Tradescantia Zebrina 4”

Light:

• Thrives in bright, indirect light. This will help maintain its vibrant colors.

• It can tolerate lower light, but the leaf variegation may fade, and the plant may become leggy.

• Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, though early morning sun can be beneficial.

Watering:

• Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

• Be careful not to overwater, as Tradescantia zebrina is susceptible to root rot.

• Reduce watering in the winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Humidity:

• Prefers moderate to high humidity, though it can tolerate average indoor levels.

• To boost humidity, mist the plant occasionally, use a humidifier, or place it near other plants to create a micro-humid environment.

• In dry air, the leaf tips may brown.

 Soil:

• Use a well-draining potting mix. A general-purpose houseplant mix works fine, but adding perlite or sand can improve drainage.

• Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.

Temperature:

• Grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F.

• Keep it away from cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F as it’s not frost-tolerant.

Fertilizer:

• Feed every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

• No need to fertilize during fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.

Pruning:

• Prune regularly to control leggy growth and encourage a bushier appearance.

• Pinch back the stems to promote branching and remove any dead or damaged leaves.

• Tradescantia zebrina grows quickly, so don’t be afraid to trim it back as needed.

Propagation:

• Very easy to propagate by stem cuttings. Simply snip off a few inches of stem just below a node, and place the cutting in water or directly into soil. Roots will form in a few weeks.

• You can propagate multiple cuttings in the same pot to create a fuller plant.

Pests:

• Watch for common houseplant pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Inspect the plant regularly and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

• Dust the leaves regularly to keep the plant healthy and reduce the risk of pests.

Extra Tips:

• Trailing Habit: It’s perfect for hanging baskets or pots where the vines can cascade down.

• Legginess: If it becomes too leggy, consider cutting back stems and using cuttings to propagate new plants for a fuller appearance.

• Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets if ingested, so keep out of reach of cats and dogs.