrances. They however do not also have a foul smell that can be discomforting in the home.
Conclusion
Consistent watering, Sufficient lighting, and high humidity are very essential for the growth of the tradescantia lilac.
Also, the best location for growing the tradescantia lilac in your home is a window facing either the east or west. Lastly, you should be aware that this plant can be invasive, if not pruned regularly.
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