Tradescantia

Tradescantias are vining or sprawling plants with trailing stems, which change direction slightly at each node, giving the plant a zigzag effect. Grow plants in hanging baskets, as a groundcover under larger houseplants, or on a pedestal or shelf. Tradescantias grow best in medium to bright light at 55 to 75 degrees F. Keep the soil moderately dry.

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Type:

Houseplant

Height:

Under 6 inches to 12 inches

Width:

1-3 feet wide

Flower Color:

Pink, White

Foliage Color:

Gray/Silver, Purple/Burgundy

Seasonal Features:

Summer Bloom

Special Features:

Low Maintenance

more varieties for Tradescantia

Boat lily

Tradescantia spathacea has striking foliage, green on top and purple-maroon beneath. Its small white flowers are cradled in leaf axils, giving it the other common names of Moses-in-the-cradle and oyster plant. It is also sometimes called Rhoeo spathacea.

Green wandering Jew

Tradescantia zebrina is a traditional easy-care houseplant with variegated olive and silver foliage with purple undersides. Stems root readily in water or where they come in contact with soil.

Purple heart

Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea' also goes by the name Setcreasea purpurea. It is sometimes grown as a groundcover outdoors. Indoors it needs bright light to bring out its attractive deep purple coloration. It can form small, short-lived, bright pink flowers.

Purple wandering Jew

Tradescantia zebrina is similar to its green cousin except its leaves are purple on both sides with silvery green stripes on the upper surface.

Striped inch plant

Tradescantia fluminensis is a fast-growing vine with creamy yellow striations on its leaves. It is also called white wandering Jew (Tradescantia albiflora).

'Tricolor' boat lily

Tradescantia spathacea 'Tricolor' is a striking white, magenta, and green variegated form of boat lily. It has a finer texture and trails more readily.

White velvet wandering Jew

Tradescantia sillamontana has medium green leaves densely covered in woolly white hairs. Magenta-pink flowers in summer stand out against the silvery-white foliage.

More tips on successfully tending houseplants

How to Pick Healthy Plants

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