Tradescantia Care
Tradescantia: Zebrina, Nanouk, Pink Panther, White Velvet and more
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright indirect, with some gentle sun for best colour. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the top 2β3 cm is dry. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Our Tropical Potting Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 15β27Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Can irritate pets' skin and mouth if chewed. |
| π± Care level | Beginner Fast grower |
| π Grows to | Trails 30β60 cm. |
Tradescantias are fast-growing trailers with striped, pink, purple and silver leaves, some of the most colourful plants you can grow. They're easy, forgiving and almost too easy to propagate. Our free Tradescantia phone wallpaper was inspired by them.
Light + placement
Bright, indirect light with a bit of gentle sun keeps the colours vivid and the vines compact. In low light, stems stretch, leaves spread out and the pink and purple fade to green.
Watering
Water when the top 2β3 cm is dry. They like steady moisture but not soggy soil. Water around the plant, not on the leaves; fuzzy types like White Velvet can mark if water sits on them.
Soil + repotting
Our Tropical Potting Mix in a pot with drainage. Repot yearly in spring, or simply restart the plant from fresh cuttings.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every other time you water. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Pinch the growing tips every few weeks to keep it bushy. Older plants naturally get bare at the base; refresh them with cuttings.
Propagation
Snip a 10 cm cutting, strip the lower leaves and put it in water or straight into moist soil. Roots appear within a week or two. Plant several cuttings together for a full pot. See Propagation 101. Get the look on your phone too: Free Plant Phone Wallpapers.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Long, bare stems | Low light or age | Move to brighter light; pinch back and replant cuttings. |
| Colours fading to green | Not enough light | More light, including a little sun. |
| Crispy brown leaves | Dried out | Water more consistently. |
| Mushy stems at the soil | Overwatering | Let the top dry; restart from healthy cuttings. |
| Brown tips | Dry air or uneven watering | Trim and water more evenly. |
Varieties we carry
Same care for every tradescantia. The more colour, the more light it wants. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my tradescantia leggy?
Low light or age. Pinch it back and replant the cuttings.
Is tradescantia safe for pets?
Not really. The sap can irritate a pet's skin and mouth.
How fast does it grow?
Very fast in spring and summer, often several centimetres a week.
Can I grow it in water?
Yes. Cuttings grow happily in water for months.
Tradescantia care kit
- Tropical Potting Mix: Our all-round Soil Bar mix for leafy tropicals.
- Pruning Shears: Clean, sharp cuts when shaping or removing leaves.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
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