Why do Tradescantia leaves become smaller? Growing and caring for tradescantia at home

Tradescantia is familiar to almost everyone: until recently it was the decoration of any room. And schools, kindergartens, hospitals were simply crammed with these plants - few institutions did not have pots with hanging multi-colored shoots on the shelves.

Nowadays, new, picturesque varieties and species have appeared that are in demand among modern flower growers due to their unpretentiousness and ease of breeding. Amateur flower growers call it “woman's gossip” because of the long branches that are so tangled that it is difficult to make out where this or that shoot originates.

Description of Tradescantia

The genus Tradescantia consists of approximately 60 species of perennial herbaceous plants, native to the humid tropics and subtropical forests. Some of them are in dry areas. The main decoration is considered to be amazing leaves growing on long stems with multiple branches. Their color ranges from light green to blueberry and depends on lighting and temperature. Some varieties have original stripes on the leaves. In our climate, they are grown both indoors and in flower beds.

Due to the nature of the branches to lodging, it is used as a hanging crop. At first, the young stems grow straight up, but soon droop, unable to withstand their own weight. Therefore, they look more respectable in wall planters and on the top shelves of furniture. Under natural conditions, Commelinaceae grow on the ground, with the help of spreading, rooting branches, taking over uninhabited places.

Commelinaceae are known for their trailing stems with alternate leaves that completely hug the trunk at the junctions. To get out, side shoots often have to tear the covering leaf. The veins on the leaves diverge in parallel lines. But the main distinguishing features are associated with the flower. Three petals of white, pink, lilac or violet are enclosed in greenish, free sepals and live for only a couple of days.

On the hanging branches there are barely noticeable rudiments of roots, which, upon contact with a moist soil substrate, immediately increase in size and cling to the soil, which is successfully used for breeding.

Caring for Tradescantia at home

The correct conditions for keeping tradescantia will ensure its full development, abundant flowering, and the formation of green mass. The beauty will delight her owner, giving a positive charge of energy and a great mood. I am glad that there are almost no care requirements and it is very easy to comply with them.

If the plant lives in one pot for a long time- the roots can no longer cope with the task of providing nutrition to the green mass - the leaves begin to partially dry out and the lower part of the stem is exposed, which subsequently dries out: the crown parts hang from the pot on elongated, almost bare, shoots. In this case, cuttings are urgently required to obtain young bushes.

Basically, all Tradescantia love rooms with high humidity and abundant watering.. They can leave a small amount of water in the pan for a short time. Water abundantly without waiting for the earthen ball to dry out, reducing the volume of water only when the room temperature drops. Only some desert species require the soil to dry out between waterings.

The more Tradescantia is fertilized, the faster they grow.. Fertilizing is carried out in the active growth phase. Fertilizers can be anything - organic or mineral.

Typically, Tradescantias are not replanted, with the exception of particularly valuable specimens, which are transferred to a large container with the addition of fresh soil. Ordinary plants are simply renewed using cuttings, because over time the lower parts of the stem become bare and the flowers take on an ugly appearance.

Growing Tradescantia from cuttings

Even the most inexperienced flower lover can propagate Tradescantia.

• Cuttings 10 cm long are taken from adult specimens.
• Remove the leaves on the lower internodes.
• Several pieces are planted in a pot at once and watered abundantly.
• To speed up the process, you can cover the pot with a jar. When new buds appear, the jar is removed.
• Cuttings can be rooted in water and then planted in the ground.

Tradescantia can be rooted even with a very small piece of stem with a couple of leaves. Its lower part is buried in the soil mixture - roots and shoots simultaneously grow from the internode. If you cover the cutting with a transparent jar, the plant will produce new shoots faster.

One of the British flower growers placed the sprout in a glass bottle and closed it with a stopper. He watered the plant only once. And this flower has been growing in a vessel without soil for more than 50 years, forming a closed ecosystem. Amazing, right?

For garden forms, bush division and seed propagation are important. Some species self-sow. When replanting, the roots are trimmed a little and the bush is divided into parts. The plant quickly recovers and blooms.

Planting Tradescantia

Planting Tradescantia is simple - you need to prepare nutritious soil. A nutrient mixture for orchids is best suited: the substrate is quite loose, has good drainage properties, and contains all the substances necessary for the plant.

To plant tradescantia:

• Filling the pot with substrate
• We make a hole for the cutting with the root system and place it there, sprinkle it with earth.
• If the cutting is without a root, simply press it into the ground to a depth of 3-4 cm.
• We water it.

Tradescantia planting is over! All that remains is to water it on time and enjoy the rapid growth of the flower.

Tradescantia pests and diseases

Tradescantia is resistant to pest attacks and is little susceptible to disease. Nevertheless, the necessary measures should be taken if negative changes are noticed. The red mite sometimes settles on the back side. To avoid the appearance of pests, you can periodically water the soil in pots with a solution of tar soap.

If a large number of insects are detected, the plant along with the pot is placed in a plastic bag and the flower itself, the flower pot and the soil are thoroughly treated with an insecticide. The bag should be tied in a knot and the plant should be left in it for 5 days. After this, the processing is repeated. Three-time treatment completely eliminates pests. The area where the pot was located should also be wiped with a napkin moistened with an insecticide solution to avoid re-infection.

Most varieties are tolerant to conditions - they tolerate a lack of light, nutrients, watering, air humidity, and attention from the owner, although their appearance suffers.

Commelinaceae can be kept in hydroponic culture - their roots are quite resistant to the lack of air. To maintain Tradescantia at this content, they should be provided with nutrients by dissolving them in water. This solution is added to the container where they are located.

Types of Tradescantia with photos and names with descriptions

Tradescantia villosa

This Tradescantia is easily identified by its leaves covered with silvery pubescence. It is not quite ordinary: it is not only very beautiful, but also a resilient plant that can easily tolerate drought. There are examples of hairy Tradescantia living without water for several weeks. With a lack of moisture, the leaves turn purple and lose their elasticity - as if the plant is freezing. But as soon as a little water gets on the roots, it will come to life and bloom with amazing purple flowers. This flower feels good where other flowers cannot withstand the heat and sun - on the windowsills of southern windows and even next to central heating radiators. In summer you can plant it on the balcony.

White-flowered Tradescantia albiflora photo planting and care

The stem of the plant is herbaceous, strongly branched. Its malachite leaves are sometimes slightly pubescent, and its flowers are white. To make the bush more picturesque, flowering shoots should be pinched, as flowering is inconspicuous and depletes the plant. The most common form is with leaves mottled with irregular white stripes on a light emerald background. The Laekensis form differs from the previous one in having pink stripes, while Tricolor has both white and pink stripes.

Tradescantia Blossfeldiana Tradescantia blossfeldiana photo

This form has wide, few stripes of yellow and green. With a lack of lighting, inept cuttings or pruning, the beautiful stripes on the leaves can disappear forever.

Tradescantia fluminensis

This species has frequent light yellow stripes. The creeping shoots of this species have a magnificent purple color with greenish specks.

Tradescantia navicularis Tradescantia navicularis

A wonderful plant that forms clumps among thickets of cacti on clay soil. It can rightfully be considered a succulent - the supply of moisture is contained in all parts.

Tradescantia sillamontana Tradescantia sillamontana photo

It is literally shrouded in thick white felt - it is difficult to determine the real color of its leaf plates. Its stems grow vertically, and its leaves are arranged in a spiral. Bright pink flowers are especially impressive against the background of whitish leaves.

Tradescantia virginiana Tradescantia virginiana photo

It is successfully grown in garden plots as a perennial plant. It has erect stems with ribbon-like leaf blades. It blooms with numerous pink and blue flowers collected in umbels. The fruit is a capsule with opening flaps.

Tradescantia Andersoniana Tradescantia andersoniana

A profusely flowering perennial for flower beds with a straight stem 35-75 cm high. It has many varieties.
Garden species of Tradescantia can be easily propagated by cuttings, seeds, or dividing the bush. This operation is carried out at the beginning of the season, slightly trimming the roots, after which the flowers are quickly restored. By propagating by seeds, you can get specimens completely different from the parent individual.

This inconspicuous flower has a number of positive qualities.

• The plant is able to cleanse the surrounding atmosphere of negative emissions: tobacco smoke, toxins that emit building materials and furniture.
• Neutralizes the electromagnetic field emitted by home appliances.
• It is actively used in traditional medicine - heals wounds, stops bleeding, relieves inflammation, improves the condition of diabetics.
• Scientists have discovered a substance similar in quality to insulin in the juice of the Zebrina variety of Tradescantia.
• Commeline phytoncides destroy viruses and microbes present in the room.
• Tradescantia humidifies the air, improving the microclimate.
• Pets, especially cats, love to eat juicy leaves. Aquarium fish and birds happily eat crushed leaves.
• It is believed that Tradescantia cleanses the energy field of the house, removes damage and the evil eye, and improves relationships with others. Great for all zodiac signs.

Tradescantia was one of the first representatives of the plant world to travel into space, traveling on a satellite. This beautiful and useful plant brings many positive emotions to its owners.

Botanical name: Tradescantia.

Tradescantia flower - family . Commelinaceae.

Homeland of the plant. The bush originates from Mexico.

Description. The genus Tradescantia consists of approximately 65 plant species. Tradescantia may have creeping stems or form basal rosettes of leaves.

Leaves sessile or on very short petioles, oblong-lanceolate or elliptical. The leaf arrangement is regular. Leaf shades include green, dark green, purple, burgundy, and white. The underside of the leaf blade is often painted in a contrasting shade. Variegated varieties have longitudinal contrasting stripes.

Flowers small, inconspicuous, white, pink or lilac, with 3 triangular petals, single or in few-flowered inflorescences, located on the tops of the shoots.

Interestingly, after flowering, the plants form side shoots at the inflorescence site.

Height. Tradescantia domestica reaches 30 - 60 cm. The final dimensions will depend on the conditions of detention and the characteristics of the variety.

2.Growing in open ground

In open ground, Tradescantia is kept as an annual plant or taken to a warm room for the winter.

For planting, select a location protected from direct sunlight during the daytime, which will also be protected from strong gusts of wind.

The landing is carried out in the second half of May- early June, when night frosts recede.

A small plot of land is prepared for placement, which is carefully dug up and weeds are removed.

After loosening, small planting holes are dug, at the bottom of which you can place a small drainage layer in the form of coarse river sand or fine expanded clay.

You can put a small amount of humus or well-rotted horse or cow manure on the drainage layer.

Too heavy, clayey soil is improved by adding organic matter and sand to improve drainage.

Bushes are placed in planting holes at the same depth, on which they were in pots and sprinkled with earth in a circle.

After planting, the substrate around the Tradescantia is compacted.

Further care of the planted plants will consist of timely watering, fertilizing, loosening and weeding.

Plants can't stand frost, so in the autumn months it is better to bring them indoors.

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3.Tradescantia care at home

3.1.Soil

Any well-drained soil containing organics.

As a basis for the mixture, you can use light ingredients such as leaf and turf soil, as well as humus and garden soil.

Add perlite or coarse sand to the soil to improve drainage - the soil should easily allow moisture and air to pass to the plant's roots.

3.2.Tradescantia propagation

Propagation of a bush is usually quite easy - even a small shoot or cutting can, over time, form an attractive, beautiful plant.

1. Tradescantia most often propagates vegetatively - by apical cuttings, in spring and summer.
2. Cuttings 10 - 15 cm long are separated from the mother plant with pruning shears.
3. Rooting occurs easily and quickly in a mixture of peat and wet sand or in ordinary water - within 2 - 3 weeks.
4. Remember that a cutting placed in an opaque container with water will produce roots faster than a cutting rooted in a transparent glass.
5. Plants rooted in water are planted in the substrate when the roots reach 1 - 2 cm in length.
6. When planted, such flowers delay their development, as the root system adapts to new living conditions.

In order for the bushes to appear lush and dense, it is worth planting 5 - 7 cuttings in one pot.

Some varieties divide into several parts when transplanting in the spring. Rhizomes of such plants cut into pieces with a sharpened and sterilized knife.

When dividing, it is necessary to ensure that each division receives a well-developed root system and above-ground part.

The wound surface remaining during division is sprinkled with crushed charcoal powder or simple ash - this will dry and disinfect the surface.

After planting in separate containers, watering begins only after a few days, so that the roots disturbed by division do not begin to rot.

Lodging stems tradescantia easy take root on one's own upon contact with the ground - this property is used during reproduction air layering.

1. For such propagation, a small pot with soil is placed next to the flowerpot in which the mother plant is located.
2. Long stems are taken into this container, pinned to the surface of the ground and lightly sprinkled with substrate, leaving the tip of the shoot above the soil surface.
3. The soil in the pot with layering is carefully and regularly moistened with a spray bottle.
4. After some time, roots appear in the leaf node of such layerings.

The successful completion of the rooting process will be indicated by the appearance of new, young leaves and shoots.

Still in 2 - 3 weeks After new growth appears, the cuttings can be completely separated from the mother bush.

Another method of reproduction is seed, however, in relation to Tradescantia, this method is rarely used, since cuttings, division and air layering will still be the most successful and fastest.

Seed propagation is more suitable for experienced and curious flower growers, who will be interested in observing the entire process of plant development from the very beginning.

1. Fresh seeds are sown in the spring on the surface of a well-moistened, loose and nutritious substrate, consisting of a mixture of peat and river sand, taken in equal quantities.
2. The container with seedlings is placed in a warm place (about 20 degrees Celsius) and protected from direct sunlight.
3. To maintain an optimal high level of humidity, the container with seedlings is covered on top with glass or transparent plastic film.
4. The seedlings are ventilated daily, removing the cover and removing accumulated condensation from it.
5. With the appearance of the first shoots, which can be seen within 7 - 10 days, the shelter is removed.
6. The first picking into separate, small cups is carried out with the appearance of the first 2 - 3 true leaves.
7. They begin to feed the picked plants after another 2 - 3 weeks, using a very weak solution of mineral fertilizers for decorative leafy plants.

In Tradescantia obtained from seeds, the first buds will appear only in the third year of life.

3.3.How to prune and grow tradescantia

Caring for Tradescantia is not difficult. Proper formation of the crown of this perennial will help you end up with a compact and dense plant. In addition, regular pruning will help rejuvenate plants, which over time lose their lower leaves and expose their stems.

Pinch the apical buds of young shoots to form lateral shoots. Pruning is carried out with a sharp, sterile instrument.

If shoots with green leaves appear on varieties with variegated leaves, they should be removed immediately.

Take out indoor flowers for fresh air in the warm season, taking care of shelter from strong winds, direct sunlight and rain. Tradescantia especially does not like strong gusts of wind.

Since the plants cannot tolerate frost, they should be brought indoors for the winter.

You should not put a flowerpot with a flower near heating devices in the winter months and under air conditioning in the summer.

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3.4.How to replant a houseplant

Tradescantias love a little at home cramped conditions, so don't rush to change the size of the pot.

Carry out a transplant in the spring, with the beginning of new growth, this procedure is usually carried out simultaneously with pruning.

Young bushes are planted annually in a larger pot, but adult specimens can only be replanted every 2 - 3 years.

A pot for Tradescantia should have large drainage holes.The plant has a very modest root system and should be planted in shallow, wide bowls.

Instead of transplanting, it is better to use a gentle transshipment, transferring the plant to a new container along with the old lump of earth without destroying it. This procedure will be less traumatic for the root system of the flower.

1. Before planting, a drainage layer in the form of broken brick, expanded clay, river pebbles or crushed stone is laid on the bottom of the pot. It would also be a good idea to use broken clay pots as a drainage layer.
2. Sprinkle the drainage layer on top with a small layer of substrate and place a bush in the center of the pot.
3. The perimeter of the tradescantia is sprinkled with fresh soil mixture, which after planting is compacted with your fingertips to remove air pockets.

If there are signs of rotting of the root system and the plant does not look very healthy, then it is worth carrying out replanting with complete soil replacement.

To do this, take the plant out of the old pot and carefully shake off the roots from the old soil, then carefully inspect it and cut off the rotten and old roots with a sharp pruner.

Planting of such plants is carried out only in fresh and well-sterilized soil, since pathogens may remain in the old mixture.

In general, Tradescantia is very easily undergoing a transplant and easily recovers after it and continues to develop.

3.5.Diseases and pests of Tradescantia

Even for this widespread and unassuming flower, there are certain agricultural techniques, the violation of which will lead to various diseases.

• Excess nutrients in the soil are harmful for varieties with variegated leaves - they fade.
• The tips of the leaves dry out and turn brown at low air humidity.
• With a lack of lighting, plants become elongated and pale, internodes lengthen, and leaf blades become smaller.
• Variegated varieties may turn simply green in insufficient light.
• When moisture stagnates and there is insufficient drainage, plants rot.

• If there is not enough light, the shoots will form fewer leaves, internodes will become longer.
• withers with insufficient watering, its leaf blades lose turgor.
• Fungal diseases appear when bushes are kept in too cool and humid conditions, or when there is insufficient air movement.
• doesn't grow- in the winter months, when kept cool and insufficiently lit, plants can actually stop their development.
• Leaf blades become small with a lack of nutrients in the substrate, as well as when grown in direct sunlight.

From insect pests the plant can be attacked by spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, thrips and scale insects.

Insects - pests

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3.6.Flowering time

Flowering may occur in any season, however, it will be most abundant in summer. Since the plant is kept in the vast majority of cases as an ornamental foliage plant, the buds that appear can be pinched so that the bush does not waste energy on forming flowers.




3.7.Watering

The substrate must be evenly moist in spring and summer, when plants are actively developing. Immerse the pot of Tradescantia in a large container of water for a few minutes and allow excess moisture to drain.

After each watering, drain excess moisture from the tray under the pot.

In autumn and winter, the frequency of watering is reduced slightly, drying the soil to a depth 1 - 2 cm. before each subsequent watering.

If the plant is given a period of rest in a cool room, then watering should become so rare as to simply prevent the earthen ball from drying out completely.

Small, young Tradescantia especially often need regular watering; adults will tolerate short-term drying out more easily.

For irrigation use only well defended for at least a day water at room temperature. You can also water the flower with filtered or bottled drinking water.



3.8.Features of cultivation - fertilizer

From spring to autumn feed complex fertilizers every 2 weeks.

In autumn and winter, the frequency of fertilizing is reduced to once a month or stopped completely until spring. Resume fertilizing only in the spring, with the appearance of the first signs of new growth.

Green-leaved species respond positively to both mineral, and on organic Fertilizers and variegated varieties are best fed with mineral fertilizers.For green Tradescantia, it will be most successful alternation organic and mineral fertilizers.

An excess of organic matter in the soil in which the variegated plant is grown will lead to a loss of brightness of the leaf blades.

Fertilizing with a high nitrogen content enhances the growth of green mass, but the leaves lose turgor and become soft.

Apply the nutrient solution only to moist soil, after abundant watering. If fertilizers in dry soil get on the root system of a plant, it can cause a burn.



3.9.Containment temperature

Tradescantia plants thermophilic and they are kept at a temperature 20 - 24 °C during the whole year. In the winter months, the temperature should be slightly lowered, since there is not enough lighting and the shoots will become elongated.

If you use artificial lighting, then a period of rest when growing a flower is not necessary.

Plants do not tolerate temperature drops of up to 10 ° C.



3.10.How to spray Tradescantia

When the central heating is on or the temperature rises, the air in the room becomes too dry and the plants will need high humidity.

Place the Tradescantia on a tray of damp pebbles or use a room humidifier. When growing on a tray, ensure that the water level is always below the bottom of the pot.

Spray You can use water at room temperature in the morning, not forgetting about good air movement. Spraying is carried out in the morning so that droplets of moisture have time to evaporate from the surface of the leaf plates before dusk and do not cause rotting.



You can also use a room humidifier or any vessel filled with water and placed next to the plants to increase air humidity.

You can also increase air humidity simply by grouping several plants in a confined space.

Don't spray types of Tradescantia, such as cyanotis or tradescatia sillamontana- fluffy pubescence on the leaves can trap droplets of moisture, which will cause rot.

Spraying is also undesirable for Tradescantia navicularis- it belongs to succulent plants and will be content with the usual dry atmosphere of living quarters.

Place the plants in a room that will ventilate regularly, but do not expose Tradescantia to cold drafts.

In the warm season, plants can be bathe under the shower with water temperature 35 - 40 degrees Celsius. During the procedure, do not forget to cover the soil in the pot with plastic wrap - this will save the earthen lump from erosion.

After taking a shower, the plant is still 20 - 30 minutes left in the humid atmosphere of the bathroom.

Such procedures help not only to clean the leaf blades of dust, but will also help prevent the invasion of harmful insects, such as spider mites.



3.11.Lighting

Green-leaved species of this indoor flower can grow in shading, but variegated varieties require several hours of direct sunlight daily - in the morning or evening.

In spring and summer, from 11:00 to 16:00, plants should be shaded from direct sunlight.

In autumn and winter, when the sun's activity subsides and the weather is often cloudy, you can put Tradescantia on south window.

In the shade, with a lack of sunlight, the bright colors of variegated plants fade. Green-leaved Tradescantia contains a large amount of chlorophyll in the leaves, so growing in partial shade is preferable for it.

Plants are grown successfully when artificial lighting, which is organized using fluorescent or phytolamps.

The most successful places for placement are considered to be the window sills facing the eastern or western side.

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on leaves can cause burns.Tradescantia – valuable ornamental foliage plant, low maintenance. She looks spectacular at any time of the year.

Plants are often grown as ampelous in hanging baskets or in flowerpots, when the hanging stems protrude over the edges of the pots in a beautiful cascade.

Tradescantia is often used as ground cover plants, planting it at the foot of large trees.



3.13.Note

Tradescantia remains attractive approximately 2 years, after which it stretches out, loses its lower leaves and should be replaced with a fresh plant.

Plant capable purify the air indoors from harmful impurities.

White tradescantia juice can cause irritation and redness of the skin - use protective gloves when working with the plant and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after working with the flower.

It is interesting that some varieties of Tradescantia do not have irritating, but wound-healing juice.

One of the interesting facts about the plant is also that cats, hamsters and parrots, as well as other domestic animals, love to taste its leaves - for them, the leaves of this flower are sources of vitamins and microelements.

Tradescantia zebrina has medicinal properties- its juice can lower blood sugar levels.



3.14.Hydroponics

Tradescantia grows well in hydroponics.

4.Types of Tradescantia:

4.1.Tradescantia violet or setcreasea - Setcreasea

A small genus of perennial evergreens - Tradescantia with purple leaves. Stems lodging, creeping. The leaves are green or purple, 10 - 15 cm long, on short petioles or sessile, arranged alternately. There are varieties with longitudinal pink stripes. The leaf blades have velvety pubescence. The flowers are pink, with 3 triangular petals, up to 2 cm in diameter.



4.2.Virginian Tradescantia - Tradescantia virginiana

One of the subspecies Tradescantia Anderson, is a herbaceous perennial plant up to 90 cm high. The leaves are arched, linear, slightly bent along the central vein. Flowers with three petals, white, violet-blue, pink or purple, relatively large - up to 4 cm in diameter, with bright yellow stamens, collected in small inflorescences - umbrellas. The flowering period is long, occurring at the end of May - beginning of July. Flowering is abundant and attractive.



zebrina - Tradescantia zebrina

Herbaceous, evergreen, perennial, bushy plant. Zebrina variegata grows quickly, its stems can reach 180 cm in length. The leaves are sessile, oval or spear-shaped, 5 - 10 cm long, with sharp tips, very varied in color, but all have stripes. Young leaves and the undersides of adult leaves are purple. Pink, white or purple small flowers with 3 petals appear in spring and summer, but are not particularly valuable.



Reo or bedspread - Rhoeo

Reo is a monotypic genus, consisting of only 1 species - an ornamental deciduous evergreen herbaceous plant. Long - up to 30 cm, sword-shaped, hard leaves of rheo are located on a strong, low trunk. The lower surface of the leaf blade is colored red or purple. The flowers are small, white, inconspicuous, axillary. Variegated varieties have longitudinal light stripes - white or pink.



4.5.White or white-flowered Tradescantia - Tradescantia albiflora

Plants that have probably gained the most popularity among Tradescantia at the present time. They are a very beautiful, often miniature species with bright striped, very light - almost white leaves and very delicate white flowers. Unfortunately, this plant requires a lot of sunlight; when grown in partial shade, the leaves may turn green.



4.6. Small-leaved or riverine Tradescantia - Tradescantia fluminensis

Perennial, evergreen, herbaceous plant with long, pendulous stems. It forms such a magnificent shape that when grown in hanging pots, it resembles a wig from a distance. The leaves are oval, fleshy, green, up to 5 cm long. The underside of the leaf blades is often painted in a contrasting purple hue. The flowers are tiny, three-petaled, white, and can appear at any time of the year. Indoor tradescantia rarely pamper gardeners with the appearance of buds.

Small-leaved Tradescantia is sometimes used as a dense ground cover.



4.7. Tradescantia sillamontana or cyanotis - Tradescantia sillamontana

Perennial, evergreen, herbaceous, “shaggy”, succulent plant with branched, rather thick, creeping shoots. The leaves of this variety are lanceolate or linear, glossy, fleshy, covered with delicate white fluff, and arranged alternately. The flowers are axillary, blue or purple, and are not of particular interest. Externally, the plant resembles the related Tradescantia. In some varieties, the underside of the leaf blade has a burgundy tint.

4.8. Tradescantia blossfeldiana

This variety of Tradescantia is a very unpretentious, groundcover perennial plant with creeping, thick, abundantly branching stems and dark green, narrow leaves. The lower surface of the leaf blades has rich, attractive pubescence. At any time of year, the plant may produce pink, blue, purple or white flowers with three petals.



4.9. Tradescantia loddgiesii

A bright decorative foliage plant with long leaves. The upper part of the leaf blade often has three-petal flowers, inconspicuous, small, white or pink.

Despite its unpretentiousness, if not properly cared for, tradescantia is prone to the appearance of diseases that have a detrimental effect on the overall appearance of the bush. Signs of diseases and errors when caring for flowers:

• Drying of the tips of the leaves indicates insufficient air humidity.
• Yellowing leaves - the plant lacks moisture.
• The shoots grow, the leaves do not grow and fall off, they lose their characteristic stripes - lack of light.
• Blackening of the leaves indicates rot.
• Flowering does not occur for a long time or is completely absent - excess.

The source of the disease for indoor and outdoor Tradescantia can be a diseased plant. In addition to being affected by rot, it is susceptible to attack by spider mites and thrips. To prevent the appearance of rot, it is enough to drain the remaining water from the pan and follow the rules of agricultural technology.

Tip: to rejuvenate Tradescantia before the winter cold and improve its aesthetic appearance, replant the flower.

Insects attack the lower parts of the plant, changing the appearance and affecting other flowers. To control pests, use a soap solution, an infusion of garlic, and if the affected area is large (for example, in the garden), spraying is necessary. A pronounced positive effect in the fight against insects and slugs is observed after treatment with Actellik, Decis, Karate and permethrin-based preparations.

Maintaining comfortable conditions and proper care at home will enable Tradescantia to fully develop and delight with lush flowering. A well-groomed plant will always delight and decorate your home at any time of the year.

More information can be found in the video:

Tradescantia is a representative of the genus of evergreen herbaceous perennial plants, belongs to the Commelinaceae family. The name "Tradescantia" comes from the surnames of the English naturalists John Tradescant Jr. and John Tradescant Sr.

The shape of Tradescantia leaves is lanceolate, elliptical or ovoid. Stems can be straight or creeping.

The homeland of Tradescantia is the tropical and temperate part of the American continent.

Most Tradescantia are grown as indoor flowers, but they can also grow in greenhouses and conservatories.

Types of indoor plant Tradescantia and photos

The Tradescantia genus includes about thirty different species.

Home tradescantia

Tradescantia, which is grown as indoors, comes in the following types:

White-flowered Tradescantia also has such names as Tradescantia tricolor and Tradescantia uridis

In another way it is also called “Tradescantia tricolor” or “Tradescantia uridis”.

The plant is native to South America.

The stems are creeping. The leaves are wide and oblong, ovoid, pointed at the top, smooth on both sides.

The length of the leaves is about 6 cm, the width of the leaves is about 3 cm.

The color of the leaves is green or silver, with a glossy sheen.

The flowers are small and white, the bracts are white.

There are several varieties of this type of Tradescantia:

1. Albovittata - stripes on the leaves are only white.
2. Tricolor - stripes on the leaves are lilac-pink and white.
3. Aurea – green stripes, yellow leaves.
4. Aureovittata - longitudinal golden stripes on the leaves.

Blossfeld

The plant is native to Argentina.

Stems are creeping and erect. The leaves are oblong, elliptical, pointed at the top, and covered with white hairs at the bottom.

The length of the leaves is about 8 cm, the width of the leaves is about 3 cm.

The color of the leaves is greenish-red above, purple below.

The flowers are small and pink.

The most common variety of Blosfeld's Tradescantia is variegata or variegated. Its peculiarity is the presence of a small number of yellow and green stripes on large leaves, while the pattern on neighboring leaves coincides.

Striped Tradescantia also has the names hanging tradescantia and hanging zebrina

Another name is “hanging tradescantia” or “hanging zebra”.

The stems are smooth, drooping or creeping, and often acquire a reddish color. The leaves are elongated, ovoid.

The length of the leaves is about 8 cm, the width of the leaves is about 5 cm.

The color of the leaves is green with silver stripes on top, red below.

The flowers are small and purple.

Another name is “Tradescantia myrtifolia”.

The plant is native to Brazil.

The stems are creeping, colored red, covered with green spots. The leaves are ovoid, smooth.

The length of the leaves is about 2.5 cm, the width of the leaves is about 2.5 cm.

Leaf color is green above, red below.

The following varieties are known:

1. Variegata – beige stripes.
2. Quicksilver - white stripes.

In the photo there is a garden Tradescantia

Tradescantia, of course, is better known as a houseplant, but a species of this plant has been bred that can overwinter outdoors in cold conditions. This is Anderson's Tradescantia, this name combines varieties bred on the basis of Virginia Tradescantia.

Shoots are straight, branched.

The leaves are lanceolate, purple and green.

The flowers are collected in an umbrella-shaped inflorescence and can be white, pink, blue or purple.

The best varieties:

1. Leonora - blue or purple flowers.
2. Osprey - white flowers with a blue center.
3. Iris - bright blue flowers.
4. Innocence - white flowers.
5. Sweet Kate – dark blue flowers.
6. Red Grape – crimson flowers.

What other varieties of Tradescantia are known?

In addition to the varieties of indoor Tradescantia described above, the following are also found:

• Rainbow Hill- leaves are lilac on top, green with white stripes below, flowers are lilac or white;
• Gold Wing- leaves are yellow-green;
• Maiden's Blush- new leaves are white or pink, old leaves are pink-white, with green ends;
• Yellow Hill- leaves are green with beige, white or yellow stripes on top, green below.

Rules for caring for Tradescantia at home

Tradescantia is a plant that does not require special attention.

Tradescantia is not a capricious plant and does not require much care. At home, it is often grown in flowerpots or in pots hung on a window or in another part of the room.

What kind of lighting is needed for a plant?

Tradescantias like to have light diffused, although they can withstand both bright sunlight and lack of light. It is best to place a pot with Tradescantia on the western or eastern side of the apartment; on the northern side it can also be comfortable; on the southern side additional shade may be required.

Plant species with variegated colors require more light. With a lack of light they turn pale and green. But too much sunlight can burn Tradescantia leaves too much, and they will burn out.

In summer, pots with Tradescantia can be moved to the balcony if it is protected from the wind and bright sunlight. It can also be planted in the ground at the dacha or in the garden.

Temperature conditions for indoor Tradescantia flowers

Tradescantia is an unpretentious plant; it is suitable for both average temperature conditions (20-24°C) and cool temperatures (7-13°C).

Watering the plant

In spring and summer, Tradescantia needs to be watered abundantly, and you also need to make sure that water does not accumulate in the pot. It is advisable to water a couple of days after the soil on top becomes dry. In winter, you need to ensure that the soil is moderately moist. Water two to three days after the soil dries out.

It is very important that water does not collect in the pot stand. Some time after watering, it is advisable to drain the excess water that has collected in the stand and wipe the stand dry. Water for irrigation must be settled.

If Tradescantia is in cool conditions (10-15°C), it needs to be watered less often, after the soil has completely dried.

This plant can withstand long enough absence of watering, but this adversely affects it.

Air humidity

There are no special humidity requirements, but the plant likes to be sprinkled with water, especially in hot weather.

Priming

Tradescantia is undemanding to soil and grows well in ordinary soil, which can be bought in flower shops.

Fertilizer and feeding

In summer and spring, it is advisable to feed Tradescantia about twice a month; complex mineral and organic fertilizers are suitable. In autumn and winter, the plant does not need feeding. Species with variegated colors are not recommended to be fed with fertilizers of organic origin, because they may lose their original colors.

Transplanting and pruning tradescantia

Tradescantia does not have to be replanted often, because This plant grows very quickly. But if such a need arises, then it is better to replant in the spring, combining it with pruning.

Types of propagation of indoor flower Tradescantia

Tradescantia propagates by seeds and cuttings

Tradescantia propagation occurs by planting seeds, cuttings or division.

It is better to propagate by seeds in spring. The seeds need to be sown in small greenhouses, where about 20°C will be constantly maintained. Greenhouses require constant ventilation and spraying. Flowers appear by the third year.

Propagation by cuttings can be carried out at any time. Young stems need to be cut into cuttings, about 15 cm each, and planted in pots of several pieces. In a couple of days the cuttings will take root.

Propagation by division is best done in the spring, when young stems begin to grow.

Diseases and pests of Tradescantia

The most common pests of Tradescantia are aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. They settle on both sides of the leaves, the leaves lose color and die. Aphids most often attack young stems and leaves.

It is necessary to carry out regular inspections of the plant. If the leaves are not very damaged, you can wash them with soapy water. If this does not help, you can apply an insecticide.

Possible problems

• There are few leaves - there is not enough light, water and feeding.
• Leaves are the same color - there is not enough light.
• The leaves are limp, yellow, with spots - there is not enough water.
• The ends of the leaves are dry and brown – the air in the room is too dry.

Useful properties of indoor Tradescantia

Tradescantia has long been known for its beneficial properties. Even Buddhist monks grew Tradescantia for medicinal purposes. Tradescantia leaves contributed to the rapid healing of wounds. In some countries, Tradescantia was taken orally, in Cuba it was used for disorders of the digestive system, in Jamaica for the treatment of tuberculosis, in Venezuela for the treatment of diabetes.

The healing properties of Tradescantia are apparently familiar to cats, because they love to chew the leaves of this plant. Therefore, if you have a mustachioed pet living at home, it is better to move the flower higher up and only occasionally let it chew its leaves as a treat.

Currently, Tradescantia is used in medicine to treat boils, hematomas, purulent wounds, and periodontal disease. Watch the video about the medicinal properties of this plant, we wish you pleasant viewing.

Tradescantia is a famous plant. It decorates many houses and institutions with its hanging shoots of green and variegated colors. They love this plant for its unpretentiousness and ease of care. Knowing the differences between varieties, shapes and types will help you make the familiar Tradescantia into a spectacular addition to your home interior or garden decoration.

Tradescantia: appearance, origin, distribution

In nature, Tradescantia is a perennial herbaceous creeping plant with long straight or branched shoots and oval or elliptical leaves located alternately on the stem. The flowers are mostly inconspicuous, small, white, pink or blue, located in clusters at the top of the shoot or in the axils of the leaves. In decorative floriculture, Tradescantia is valued for the beauty of its foliage, not its flowers. For the first time, botanical characteristics of this plant were given by the gardener of the English King Charles I, John Tradescant, whose name became the basis for the name.

Tradescantia comes from America, where different species of this plant are found from the northern regions of Argentina in South America to the border with Canada in North America.

Tradescantia is a perennial herbaceous creeping plant with long shoots

To successfully grow a plant in an indoor culture, you need to know the features of its growth in natural conditions:

• In its homeland, Tradescantia is considered a weed; it prefers swampy, highly moist soils, mainly peat. They are poor in nutrients - therefore, Tradescantia is unpretentious and does not require frequent feeding;
• The ideal climate for the plant is a warm and humid climate;
• The illumination of Tradescantia is not important - it easily tolerates both full shade and bright sunlight;
• As a plant of a tropical climate, in conditions of which it does not have periods of rest, Tradescantia is in the stage of active growth all year round.

Variety of types and forms of Tradescantia

Tradescantia has many varieties and forms, striking in its diversity. This is due not only to the wide distribution of the plant in various climatic zones, but also to the work of breeders. The most famous and popular among floriculture lovers are the following varieties, forms and types:

1. Tradescantia zebrina, or zebra-shaped. One of the most popular and most famous species. This is a plant with drooping hanging shoots and multi-colored leaves: on the inside they are purple-violet, and on the outside they are green with white and silver stripes. Zebrina flowers are three-petaled and purple. One of the popular varieties of Tradescantia zebrina is Violet Hill. It is easily recognized by the central purple stripe on the outside of the leaf and silver inclusions.
2. Tradescantia virginiana. As the name suggests, this species is native to Virginia. It is valued for its long flowering. Its flowers, unlike many other types of Tradescantia, are bright and beautiful. They are large, three-petalled, predominantly blue (color can range from white to pink-violet or blue). A distinctive feature is also the long, straight, lanceolate leaves. The shoots reach a height of 60 cm.
3. Tradescantia Anderson. This is a hybrid formed by crossing Tradescantia virginiana with other species. The result was the appearance of a plant with decorative leaves and beautiful large flowers of various colors. The leaves of Anderson's Tradescantia are not only green, but yellow, purple, and variegated. Varieties with double flowers have been bred.
4. White-flowered Tradescantia. The most common as a well-known houseplant. It has a drooping creeping stem and ovoid, pale green leaves with longitudinal white stripes, reaching 5 cm in length. In some varieties, the stripes may be golden or pinkish. White-flowered Tradescantia rarely blooms, its flowers are small and inconspicuous.
5. Tradescantia myrtifolia (or riverside). It is distinguished by small elegant leaves, reaching 3.5 cm in length, located on a purple stem. The leaves on the inside are also purple in color; on top they are a rich green tone. The flowers are small, flowering is abundant.
6. Tradescantia Blossfeld. It differs from other species in the shape of its leaves, pointed at the ends. Their length reaches 8 cm. The stems are thick, juicy, fleshy, creeping. The leaves are usually variegated: purple underneath, uniform green or green with white stripes and a pinkish tint on the outside. The flowers are pink, numerous, and formed at the ends of the shoots.
7. Tradescantia sillamontana. Its peculiarity lies in the leaves, which are covered with a white coating, similar to a felt covering.
8. Tradescantia hairy. This variety is rare. Its stems are erect, and its small leaves are covered with dense hairs that form a fluffy coating. The flowers are pink-lilac, bright.
9. Tradescantia navicular. A very original representative of this family. It can be immediately recognized by its unusual leaves: juicy and fleshy, tightly pressed to the stems, slightly pubescent, pointed at the ends and boat-shaped.

Photo gallery: types of tradescantia

Variegated multi-colored leaves give a special “zest” to the zebrina. One of the most decorative varieties of zebra-shaped Tradescantia, which attracts attention with its unusual foliage colors, is Violet Hill. Beautiful long-lasting flowering makes the Virginian Tradescantia an excellent decoration for both the home and the garden. Anderson’s Tradescantia is indispensable for decorating gardens and cottages. White-flowered Tradescantia is easy recognizable by its decorative leaves with stripes of white, golden or pink color. The originality of Tradescantia sillamontana is due to the presence of a felt coating on the leaves. The most popular variety in indoor floriculture is the variety with variegated leaves that have a purple-pink coating on a white-green background - Tradescantia Blossfeld. Tradescantia pilosa is distinguished by the presence of hairs on stem and leaves Tradescantia navicularis got its name from the shape of its leaves, reminiscent of a boat.

Reo, or Tradescantia capillata

Reo belongs to the same family as Tradescantia - Commelinaceae. Previously, it was isolated as a separate genus of the family, but currently rheo is classified as a member of the Tradescantia genus. However, the external differences are very striking: the presence of rhizomes; thick, fleshy, non-drooping stem; elongated, hard, large leaves, reaching 30 cm in length and 5–7 cm in width. Reo leaves are colorful, bright - purple-red on the underside and lush green on the top. The flowering is very original: the flowers have the shape of a boat, formed by bracts, inside of which there are inflorescences collected from several small buds. Reo is valued for its decorative foliage.

Reo got its name in honor of a forest nymph. In addition to the main name, there are others by which this plant is known: Moses in a Basket, Moses' Boat, Moses' Boat and even Jesus' Cradle, received for the similarity of the shape of the leaves and bracts with the boat.

Reo is an atypical representative of Tradescantia

Table: keeping tradescantia at home

Transshipment and transplantation of Tradescantia

During transshipment, the earthen ball with roots is not destroyed, but during replanting, the old soil is completely replaced by new one. Thus, transshipment is more gentle for any plant.

Transshipment of plants

Transshipment of a plant is usually carried out when it needs a more spacious pot. This can be determined by the roots, which, as they grow, entwine the entire earthen lump and begin to peek out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

Transshipment is carried out as follows:

1. You need to choose the right new pot for the plant. The size of the container is determined as follows: between the old pot and the new one, if you place them one inside the other, there should be a distance of 1–1.5 cm. Tradescantia prefers shallow and wide containers.
2. The substrate for Tradescantia should be quite loose and nutritious. Any ready-made universal soil sold in stores is suitable for it. If you wish, you can make the mixture yourself by taking soil, peat and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1. A drainage layer of 1–2 cm is necessary to eliminate excess moisture during watering and creates optimal conditions for the development of the plant’s root system. You can use any material that allows water to pass through: sand, expanded clay, small shards, broken brick, crushed stone, gravel.
3. The earthen ball of the plant must be moist before transshipment.
4. The plant must be removed from the pot along with the lump of earth without disturbing it. To do this, they use techniques such as turning the pot upside down while simultaneously tapping on its bottom. If the pot is soft (for transportation), you can gently crush it on all sides, gradually moving the earthen lump outward.
5. The top layer of soil must be shaken off as much as possible.
6. In a new pot, you need to pour a layer of substrate onto the drainage layer so that the earth ball can be placed in such a way that the root collar is 2-3 cm below the level of the surface of the pot.
7. Place the plant, fill the gaps between the pot and the lump of earth with roots with the soil mixture, making sure that there are no voids left. The soil needs to be well compacted.
8. Water the Tradescantia well.

Transshipment is a gentle method of replanting indoor plants

Transfer

Transplantation will differ from transshipment primarily in that the integrity of the earthen coma is violated, rotten roots and old depleted soil are removed. Typically, the need for replanting occurs once every 2–3 years (or in cases where the plant is sick).

To properly transplant Tradescantia you need:

1. Prepare the new pot, soil mixture and drainage in the same way as for replanting.
2. The plant must be carefully removed from the pot, gradually shaking the earthen ball, and the roots must be carefully separated from the soil and from each other.
3. Carefully examine the roots, remove dry, diseased or rotten parts.
4. Plant tradescantia in a new pot with prepared drainage and substrate. The soil mixture should be poured gradually, straightening the roots, and making sure that the soil is evenly distributed between the roots. Compact the soil.
5. Water the plant.

Video: how to transplant tradescantia

Care

Tradescantia is a plant that tolerates unfavorable conditions well. If you do not have the opportunity to do regular care, then Tradescantia will survive this. But if you want to get a beautiful lush bush, then you should not neglect the rules of care.

Ruellia also deserves attention for its unpretentiousness and ease of care:

Watering

Tradescantia is a moisture-loving plant. The intensity of watering depends on the time of year, humidity and air temperature. An indicator of the need for irrigation is a slight drying of the surface of the earthen clod. At high air temperatures, watering is usually necessary once every 2 days, at lower temperatures - once a week.

Water for watering Tradescantia should be soft and allowed to stand for several days.

Top dressing

Feeding Tradescantia is mandatory during the period of active growth, namely from March to September - October. In winter, if the plant has a dormant period (it is kept at low temperatures), fertilizing is not needed. If in winter Tradescantia is located in rooms with high air temperatures, and there is no dormant period as such, then fertilizing can be continued, but its frequency can be reduced.

Any complex mineral fertilizer is suitable for fertilizing Tradescantia. The frequency is usually once a week in the summer, and once every 2-3 weeks in the winter.

To fertilize Tradescantia, any complex fertilizer that can be purchased in the store is suitable.

Flowering period

Although Tradescantia is mainly grown for its beautiful cascading shoots with colorful decorative foliage, the flowering of most varieties is also of interest. White, purple, pink or blue small flowers located in the axils of the leaves and at the ends of the shoots, combined with the rich color of the foliage, give the plant a special charm. The flowering of indoor Tradescantia can be stimulated by cold wintering, reducing the frequency of watering, and changing lighting conditions.

If the problem of inconsistent flowering has arisen in garden varieties of Tradescantia, then most likely it is due to unfavorable growing conditions, insufficient watering, and the need to renew the plant (usually every 4–5 years).

Flowering of indoor tradescantia can be stimulated by cold wintering and reducing the frequency of watering

Features of preparation for winter

For indoor Tradescantia species, wintering and the dormant period are not particularly important, although this is preferable. If it is not possible to find a place with a temperature from 12°C to 15°C from November to March, then Tradescantia will grow in winter, delighting with the greenness of its shoots.

For garden tradescantia, everything is completely different. After the end of the growing season, it must be prepared for wintering: cut off the above-ground part of the plant and sprinkle (mulch) the soil with peat or humus. Otherwise, the plant may not survive the winter period.

Tradescantia in the garden needs to be prepared for wintering: cut off the above-ground part of the plant and mulch the soil with peat or humus

Formation of Tradescantia

Pinching Tradescantia should be done regularly - it helps tillering, the formation of side shoots, and improves appearance. With age, the plant loses its decorative effect: the shoots become bare and the leaves dry out. In this case, pruning will help. New young shoots will emerge from the root, and the cut stems can later be rooted.

Plant support

Most often, Tradescantia is grown in hanging pots or cache-pots as an hanging plant - hanging lashes of green or variegated leaves look impressive. But there are options for unusual uses of tradescantia for room decoration. For example, using mounts for tradescantia stems on the wall, you can create an unusual living decorative wicker decoration. An interesting option would be to use a vertical support.

Various supports for Tradescantia can be used to advantage in room decor

Creation of a florarium

The care conditions required for Tradescantia make it possible to use this plant to create compositions for a florarium - a closed ecosystem in an aquarium or bottle. Tradescantia's good relationship with high soil and air humidity makes it an excellent plant for a tropical florarium.

The most famous and unusual florarium with tradescantia was created by English amateur gardener David Latimer. His “garden in a bottle” with Tradescantia has been growing closed for 40 years! The plant filled the entire volume of the bottle, and was watered only 2 times: when planting and 10 years after it.

Tradescantia has been growing in the florarium of florist David Latimer for several decades.

Table: mistakes in caring for Tradescantia

Photo gallery: the result of mistakes in caring for Tradescantia

The cause of dry leaf tips is insufficient air humidity Tradescantia leaves turn yellow with insufficient watering The plant should be protected from direct sunlight to maintain the bright colors of the leaves

Diseases and pests of Tradescantia

If the plant withers, dries out and loses its attractive appearance, you should check to see if pests have appeared on the bush.

Table: typical diseases and pests

Photo gallery: signs of pest infestation

In case of severe infestation, small insects of green, black or gray color are visible. The appearance of small brown growths on the leaves and stems means infestation with scale insects. Thrips are small black insects that are not easy to see. One of the main signs of a mite is the cobwebs it leaves on the underside of the leaves and stems. Dark coating on the leaves - the main symptom of sooty fungus infection

Tradescantia propagation

Tradescantia is propagated by seeds and cuttings.

Cuttings

The easiest and most convenient way to propagate Tradescantia is by cuttings. Its shoots quickly and easily produce roots and subsequently take root. In this way, Tradescantia can be propagated from early spring to late autumn, excluding only the winter months, when root formation is very slow. Young shoots of Tradescantia at least 15 cm long are suitable for cuttings. They take root well in ordinary warm water at air temperatures above 20°C. After the roots appear, the cuttings are planted in the soil substrate in compliance with all the requirements for planting: drainage, optimal soil mixture, suitable pot volume, timely watering.

Planting several shoots in one pot at the same time gives the plant a special decorativeness and splendor.

Video: propagation of Tradescantia by cuttings

Seed propagation

Propagation of Tradescantia by seeds is not as popular as cuttings, but no less effective. It is often used for growing garden species. Planting the plant with seeds is carried out in the spring, usually in March. Seeds are planted in a prepared container with soil substrate (the best option would be a light and loose mixture of peat and sand in a 1:1 ratio) or in peat tablets. The soil should be moist, but not soggy. The seeds are scattered over the surface of the soil and slightly covered with the substrate on top. The container with seeds must be covered with plastic film or glass, creating the effect of a greenhouse with constant humidity and temperature. The emergence of seedlings should be expected no earlier than 2 weeks after planting. Subsequently, the seedlings are planted in separate pots. This procedure is carried out after the appearance of the third leaf.

Tradescantia grown from seeds will bloom 3 years after planting.

The appearance of the third leaf is a sign of Tradescantia’s readiness for transplantation.

Useful reviews about growing plants

Tradescantia Blossfeld is a very capricious person. It takes root well in the spring, but is difficult the rest of the time. Once a cutting, placed in water in September, stood thoughtfully in the water until March. Then it gave roots. Does not tolerate flooding, cold, or heat. Loves light, but can get sunburned. The most difficult time for her is winter. Another whim - it likes to produce shoots with green leaves. They need to be plucked out, otherwise it will turn green.

Lena Ushttp://www.flowersweb.info/forum/forum1/topic109928/message2930638/#message2930638

I have 2 varieties of garden tradescantia. One is blue (bought second hand), and the second is Bilberry Ice. They grow under the canopy of spreading barberry. They bloom normally. It is preferable to plant them in partial shade, because in the bright sun, one-day flowers fade before noon. Although it is often written that Tradescantia prefers bright sun.

maslenohttp://forum.prihoz.ru/viewtopic.php?t=3267

A very easy flower to grow and propagate, but very beautiful if you treat it well. Does not require special growing conditions, tolerates shade, but the leaf color will be brighter in good light. Loves watering and spraying. If there is a lack of water, the leaves will begin to dry out and the shoots may become sluggish. Propagated by shoot cuttings, which take root very easily in moist, light soil. Having taken root, it produces rapid growth and side shoots; if you pinch it, you can get a whole bush from one shoot. It is very beautiful if you root several shoots in one pot. Looks great in a flowerpot, hanging, but also beautiful just on the window.

Kukusyahttp://vseotzyvy.ru/item/11056/review/93306/

Garden Tradescantia variety Blushing Bride in our Russian climate is an annual plant and does not overwinter. You can cut and root the cuttings in water in the fall, they give good roots, and then grow them in the winter as indoor Tradescantia. But when grown indoors, these beautiful pink stripes at the base of the leaf disappear. As soon as you plant it in the garden in the spring, they appear again. And in the ground it “gets fat” and “beautiful.” But when there are many different Tradescantia nearby, they easily cross-pollinate and produce multi-colored self-seeding, because Picking off faded flowers is another activity!

Veronicahttps://forum.tvoysad.ru/viewtopic.php?t=2070

Have you ever had experience growing Tradescantia underwater? As a child, in my first aquarium with fish (there were all sorts of guppies and swordtails back then), I decided to do this. I read in a Soviet book on aquarium keeping that Tradescantia will survive such an execution just fine. I brought an ordinary green cutting from school, tied it to a stone, lowered it to the bottom... without any adaptation. And it started to grow!! It has changed very much, stretched out, the leaves changed shape. From each node a separate trunk began to grow vertically upward to the surface. It turned out to be such a green wall. On the surface, the leaves returned to their previous shape. It was only later that I read that this feature of Tradescantia is due to its habitat - during heavy rains it is completely submerged under water and continues to grow as before.

powaqqatsihttp://www.floralworld.ru/forum/index.php/topic,151.135.html

By following simple rules for caring for Tradescantia, you can get a wonderful plant that will decorate your home and garden. Tradescantia pleases with beautiful foliage and flowering, in addition, it has medicinal properties: it has an antimicrobial effect and helps purify the air.