How to properly care for Tradescantia at home, planting rules
Not every florist knows how to care for Tradescantia, although this plant is very popular. It grows well in partial shade, is not capricious in cultivation and care, it multiplies easily. Stems reach a length of 1 m. The flower is valued for its decorative and unpretentious qualities, it is recommended for cultivation not only by experienced florists, but also by novice amateur florists.
Distinctive features of a houseplant
Tradescantia belongs to the Kommelinov family and comes from North America. The stems are generally straight, although they may be drooping. The flowers are very small, contain 3 petals. Their color varies from white to lilac or blue.
In indoor conditions, white-flowered tradescantia is most often grown, characterized by branching stems and an oval shape of leaves. Such a plant looks great in a flowerpot.
Main varieties
Many varieties of this plant are known, suitable for indoor cultivation and differing not only in external characteristics, but also in requirements for maintenance, soil composition and other conditions.
with white flowers
This is the most common type for indoor floriculture. It has bright green leaves, on which 2 silver stripes are clearly visible. The underside of the leaf plate is painted purple. The inflorescences are small, white.
Blossfield
The plant is unpretentious, has creeping and thick stems, prone to strong branching. The leaves are narrow, dark green in color. A beautiful velvet edge is visible on the upper part of the sheet plate. Flowering can occur at any time of the year, which is why this tradescantia is of additional interest for florists. The color of the inflorescences can be:
- pink;
- Purple;
- White;
- blue.
Riverside
It is characterized by long stems that hang down beautifully. When grown in pots, Tradescantia becomes emerald-wig-like. The oval-shaped leaf reaches a length of 5 cm, and the underside of the leaf plate has a beautiful purple color. Small white flowers appear on the plant at any time of the year.This species is grown not only indoors, but also as a ground cover flower in flower beds.
Scaphoid
This variety is a succulent plant with thick and not too long stems prone to branching. They are densely packed with leaves up to 3 cm long, having a scaphoid shape.
The inflorescences are not particularly attractive, they are pink in color.
Striped
This tradescantia differs from similar species in the unusual color of the leaves, the longitudinal stripes of which are of different colors. The color of the leaf plate depends on the selected variety and is purple, green or reddish. But the longitudinal stripes have a silver, purple or white color. In indoor conditions, the plant rarely blooms.
Sillamontana
An incredibly beautiful succulent plant with a thick creeping stem prone to strong branching. Fleshy lanceolate leaves grow alternately, have a beautiful pubescence. There are varieties in which the lower part of the leaf plate is burgundy in color. Blue or purple inflorescences are not decorative.
Hairy
This tradescantia is not often found at florists. It is characterized by the presence of an erect stem and bright pink-lilac inflorescences. On the small leaves there are thick hairs that form a velvety bloom.
Virginia
This species reaches a height of almost 1 m, has slightly curved linear leaf plates. Relatively large flowers are collected in inflorescences and are pink, white, blue-violet or purple in color. The flowering period is from May to July. This tradescantia is appreciated for the decorative qualities of the inflorescences.
anderson
Anderson's Tradescantia is suitable for growing not only indoors, but also in the flower beds of a summer cottage. In addition, in cloudy weather it acquires additional decorative qualities and looks even more beautiful. The plant is cold-resistant and can easily withstand low temperatures. In our country, this variety has not yet become widespread, and getting seedlings can be problematic.
Mauve
The stems of this tradescantia are creeping leafy plates up to 15 cm long, painted purple or green, growing alternately. In some varieties, pink stripes are clearly visible along the leaf. A slight velvety pubescence is also noticeable. The flowers are small, pink.
Zebrina
Bushy variety, the height of which reaches 1.8 m. The leaves are ring-shaped, the length of each does not exceed 10 cm. Their color range is rich, but all of them have characteristic stripes. The bottom of the plate is purple. The flowers are small and have no decorative value.
Reo
Only one plant is representative of this variety. Its trunk is small and strong. There are xiphoid leaves up to 0.3 m long, their lower part is red or purple in color, sometimes white or pink stripes can be observed. The flowers are axillary and do not represent any particular decorative effect.
with small leaves
This Tradescantia has long stems and is able to form a very lush crown when grown in pots. The leaves are oval in shape, reaching a length of 5 cm. Their lower part often has a contrasting purple color. In indoor conditions, it rarely blooms.
Lodges
Tradescantia Lodges has good decorative qualities due to its long leaves. On their upper part, inconspicuous flowers of white or pink color periodically appear.
How to grow well at home
Growing tradescantia at home has some characteristics that first-time growers should be familiar with.
How to choose and prepare the soil and the pot
Growing Tradescantia at home requires soil that is rich in organic matter and well drained. It is recommended to take garden, leaf or turf soil as the basis. Perlite or sand should be added to it to provide moisture and air access to the root system.
A pot for growing Tradescantia is selected with large drainage holes, a small height. The plant has a small root system, so even flat bowls are suitable for it.
how to plant
When grown indoors, Tradescantia prefers slightly cramped conditions. Planting or transplanting a plant should be carried out in the spring. A young bush requires annual transplantation into a new container, but adults need such a procedure once every 3 years.
Often, experienced growers replace transplanting with transshipment, placing Tradescantia in a new pot with an old clod of earth, so as not to injure the roots again. Previously, a drainage layer of expanded clay or broken bricks was laid on the bottom of the container. A layer of nutrient soil mixture is poured on top and the plant is fixed, sprinkled around the perimeter with the same soil.
Conditions of maintenance and care
Tradescantia, although it is an undemanding plant, must comply with certain maintenance rules. Otherwise, it is exposed to parasites and immunity to disease decreases.
Temperature regime
Almost all types of tradescantia are thermophilic and require maintaining the ambient temperature at +20 - +24 ° C throughout the year. The plant does not tolerate a decrease in this indicator below +10 °C.
Lighting
Green-leaved varieties of Tradescantia grow even in partial shade. But for variegated ones, good lighting is required. They should be exposed to direct sunlight for several hours each day.
Spraying and watering
Tradescantia should be sprayed when the heater is on or when the air temperature is high. The procedure is carried out in the morning, ensuring good air circulation. Before nightfall, the water droplets should have time to evaporate from the leaf plates and not cause rotting.
It is not recommended to spray pubescent varieties on the leaves. In this case, use a humidifier or simply place an open container of water next to it. Scaphoid Tradescantia generally prefers dry air and does not require additional humidification.
Bloom
The flowering period of Tradescantia occurs at any time of the year, but most often in summer. Many varieties are grown as decorative hardwoods, so it is recommended to pinch the buds that form so that the flower does not waste additional energy.
Top dressing and fertilization
From early spring to early autumn, Tradescantia is fed every 14 days with complex fertilizer. In winter and autumn, the frequency of such procedures is reduced by half or completely stopped.
An excess of nutrients will lead to a decrease in the decorative effect of the plant.
Size
Regular pruning not only helps maintain the shape of the crown, but also rejuvenates the Tradescantia. To form side shoots, it is recommended to pinch the tops of the shoots. When green leafy shoots appear on variegated plants, they are immediately removed.
Dormant period
In winter, the air temperature in the room can be reduced to 15-18 ° C, thereby ensuring a dormant period for Tradescantia. However, this procedure is optional. At this time, the frequency of watering is also reduced so that the earthen coma does not dry out.
How to transplant to a new location
An adult Tradescantia is transplanted every 4 years. To do this, select a pot 2-3 cm in diameter larger than the previous one. If there is a suspicion of root rot or the flower looks sick, it is recommended to transplant it and completely replace the soil. The Tradescantia is completely removed from the pot, the old earth is gently shaken off and the root system is examined.
If foci of rot are found, they are cut off with a sharp knife or pruner, and the cut site is treated with activated carbon.
Breeding methods
There are several proven ways to propagate Tradescantia that even a novice florist can master.
Cuttings
The most common method of reproduction for Tradescantia is cuttings. To do this, you will need to separate a part of the shoot about 12 cm long with pruners from the mother bush. Then place it in plain water or in a wet mixture of sand and peat, poured into a transparent glass. After 14-21 days, the root system should form.
Rooting cuttings in water
If rooting takes place in water, then as soon as the length of the roots reaches 1.5 cm, they are planted in a nutrient soil mixture. Tradescantia stagnates slightly as its roots adjust to its new environment.
Divide the bush
This breeding method is not suitable for all types of Tradescantia. In a spring transplant, powerful rhizomes are cut into several pieces with a sharp knife.Each cut should have not only a well-developed root system, but also the ground part. Places of cuts should be treated with activated carbon or ash. It is possible to water the propagated plants only after a few days, so as not to cause rotting.
Seeds
The Tradescantia seed propagation method has not gained popularity, as the process is slow and there is no guarantee of success. If an experienced florist wants to follow the development of the plant from the beginning to the adult state, then in the spring, fresh seeds should be sown on the surface of a moist, nutritious soil mixture. You can prepare it by mixing peat and river sand in equal proportions.
Cultures are covered with glass or cellophane and sent to a well-lit and warm place, daily airing the greenhouse. After 1-1.5 weeks, the first shoots appear. The shelter can be removed. As soon as 2-3 true leaves are formed in Tradescantia, they are dipped into separate cups. After 21 days, the first feeding is carried out with a weak solution of mineral fertilizer.
Possible growth problems
When growing Tradescantia, flower growers face some problems. It is important to timely and correctly determine their cause and try to eliminate it, providing the flower with the most comfortable growing conditions.
Leaf tips dry up
The reason for this condition is dry indoor air. It is recommended to do frequent spraying or use a special humidifier.
Leaves with a brown tint
This symptom indicates decay of the root system as a result of excessive moisture or cold water irrigation. You should try to transplant the flower into new soil or root healthy parts.
The stems are pulled out
This symptom indicates insufficient lighting or nutritional deficiencies. It is necessary to transfer the plant to a brighter place or to organize additional lighting with phytolamps, as well as adjust the mode of fertilizing.
The stems are rotting
Such a nuisance comes from excessive humidity. Tradescantia must be removed from the pot, cleaned of old soil, rotten parts removed and transplanted into a new substrate. If this is not possible, it is worth trying to root healthy processes.
Variegated leaves turn green
The change in appearance of the leaves is caused by a lack of light. It is necessary to redevelop the plant in a brighter place or take care of additional lighting with phytolamps.
Slow growth and yellowing of leaves
This condition is caused by a deficiency of moisture or nutrients. It is necessary to adjust the mode of irrigation and application of fertilization, to prevent the earthen coma from drying out.
The bottom shoots are bare
This condition can be caused by aging shoots. You will need to rejuvenate the Tradescantia by pruning it. If necessary, you can root new cuttings and propagate the plants.
Seasonal Content Features
Tradescantia care and maintenance is not the same every season. A number of events are held exclusively for a certain period of time.
Spring
Spring is ideal for the reproduction and replanting of Tradescantia. At this time, the flower is fertilized 2 times a month, protected from direct sunlight and stored at standard room temperature.
Summer
In the summer period, Tradescantia requires abundant watering and additional air humidification.
It is recommended to equip it with light partial shade to prevent the sun's rays from burning the leaves.
Autumn
In the fall, they not only reduce the number of waterings, but also the number of top dressing. At the end of the season, they should be completely stopped, and the piece of land should be dried to a depth of 1-2 cm before further irrigation.
Winter
In winter, it is advisable to rearrange the Tradescantia on the southern window sill. You can organize a period of rest for him by lowering the temperature indicator in the room to +12 - +15°. Fertilizers are not worth adding.
Diseases and pests
Tradescantia is resistant to the effects of pests and diseases, however, under unfavorable maintenance conditions or improper care, they can have a negative effect on the flower.
Aphid
The pest feeds on the sap of Tradescantia, causing the gradual death of leaves and shoots. A sticky coating is visible on them. To get rid of aphids, spray the plant with a laundry soap solution. The same remedy is used for prophylaxis. In case of significant damage, they are treated with special insecticides.
Shield
A sign of tradescantia damage is a sticky coating, the appearance of plaques on the leaves, their yellowing and falling off. You can combat the scabbard mechanically by wiping the stems and leaves with a sponge soaked in soapy water. Insecticide treatments are also effective.
Spider
A cobweb appears on the tradescantia, the leaves wither and fall off. For prevention and treatment, you need to increase the humidity in the room and spray the flower with insecticide.
Whitefly
Preventive measures against the appearance of this pest consist in maintaining an optimal level of humidity in the room and regular ventilation. When the first signs of the appearance of insects are detected, the flower itself and the soil should be treated with an insecticide. If possible, the floor should be replaced.
Thrips
Thrips are difficult to spot. Tradescantia leaves begin to dry out. Black dots are visible underneath. The plant is sprayed with an insecticide, the humidity is increased.
To rot
Rot is most often caused by improper care or maintenance. Excessive humidity should not be allowed. A diseased flower should be transplanted, treating it with activated carbon and removing the damaged parts. If this is not possible, a healthy stem is rooted.
Additional tips and tricks
Experienced florists advise to closely monitor the external condition of Tradescantia and, at the slightest change, resort to preventive measures to combat diseases and pests. If the leaves begin to turn yellow, and the stems become sluggish and lose their elasticity, it is necessary to adjust the irrigation regime and increase the amount of irrigation.
To achieve the maximum decorative effect, curly tradescantia should be pruned and pruned in time to stimulate the growth of side shoots and form a lush hat.