Tradescantia

Tradescantia, or inch plant, is one of the easiest trailing houseplants to grow. Give it bright, indirect light, average room temperatures of 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C), and moist but well-drained potting mix. Let the top inch or two of soil dry between waterings, and water less in winter. Keep it above 50°F (10°C). Pinch or cut back the stems in spring to keep the plant full, and root the cuttings in water or soil. The sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when pruning.

Pick Tradescantia zebrina or T. pallida if you want bold color, and T. spathacea if you want an upright plant rather than a trailer. NC State Extension notes that spathacea grows upward and does not suit a hanging basket. Skip planting T. fluminensis outdoors in warm climates, since NC State lists it as invasive in many places. Indoors, all of them do well in a bright room out of harsh afternoon sun.

Tradescantia is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants native to the Americas that are grown mainly for their ornamental foliage. While the Tradescantia genus includes several outdoor cottage garden perennials, the genus is most famous for the tropical Tradescantias (Inch Plants), which are extremely popular as indoor houseplants.

Tradescantia basics

Tradescantia plants are native to the Americas, ranging from Southern Canada to Northern Argentina. There are about 75 different species, each with a varying native area. Most types of Tradescantia cultivated as houseplants are native to Central and South America, including Tradescantia zebrina, Tradescantia fluminensis, Tradescantia pallida, and Tradescantia spathacea.

The different species of Tradescantia vary in appearance from one another. In general, they grow about 6 to 12 inches in height and have a width of 1 to 2 feet. Tradescantia plants grow fleshy oval or lance-shaped leaves that can be blue/green, gray/silver, or purple/burgundy, depending on the type. The “Oyster Plant” nickname belongs to Tradescantia spathacea, whose small white flowers sit inside purple, boat-shaped bracts. Tradescantia flowers are purple, white, or pink, depending on the species.

Tradescantia houseplants go by the name “inch plants.” According to NC State Extension, the leaf nodes on the stem sit about an inch apart, which gives the plant its common name. The stems also root at the nodes and grow fast.

Hardy species of Tradescantia are commonly referred to as Spiderwort plants. These cottage garden perennials are grown in partial shade areas of temperate outdoor garden beds. They are common at the front of border gardens where their small purple flowers peek out gracefully from the long strap-like leaves.

Tradescantia houseplant species

Here are some popular species of Tradescantia to grow in containers as houseplants:

• Tradescantia zebrina (Silver Inch Plant, Wandering Dude)
• Tradescantia pallida (Purple Inch Plant)
• Tradescantia fluminensis (Small-Leaf Spiderwort)
• Tradescantia spathacea (Moses In The Cradle)
• Tradescantia sillamontana (White Velvet Inch Plant)

Tradescantia zebrina: The name zebrina means “zebra-striped.” The leaves are striped green, white, and silver with purple undersides. Tiny three-petaled lavender-purple flowers appear now and then indoors. This is the best-known houseplant species and is sold at most garden centers.

Tradescantia pallida: This plant, also known as the “purple heart,” is characterized by its long, pointed, purple leaves. The stems and both sides of the leaves are purple. Pink to pale purple flowers appear in midsummer, and each lasts a single day. Full sun brings out the deepest color, while shade turns the leaves greener.

Tradescantia fluminensis: Also known as small-leaf spiderwort or wandering Willie, this species has green, oval, fleshy leaves with purple undersides and tiny white flowers. Variegated forms are sold too. NC State Extension notes it is invasive outdoors in many warm regions.

Tradescantia spathacea: Also known as Moses In The Cradle, this species forms an upright rosette of stiff, sword-like leaves that are dark green on top and purple underneath. Small white flowers sit inside purple, boat-shaped bracts.

Tradescantia sillamontana: This plant is also known as the White Velvet Inch Plant. This plant has leaves that are covered in wooly white hairs that give it a soft, velvety texture. These plants produce magenta-pink flowers during the summer.

Tradescantia cultivars

Here are some popular names cultivars of Tradescantia to grow at home:

• Tradescantia Tricolor (Tradescantia spathacea ‘Tricolor’)
• Tradescantia Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Heart’)
• Tradescantia Baby Bunny Bellies (Tradescantia chrysophylla ‘Baby Bunny Bellies’)
• Tradescantia Nanouk (Tradescantia albiflora ‘Nanouk’)
• Tradescantia Pink Nanouk (Tradescantia albiflora ‘Pink Nanouk’)
• Tradescantia Albovittata (Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Albovittata’)
• Tradescantia Lilac (Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Lilac’)
• Tradescantia Variegata (Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Variegata’)
• Tradescantia Tricolor (Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Tricolor’)

How to care for Tradescantia plants

Tradescantia plants are among the easiest houseplants to grow. These plants are not fussy and are a great choice for new plant parents and beginner indoor gardeners.

Watering Tradescantia plants

Water your Tradescantia when the top inch or two of soil is dry, and water until it runs out the bottom of the pot. NC State Extension advises letting the soil dry out between waterings and watering less in winter. Tradescantias are prone to root rot, so use a pot with drainage holes.

While it’s fine to get the foliage and stems wet once in a while, it’s best to water the soil surface directly. Moist foliage tends to invite fungal disease. Water droplets can also leave stains on the ornamental foliage of this plant. Use a watering can with a skinny spout to reach the soil surface without pouring water all over the leaves.

Best potting mix for Tradescantia

Tradescantias are not picky about soil and will grow in most potting blends. They like steady moisture, so the mix shouldn’t stay dry for long. Use a potting mix that drains excess water well but doesn’t dry out too fast.

Lighting requirements

Tradescantias grow best in bright indirect light. If the plants do not get enough light, their beautiful leaf markings will begin to fade. Prolonged periods of low light can make the plant weak, limp, and susceptible to disease. Tradescantia grown indoors in dim rooms benefit from supplemental lighting from a little plant light.

Sudden exposure to direct sun after a period in low light can scorch the leaves. In cooler climates, Tradescantia can take more direct sun if you increase its exposure a bit each day. NC State Extension recommends afternoon protection for plants in full sun.

Temperature requirements for Tradescantia

Tradescantias do very well in most indoor settings. They thrive in temperatures between 65 and 75°F (18 and 24°C), but they can tolerate and do well in hotter temperatures as well.

These plants should not be kept in areas where the temperature frequently gets below 50°F (10°C), or their leaves will become damaged and discolored. Temperatures below freezing can kill many types of Tradescantia plants (or at least kill any above-ground foliage).

Humidity levels for growing Tradescantia

Tradescantias handle average home humidity as well as high humidity, according to NC State Extension. A room humidifier helps more than pebble trays or misting if the air in your home is very dry.

Fertilizing Tradescantia houseplants

Fertilizing is not required, but it can help your Tradescantia grow fuller. If you choose to feed it, do so in spring and summer and follow the directions on the fertilizer label.

Pruning Tradescantia

Pruning is not required, but many growers prune their Tradescantias to keep a bushy, clean appearance. NC State Extension notes the plant can be pruned back hard every spring, and trimming promotes denser foliage. Remove dead or dying foliage with sharp, clean scissors, and wear gloves, since the sap can irritate skin.

Repotting Tradescantia plants

Repotting can be a vital step for the health and growth of your Tradescantia. However, the process of re-potting can be super tricky. There are a few things that you need to take into consideration when re-potting your Tradescantia.

The best time to repot Tradescantia is during the spring, which is when they are coming out of winter dormancy and starting to actively grow. Repotting at the beginning of their growing season allows the roots to establish themselves in the new potting mix and planter pot.

A growing plant doesn’t always need a new pot. Steady growth is a good sign that it is thriving where it is. Look for clear signs before repotting, such as roots poking out of the drainage holes or growth that has stalled.

When changing containers, pick one with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Choose a pot about 1 to 2 inches bigger than the current one, in both width and depth.

How to repot Tradescantia

Re-potting your plant is a careful process. Here are the steps to make re-potting smooth and successful:

1. Water your Tradescantia: water the plant a day or so before you move it so the root ball slides out and the roots separate with less damage. If the soil is still wet, wait until it has dried a bit before watering and repotting.
2. Gently remove the Tradescantia from its pot: for this step, it is a good idea to wear gloves because Tradescantia sap can cause skin irritation. When you remove the plant from its pot, be extra careful not to break off any stems. It is suggested that you tip the pot onto its side horizontally to be able to pull the plant out more carefully.
3. Break up the roots: if there are roots that are tangled or clustered together, loosen the root clusters with your fingers.
4. Fill the new container with soil: add a layer of moist potting mix to the bottom of the pot.
5. Add your Tradescantia to the pot: place your Tradescantia in the middle of the pot and cover it with soil.

Propagating Tradescantia inch plants

Tradescantia plants are easily propagated. Many who grow these plants are known to give away several other plants from propagation because they cannot keep up with how fast the plants can grow and propagate.

Propagating a Tradescantia is relatively simple because the roots take easily from the cuttings of the plant. If you wish to propagate, make sure that your cutting is from a mature, healthy plant. Take sharp scissors and cut the stem just below the node where a leaf is beginning to grow. For best results, take a cutting 4 to 6 inches long.

You can propagate these plants in both water and soil. For propagating in water, fill a cup or a jar with lukewarm water. After pulling the leaves off the bottom part of the stem, place the cutting in the water and place it on a windowsill that gets lots of sunlight. Avoid intense sunlight, such as from south-facing windowsills, which can damage the plants.

When propagating in water, make sure that the roots are always submerged. Once the roots are a few inches long (usually after 3-4 weeks), you can transfer it to a pot with soil.

If you are propagating with soil, the process takes a few more steps than propagating in water. First fill your container with soil, then remove the leaves from the bottom half of your stem. Then place your cuttings in the soil. You can place several cuttings in the same pot. After planting the cuttings, cover the pot with plastic (secured around the pot with a rubber band). Place the pot in bright but indirect light.

When new growth appears (usually after about a month), you can safely remove the plastic bag, and your plants will grow.

Tradescantia FAQ

Is Tradescantia toxic to people or pets?

NC State Extension lists Tradescantia species as causing contact dermatitis, and the sap can irritate skin. Spathacea can also irritate the mouth and throat if eaten in large amounts. Keep plants away from pets that chew leaves, and wear gloves when you prune.

Why is my Tradescantia losing its color?

Low light is the most common cause. NC State Extension notes that in low light the stems drop their lower leaves and the remaining leaves lose color. Move the plant to brighter, indirect light.

Can Tradescantia grow outside?

Yes, in warm areas. Zebrina and spathacea are hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11, and pallida in zones 10 to 11. In colder areas, grow them outdoors for summer and bring them inside before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

References

• NC State Extension Plant Toolbox, Tradescantia zebrina
• NC State Extension Plant Toolbox, Tradescantia pallida
• NC State Extension Plant Toolbox, Tradescantia fluminensis
• NC State Extension Plant Toolbox, Tradescantia spathacea