Tradescantia Zebrina

Tradescantia are fast-growing, easy to care for and are perfect to hang in front of a window that gets bright, indirect light. The plant has long vines covered in small stemless leaves about 2” in length. The colorful leaf patterns of a Tradescantia Zebrina are green with purple stripes and a silver shine. The underside of the leaf is a deep purple or magenta color.

Tradescantia needs bright, indirect light. The more sunlight, the more flowers and colorful leaves it will produce. Direct sun causes the purple and cream colors in the leaves to fade.

Water thoroughly and then allow the soil to dry until the top 2-3” feel dry. Water less in the Winter because this is when the plant is at rest.

Fertilizer from the Spring through the Fall every two weeks with a well-balanced houseplant food at ½ the recommended strength. In the Winter, when new growth is much slower, feed monthly.

• Average to higher household humidity. If the air is too dry, the leaf tips of a Tradescantia will turn brown. You can also place the plant on a tray of wet pebbles to increase the humidity around it. Make sure the plant is sitting on the pebbles and not in the water.
• These plants, especially the sap, are slightly poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children.

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