The Wandering Jew, as it is well known, comes in over 50 different kinds, each with distinct foliage that may be distinguished from the others.
They are natives of North and South America, Mexico, and Guatemala. Tradescantia zebrina, tradescantia multicolor, and tradescantia Virginia are only a few of the tradescantia kinds. They feature plain-colored foliage as well as variegated foliage.
The tradescantia is one of the most popular plants since it is so easy to grow. these tropical plants are prized for their vibrant colors as well as the ease with which they may be grown. The tradescantia attracts attention when it is displayed in the house or garden, and its enticing beauty is enhanced when it is presented in hanging baskets.
Check out this post to understand how to grow the tradescantia red gem and how to propagate it.
Tradescantia Red Gem Explained
Tradescantia Flumenisis Red gem has predominantly ruby-red foliage with silver lines. It features little, pink flowers with small succulent leaves.
The stunning red gem comes from South America and is extremely difficult to come by. It thrives in bright, indirect light. The variegations that make this houseplant so attractive are lost when it is kept in the shade. Furthermore, this plant does not thrive in the cold, and the ideal temperature for the tradescantia red gem is 60°-80°F.
It works well as an indoor plant and also adds to the beauty of patios throughout the summer. Watering this plant is necessary, but it may not be done as frequently as it should be because the stem can store nutrients and water for the leaves. Nonetheless, the red gem should be watered as soon as the soil begins to dry out, to aid growth.
Tradescantia Red Gem Propagation
| Common Name | Tradescantia Red gem |
| Scientific Name | Tradescantia Fluminensis |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Plant Family | Tradescantiacaea |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Soil Type | Well Drained Soil |
| Foliage Color | Ruby-red, burgundy. |
| Flower Color | White, lilac |
| Temperature | 60°-80° F |
| Plant Size | 7″ tall and 27″ wide |
| Soil Ph | Neutral |
| Native | South America |
| Toxicity | Poisonous |
The tradescantia red gem is very easy to propagate. It is also a fantastic gift that the tradescantia red gem parents can consider for family, friends, or neighbors, aside from the fact that it helps to keep the houseplants from withering off.
The tradescantia red gem can be propagated in one of two methods. You can propagate with either water or soil. Soil propagation is the most prevalent method, whereas water propagation is the quickest.
Steps In Propagation
- Take a healthy stem with leaves that is around 4-5 inches long
- Always cut below the nodes
- Remove the lower leaves
- Place the cuttings in a container with enough water to cover them up to the last leaf below the stem
- The roots should have emerged after two to three weeks
- Transplant them into a pot with your preferred potting mix.
Propagation of the red gem in the soil is similar to propagation in water. The main distinction is that once the stem has been cut, it is dipped into the soil and watered for soil growth.
Needs For Propagation
- A healthy tradescantia Red Gem
- Sterilized scissors or shears
- Container/ flowering pot
- Water
- Potting mix
Tradescantia Red Gem Care Guide
To learn how to groom the tradescantia red gem, see the tradescantia red gem care guide. With these helpful hints, you can easily care for your tradescantia red gem.
1. Temperature
When the temperature falls below 50° F, it causes the leaves to droop. Tradescantia red gem however flourishes in temperatures between 60° and 80° F. The red gem thrives in a moderate indoor temperature.
2. Water
Moisture, for the tradescantia red gem, is very essential, as it keeps it thriving. Your plants are not supposed to dry out, which is why watering is very essential. Water the red gem and let the water dry out in between watering. At least 3 times a week is perfect for a full-blown tradescantia red gem. Be careful not to waterlog the houseplant to prevent root rot.
3. Fertilizer
The tradescantia is a fast-growing houseplant that does not require fertilizers to grow. However, when you feed the plant between summer and spring, they grow faster. Using a controlled-release fertilizer bi-monthly is appropriate for the tradescantia red gem.
4. Soil
Generally, tradescantia is not selective about the type of soil they will grow in. Moist, well-drained soil will do great good to the tradescantia red gem.
5. Light
Red gem tradescantia loves light that is bright and indirect. When they do not get adequate light, the silvery leaves will fade away off. Do not expose to direct sunlight, to prevent the foliage from burning.
6. Humidity
Tradescantia red gem does well in high humidity. When the plants do not receive enough humidity, the leaves will turn brown. A humidity tray, humidifier, and regular misting will suffice when there is low humidity.
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Tradescantia Red Gem Growing Tips
Here are some additional growing tips for propagating Tradescantia red gem at home.
- To make a makeshift humidity tray, fill a tray halfway with pebbles, then fill halfway with water.
- To keep its variegation, Tradescantia red gem requires sufficiently intense but indirect light. Find an excellent area in your house that is conducive to its growth.
- Do not be alarmed if you observe an infestation surrounding this plant. In small amounts, pesticide soap or neem oil will aid in the healing and restoration of this plant’s beauty.
- To avoid the spread of pests, any equipment used for pruning or propagation should be cleaned.
- Feeding this plant is beneficial, but it must be done with caution to avoid the browning of the leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing my tradescantia leaves to wilt?
The tradescantia red gem, like the majority of tradescantia variants, is a tropical plant that loses its leaves as it grows older. It’s also possible that the plant isn’t getting enough light or isn’t getting enough water.
What can I do to make my red gem plant bushier?
Because the tradescantia red gem plant is a vine, pruning is the best approach to keep it bushy. Pruning this plant regularly keeps it looking attractive and bushy.
Conclusion
The hue of the leaves pops so brilliantly while growing the tradescantia red gem in optimum conditions, using a good potting mix, getting good humidity, indirect bright light, and water in the appropriate way.
Allow time for the soil to dry, to keep the plant from getting root rot in between watering.
Finally, pruning the tradescantia red gem is critical for keeping the vining red gem in form and promoting the development of healthier leaves.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes only and all images therein do NOT belong to TheHomeTome or its staff. Please feel free to patronize the vendors of these plants, but at your own discretion.