Tradescantia plant is one of the fastest-growing plants. It is a lot of fun and also rewarding to grow. This plant is native to Mexico, South America, East America, and Guatemala. They spread fast as they grow and a single stem of this plant grows long.
The luscious leaves of this houseplant would require some attention, to prevent them from falling off or drying out. They love light, but should not be directly on their foliage to prevent scorching.
It is a great plant for a beginner, as it is a low maintenance plant, that is somewhat stress-free. With the guidelines on the care and propagation we have outlined, you will be able to grow and care for your tradescantia tricolor rightly.
Tradescantia Tricolor Houseplant Explained
| Common Name | Tradescantia Tricolor |
| 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, pink |
| Flower Color | White, blue, or purple |
| Temperature | 60°-80° F |
| Plant Size | Height of 6″ and Width of 24″ |
| Soil Ph | Neutral |
| Native | Mexico, South America |
| Toxicity | Toxic |
Tradescantia tricolor plant is one of the most popular grown plants because of its beautiful variegation. It is a native of Mexico, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. This beautiful indoor plant name is called the tradescantia fluminensis tricolor, but commonly called tradescantia tricolor or wandering Jew.
It is a must-have on every plant shelf, because of its beautiful variegated colors, which include green, lilac, and pink. They love humidity and water to keep them in shape.
The soil used in growing them is preferably non-acidic, as soil with high Ph might not be tolerable for the tradescantia tricolor. During colder seasons, they would be better off as indoor plants, so they do not begin to droop or lose their leaves.
It is not entirely easy to grow, but when they are grown in the right condition, they grow very fast, and their beautiful variegated foliage is always satisfying.
Propagation Of The “Inch Plant”.
The plants of the tradescantia tricolor sprouts quickly and easily, so propagating this houseplant is easy and fun.
Another reason for the propagation of this plant is that they do not live for so long, but they can quickly replace themselves due to the roots. There are two popular ways of propagating this tradescantia: Water propagation and Soil propagation. They however sprout more quickly in water propagation than in soil propagation.
Needs for propagation
- Healthy and mature tradescantia tricolor plant
- Water
- Soil
- Flowering pot
- Sterilized shears
1. Water Propagation
- Put water in a transparent container, enough to sink the nodes.
- Cut the stems below the nodes and then place them in the water.
- Leave for up to a month or two, to make the roots develop properly.
- Change the water regularly, to avoid contamination.
- Once the roots have sprouted, you can shift the new plant into a good potting mixture to continue growth.
2. Soil Propagation
- Cut the stems of the tradescantia tricolor below the node, because this is where the roots will shoot from.
- Place the soil mixture in a small pot, and water evenly.
- Make tiny holes in the soil.
- Place the leaves or stems inside the soil.
- Leave for at least a month or two, but water regularly.
- The roots should be out by this time, and you can place them in new pots or hanging baskets.
Care Guide Of The Tradescantia Tricolor
We have provided below the right way to care for your plant when growing. You should not just water or feed your plants unevenly without going through these care guides of the tradescantia tricolor.
1. Watering
It does not like too wet or too dry soil. try to water at least once a week. Make sure the water is filtered, to prevent chemicals. During spring and summer, you can water the plant more than you will during the winter.
2. Soil
The tradescantia tricolor will flourish in a moist and well-drained regular potting mix. To know if the soil is too dry or too moist for your houseplant, dip your finger into the soil. If the soil is dry, you might need to get it.
3. Fertilizer
The tradescantia tricolor, because of its naturally fast growth rate is an invasive plant. Fertilizing this plant might not be so important for its growth. If you desire to fertilize, you ought to do so once a month. However, during cold seasons, you can feed this houseplant once in two or three months.
4. Temperature
Although the tradescantia tricolor, like other tradescantias, can tolerate fairly high temperatures, the appropriate temperature for this houseplant is 18° – 24° C. If the temperature drops below 10° C, the plants will droop.
5. Light
This plant loves the sun. you can place them in a bright place, where they can enjoy indirect sunlight. The window is the best option for an indoor plant. However, because of the fragility of the foliage, there is a high chance of the plant leaves getting scorched by the sun. You can give the tradescantia tricolor a little distance from the window. The ideal one is to place it in a south-facing window.
6. Humidity
The tradescantias love good and moderate humidity. The normal household humidity can sustain the tradescantia tricolor houseplant. During dry seasons, you can use a humidity tray or humidifier to sustain the humidity.
Growing Tips For The Tradescantia Tricolor
In as much as the tradescantia tricolor houseplant grows very fast, the growing and maintenance of this plant can be tasking without the proper knowledge. We have provided some growing guidelines to help the plant grow well. You need to check these growing tips out!
- Trim the plants once in a while, depending on the shape you are trying to achieve. The plants get fuller when you prune.
- After trimming, you should give them fertilizer and water, so they can have enough energy to grow back quickly.
- Plants in hanging pots can be neglected by their caregivers. If you are using a hanging pot or you plan to use one for your tradescantia tricolor, be sure to always remember to wet your plants
- Grow lights can be a great option for your plant, if there is no access to bright indirect light, you however need to monitor closely to prevent burning or browning of the leaves.
- You should repot the plants as soon as you notice that the houseplant has outgrown the previous pot. When repotting, add fresh soil and water properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing my Tradescantia tricolor to go dull, droopy, and green?
This houseplant may appear drab and green due to the lighting and temperature it is subjected to. The tradescantia tricolor can react if it is not placed in an environment that provides enough bright light and has a low temperature.
Is it necessary for me to prune this plant?
Yes, because the tradescantia houseplant is a fast-spreading invasive species. The plant will become leggy and unsightly if it is not pruned. Pruning the tradescantia also aids in the removal of dead leaves and the growth of fresh, healthy foliage.
Final Thoughts
The sap from this houseplant irritates the skin and gastrointestinal tract. Make sure your pets and youngsters aren’t able to get to it.
Also, if you see any pests or diseases on the tradescantia tricolor, you can clean it with pesticide soap or neem oil. If the symptoms persist, seek professional help, or take a stem cutting from a healthy area of the plant and grow it yourself.