Tradescantia

New Zealand’s Tradescantia Plants

Adding interesting plants to your garden or indoor space delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact
• They purify the air
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come

We have the right Tradescantia for your space and we’ll help you chose the right plant to thrive in your climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Tradescantia, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Common questions about growing Tradescantia

1. Is Tradescantia a good houseplant?

Tradescantia is a good houseplant. It is a popular choice for indoor gardening due to its ease of care, attractive foliage, and versatility. Here are some of the reasons why Tradescantia is a good houseplant:

• Easy care: Tradescantia plants are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. They prefer bright, indirect light but can also tolerate some shade. They are not picky about watering and can be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
• Attractive foliage: Tradescantia plants come in a variety of colors and textures, making them a great way to add interest and color to any room. Some of the most popular varieties include Tradescantia zebrina, which has purple and green striped leaves, and Tradescantia fluminensis, which has silver and green variegated leaves.
• Versatility: Tradescantia plants can be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or even in water. They can also be used as trailing plants or in mixed containers.

2. What is the easiest Tradescantia to grow?

Several Tradescantia species are known for their ease of care and adaptability to indoor environments. Here are some of the easiest Tradescantia to grow:

1. Tradescantia zebrina: This popular variety is commonly known as the wandering Jew or inch plant. It features striking striped foliage with purple undersides, making it a visually appealing addition to any room. Tradescantia zebrina is relatively forgiving of neglect and can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, from bright indirect light to moderate shade.
2. Tradescantia fluminensis: This charming plant, also known as the spiderwort, is known for its variegated leaves with silvery stripes on green foliage. Tradescantia fluminensis is relatively low-maintenance and thrives in humid environments, making it an ideal choice for bathrooms or kitchens.
3. Tradescantia nanouk: This compact and easy-to-care-for variety features small, delicate leaves with a silvery-green appearance. Tradescantia nanouk is a great choice for hanging baskets or tabletop displays, adding a touch of elegance to any space.
4. Tradescantia sillamontana: This resilient species, also known as the bushy wandering Jew, is known for its dense growth and ability to tolerate various conditions. Tradescantia sillamontana can tolerate a range of lighting conditions and is relatively drought-tolerant, making it a forgiving choice for plant enthusiasts.
5. Tradescantia tricolor: This vibrant variety features three-colored leaves with green, cream, and pink stripes. Tradescantia tricolor prefers bright indirect light and moist soil but can tolerate some neglect.

These Tradescantia species are not only easy to care for but also add a touch of colour, texture, and tropical flair to any indoor space.

3. Do Tradescantia like sun or shade?

Most Tradescantia species prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can make their leaves leggy and pale. Direct sunlight can also scorch their leaves, so it's best to avoid placing them in direct sun for extended periods.

4. How long does Tradescantia last?

The lifespan of a Tradescantia plant can vary depending on the species, growing conditions, and care. However, in general, Tradescantia plants can live for several years with proper care. Some Tradescantia species, such as Tradescantia zebrina and Tradescantia fluminensis, can live for five to ten years or more indoors.

Here are some factors that can affect the lifespan of a Tradescantia plant:

• Species: Some Tradescantia species are naturally longer-lived than others.
• Growing conditions: Tradescantia plants that are grown in bright, indirect light with well-drained soil will live longer than those that are grown in poor conditions.
• Care: Tradescantia plants that are regularly watered and fertilized will live longer than those that are not.

With proper care, you can help your Tradescantia plant live a long and healthy life. Here are some tips for extending the lifespan of your Tradescantia:

• Provide bright, indirect light.
• Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
• Fertilize your plant every few weeks during the growing season.
• Repot your plant when it outgrows its pot.
• Prune your plant regularly to remove leggy or damaged growth.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help your Tradescantia plant thrive for many years to come.

5. What is the houseplant of the year 2023?

The houseplant of the year for 2023 is Feeling Flirty purple tradescantia, from the new leafjoy houseplant collection by Proven Winners. This striking plant features vibrant pink and green striped leaves with a trailing form. It is easy to grow and adds a touch of color and cheer to any indoor space.

6. How often should I water Tradescantia?

The frequency of watering for Tradescantia plants depends on several factors, including the species, pot size, growing conditions, and climate. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should water your Tradescantia plant when the top inch (2 cm) of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically translates to watering your plant once a week during the spring and summer months when temperatures are warmer and evaporation is higher. During the autumn and winter months, when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is lower, you may only need to water your plant once every two weeks or even less.

7. How do I keep Tradescantia purple?

Tradescantia is a beautiful plant that is known for its colourful leaves. However, if you notice that your Tradescantia plant is losing its purple colour, there are a few things you can do to help it regain its vibrancy.

Here are some tips on how to keep Tradescantia purple:

1. Provide bright, indirect light: Tradescantia plants prefer bright, indirect light. If they don't get enough light, their leaves will start to lose their colour. Place your plant near a window that gets a few hours of sunlight each day, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
2. Water regularly: Tradescantia plants like to be kept moist, but not soggy. Water your plant when the top inch (2-3 cm) of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow the water to drain completely from the pot, and then discard any excess water.
3. Fertilize regularly: Tradescantia plants are not heavy feeders, but they do need some fertilizer to stay healthy and maintain their purple colour. Fertilize your plant once a month during the spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
4. Avoid overpotting: When you first bring your Tradescantia plant home, it may come in a pot that is too large for it. This can cause the soil to stay wet for too long, which can lead to root rot and loss of color in the leaves. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball and repot your plant into a larger pot only when it has outgrown its current one.
5. Pinch the stems: Tradescantia plants tend to grow leggy and lose their shape if they are not pruned regularly. To encourage bushier growth and maintain the plant's purple colour, pinch the stems back by about an inch or two every few weeks.
6. Humidity: Tradescantia plants prefer humid conditions. If the air in your home is dry, you can increase humidity by placing your plant on a pebble tray filled with water or by misting it regularly.
7. Temperature: Tradescantia plants prefer warm temperatures. If you live in an area with cold winters, bring your plant indoors before the first frost.

By following these tips, you can help your Tradescantia plant keep its beautiful purple colour and thrive for many years to come.

8. How do you make Tradescantia bushy?

Tradescantia plants are known for their trailing vines and vibrant foliage, but if you want to encourage a bushier growth habit, there are a few things you can do. Here are some tips on how to make your Tradescantia plant bushier:

1. Pinch the stems: One of the most effective ways to promote bushier growth in Tradescantia plants is to regularly pinch back the stems. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth from the nodes, which are the points where leaves grow from the stems. Pinch back the stems by about an inch or two every few weeks, using sharp scissors or a pinching tool.
2. Provide bright, indirect light: Tradescantia plants thrive in bright, indirect light. If they don't get enough light, they will become leggy and sparse. Place your plant near a window that gets a few hours of sunlight each day, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
3. Fertilize regularly: Tradescantia plants are not heavy feeders, but they do need some fertilizer to stay healthy and maintain their bushier form. Fertilize your plant once a month during the spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
4. Repot when needed: As your Tradescantia plant grows, it will eventually need to be repotted into a larger container. This will give the roots more space to grow and will encourage the plant to produce more stems and leaves. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball, and repot your plant in the spring or early summer when it is actively growing.
5. Use a well-draining potting mix: Tradescantia plants prefer a well-draining potting mix that will allow water to drain freely. This will prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to root rot and stunted growth.
6. Humidity: Tradescantia plants prefer humid conditions. If the air in your home is dry, you can increase humidity by placing your plant on a pebble tray filled with water or by misting it regularly.
7. Temperature: Tradescantia plants prefer warm temperatures. If you live in an area with cold winters, bring your plant indoors before the first frost.