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Tradescantia

Tradescantia

Tradescantia Zebrina

Light

Bright Indirect

Water

Weekly

Humidity

Average

Temperature

18-26C

✨ Care Tips

  • 🌿
    Silver and purple striped leaves
  • 🌿
    Fast growing and easy to propagate
  • 🌿
    Pinch stems to encourage fuller growth
  • 🌿
    Great for hanging baskets or as ground cover
  • 🌿
    Can be moved outdoors for summer

⚠ Watch Out For

  • ⚠ Leggy growth = needs more light
  • ⚠ Dull color = not enough light
  • ⚠ Yellow leaves = overwatering

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Tradescantia leaves losing their color?

Faded or reverted coloration is almost always from insufficient light. Move to a brighter spot -- they need bright indirect light to maintain vivid purple, silver, and pink variegation. Direct morning sun is fine but avoid harsh afternoon sun.

How do I propagate Tradescantia?

Tradescantia roots incredibly easily from cuttings. Take a stem cutting with 2-3 nodes and place in water or directly into moist soil. Roots appear within a week. You can propagate dozens of new plants this way and fill out hanging baskets quickly.

Why is my Tradescantia getting leggy?

Leggy growth means it is not getting enough light. Move to a brighter spot and pinch back the leggy stems -- this encourages bushier growth. Regular pinching keeps it compact and full. Each pinch creates two new growing points.

What is the difference between Tradescantia zebrina and Tradescantia pallida?

T. zebrina has purple and silver striped leaves with a metallic sheen. T. pallida (Purple Heart) has solid deep purple leaves. Both are trailing species with similar care needs -- T. zebrina is more common as a houseplant.

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