How to care for Tradescantia: Care tips for houseplants

The Tradescantia has a great, long history! This plant is part of a group of around seventy perennial species in the Commelinaceae family and originally comes from sunny North and South America. But did you know that the name Tradescantia is a tribute to the famous English botanist John Tradescant Sr.? In the 17th century, he took care of the gardens of King Charles I (and other noble houses). He was also known for his adventurous travels, discovering new plants and filling his treasure chest with botanical wonders! His son, John Tradescant Jr., made sure his father's work lived on.

Fun fact! The Tradescantia was one of the first houseplants to make its way into living rooms. No wonder it's so popular now! This plant is known for its beautiful, decorative leaves and flowers. A plant family with a rich history, but also a real eye-catcher in your home!

Tradescantia care: 10 expert tips for growing it successfully

1. Place your Tradescantia in a spot with indirect light. Too much sunlight will burn the leaves, and too little light will slow down growth.
2. Make sure the top layer of soil (2-3 cm) is dry before watering again. This helps prevent overwatering.
3. Tradescantia loves regular misting. It enjoys a high humidity level, so mist the leaves occasionally to keep it looking vibrant. In winter, the air is drier, so make sure to mist more often!
4. Use well-draining potting soil to avoid root rot. A heavy soil, like clay, is a no-go because it holds too much water.
5. Fertilize your Tradescantia every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) to encourage healthy growth. Just be sure to follow the recommended dosage.
6. Regularly remove yellowed or damaged leaves to stimulate growth and keep it looking beautiful!
7. A drafty window or a hot radiator isn't something the Tradescantia enjoys! Sudden temperature changes can cause stress.
8. Check your Tradescantia regularly for aphids or spider mites. Catch them early before they do more damage to your plant!
9. You can repot your Tradescantia once a year, especially if it’s growing quickly. Choose a pot that’s about 20% bigger than the previous one so the roots have enough space to grow.
10. This plant family is toxic to pets, so keep your Tradescantia away from dogs or cats. And, of course, keep it out of reach of children to avoid any accidents!

Tradescantia care

Light & Placement

The perfect spot for a Tradescantia is near a north- or east-facing window where it can enjoy filtered sunlight. Look for a spot that gets a mix of sun and some shade. The bright afternoon sun can burn its leaves. Don't have windows facing north or east? No worries! You can place it near a south- or west-facing window; just make sure it’s at least a meter away from the window.

Of course, the amount of light your Tradescantia needs can depend on the variety. Lighter-leafed varieties can handle sunnier spots, while darker-leaved ones need more shade. Don’t place your plant in full sun right after buying it—let it adjust for a few days first!

Expert tip: See any discoloration on the leaves? Your Tradescantia is probably getting too much sun! If it’s not producing enough new leaves in spring or summer, try moving it a little closer to the window.

Water

Does a Tradescantia need a lot of water? Not really, but it depends on the conditions. In summer, it’ll need water about once a week, while in winter, once every two weeks should be enough. The key is to make sure the soil is dry before watering again! You can check this yourself by feeling about 2 knuckles deep into the soil. If it’s dry, go ahead and water. If it’s still moist, skip watering for now. Too much water can cause root rot, and we don’t want that!

Your Tradescantia can go a bit longer without water, but don’t let that happen too often! Parts of the stem can dry out, and then those parts won’t be able to absorb water, which can cause leaves to drop. If you notice the leaves wilting or looking dull, it’s a sign that your plant needs more water. So, keep an eye on your green friend!

Also, where you place your Tradescantia affects how much water it needs. In a darker spot, it will need less water than if it’s near a sunny window! And the bigger the plant, the more water it usually wants.

Fertiliser

To give your plant a little extra boost so it grows into a beautiful and strong Tradescantia, use PLNTS Nutrition plant food! We recommend using it only in the spring and summer; otherwise, you might overdo it.

It’s important to start feeding your plant only when all the nutrients in the potting soil are used up. Be sure to read the instructions carefully for the correct dosage—never use more than what's recommended! If you do, the soil's pH can get too high, and the roots won't be able to absorb water anymore.

Temperature & Humidity

These plants prefer a steady temperature between 18 and 24°C. Tradescantia can handle a minimum temperature of 15°C during the day and 10°C at night, but it doesn’t like cold drafts, so be careful about that! With the right temperature, your Tradescantia will grow beautifully.

The Tradescantia family comes from tropical and humid areas, so it loves a bit of extra humidity. A simple way to raise the humidity in your home is to place a small dish of water next to your plant. Don’t forget to refill it regularly!

Expert tip: Keep your plant away from heat sources like radiators! The heat can dry out the air. A higher humidity level is essential for keeping your Tradescantia’s beautiful leaves healthy and vibrant.

Is it safe to put your Tradescantia outside in summer?

A Tradescantia can definitely be outside in summer! Just let it adjust to the outdoor conditions slowly. Find a spot with indirect light and some protection from the wind. Make sure the nighttime temperatures don’t drop below 10°C. Keep it safe from rain and pests, and make sure it gets enough water—because the soil dries out faster outdoors.

Soil & Repotting

Tradescantia is a fast grower! We recommend repotting it once a year so the roots have more space to grow, and your plant stays healthy. The new potting soil will also provide fresh nutrients. The best time to do this is in the spring when the plant is in a growth phase and can recover quickly.

Expert tip: Repot your Tradescantia in a pot that’s 20% larger than the current one.

Choose well-draining potting soil, like our PLNTS plant soil. Heavy, clay-like soil that holds too much moisture is a no-go! Want to improve drainage? Mix your standard potting soil with some perlite or gravel. A perfect mix would be 60% potting soil and 40% perlite or gravel.

Tradescantia thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. This keeps it nice and happy!

Pruning

Tradescantia grows quickly, so it needs occasional pruning to stay full and bushy. In the spring or summer, trim the long stems with sharp pruning shears. This encourages new leaves to grow, keeping your plant nice and full. Also, cut off any damaged or unattractive leaves so it can shine again! For variegated varieties, trimming the green leaves helps create a beautiful color effect.

Expert tip: The cuttings you remove are perfect for creating your own baby Tradescantia!

Propagation Tradescantia

Propagating Tradescantia is super easy and enjoyable! We recommend taking stem cuttings since Tradescantia naturally roots where the stem bends. This makes it a popular method for propagating the plant. Here’s how to do it:

1. Cut a stem about 10-15 cm long, just below a bend (where the stem curves). Make sure the cutting has 3 or 4 leaves. This helps the roots develop best.
2. Next, place the cutting in water in a bright spot (but not direct sunlight). The bottom of the stem should be submerged in water. After about 3-5 cm, you should start seeing roots in a few weeks. Change the water regularly because your cutting loves fresh water.
3. Alternatively, you can plant the cutting directly into soil. Just stick it in moist potting soil and keep it moist at first. It will start rooting in no time.
4. Whether you put it in water or soil, make sure it’s in a warm spot with a temperature of at least 18°C. Once the roots are good and strong, you can move it into a bigger pot.

Pro tip: Try propagating in spring or summer when the Tradescantia is actively growing.

A well-draining potting mix, bright indirect light, keeping the soil evenly moist, and using a healthy parent plant are the key to getting your cutting to grow fast!

With these simple steps, you can create your own baby plant and expand your plant family!

Most common pests and diseases on Tradescantia

These tough plants don’t get sick easily or attract pests. With the right care, it’s rare for them to have issues. Still, it’s always a good idea to check the leaves every now and then for spider mites or aphids. Keep the humidity up in the room, mist the leaves occasionally, and make sure it’s not near cold drafts or heat, and your Tradescantia will stay happy and healthy!

Are Tradescantias toxic for your pets or children?

Yes, all Tradescantia plants are toxic to pets and children. Keep them out of reach of your furry friends and little ones. If a piece of the plant is eaten, it could cause stomach irritation, so be careful when bringing one into your home.

Buy Tradescantia online at PLNTS.com

Tradescantia is super versatile! It’s a popular houseplant because of its cool leaf colors and patterns, and it’s easy to take care of. Whether you love the Zebrina with its silver stripes, the Tricolor with its bold three-colored leaves, or the Tradescantia Nanouk with its cute pink and green leaves, there’s a Tradescantia that will fit right in with you. It’s definitely a must-have for your plant collection! Buy Tradescantia online at PLNTS.com.