botanical name: Tradescantia.

Tradescantia flower - family . Commeline.

plant homeland. The bush originates from Mexico.

Description. The tradescantia genus consists of about 65 plant species. Tradescantia may have creeping stems or form basal rosettes of leaves.

Leaves sessile or on very short petioles, oblong-lanceolate or elliptical. The leaf arrangement is alternate. Leaf colors include green, dark green, purple, burgundy, white. The underside of the leaf blade is often colored in a contrasting shade. Variegated varieties have longitudinal contrasting stripes.

flowers small, inconspicuous, white, pink or lilac, with 3 triangular petals, solitary or in few-flowered inflorescences, located on the tops of the shoots.

Interestingly, after flowering, the plants form lateral shoots at the site of the inflorescence.

Height. Tradescantia homea reaches 30 - 60 cm. The final dimensions will depend on the conditions of detention and the characteristics of the variety.

2. Outdoor cultivation

In open ground, tradescantia is kept as an annual plant or taken for wintering in a warm room.

For landing, a location protected from direct sunlight during the daytime is selected, which, moreover, will be protected from strong gusts of wind.

The landing is carried out in the second half of May- early June, when the night frosts recede.

For placement, a small plot of land is prepared, which is carefully dug up and weeds are removed.

After loosening, they dig small planting holes, at the bottom of which you can place a small drainage layer in the form of coarse river sand or fine expanded clay.

On the drainage layer, you can put a small amount of humus, well-rotted horse or cow manure.

Too heavy, clay soil is ennobled by the addition of organic matter and sand to improve drainage.

Bushes are placed in planting holes at the same depth on which they were in pots and sprinkled with earth in a circle.

After planting, the substrate around Tradescantia is rammed.

Further care of the planted plants will consist of timely watering, fertilizing, loosening and weeding.

Plants can't stand frost, so in the autumn months it is better to bring them indoors.

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3. Tradescantia care at home

3.1.Ground

Any well-drained soil containing organic matter.

As a basis for the mixture, you can use such light components as leafy and soddy soil, as well as humus and garden soil.

Add perlite or coarse sand to the soil to improve drainage - the earth should easily pass moisture and air to the roots of the plant.

3.2. Reproduction of tradescantia

Reproduction of the bush is usually quite easy - even a small shoot or cutting is able to form an attractive, beautiful plant over time.

1. Tradescantia most often propagates vegetatively - by apical cuttings, in spring and summer.
2. Cuttings 10 - 15 cm long are separated from the mother plant with a pruner.
3. Rooting occurs easily and quickly in a mixture of peat and wet sand or in ordinary water - within 2 - 3 weeks.
4. Remember that a cutting placed in an opaque container of water will root faster than a cutting rooted in a clear glass.
5. Plants rooted in water are planted in the substrate when the roots reach a length of 1 - 2 cm.
6. When planted, such flowers delay their development, as the root system adapts to new conditions of existence.

In order for the bushes to appear lush and thick, it is worth planting 5-7 cuttings in one pot.

Some varieties divide into several parts when transplanting, in the spring. The rhizomes of these plants cut cut into pieces with a sharpened and sterilized knife.

When dividing, it is necessary to ensure that each division receives a well-developed root system and a ground part.

The wound surface remaining during division is sprinkled with crushed charcoal powder or simple ash - this will dry and disinfect the surface.

After planting in separate containers, watering begins only after a few days, so that the roots disturbed by division do not begin to rot.

lodging stems tradescantia easily take root on one's own in contact with the ground - this property is used for reproduction air layers.

1. For such reproduction, next to the pots in which the mother plant is located, they put another small pot of soil.
2. Long stems are taken to this container, pinned to the surface of the earth and lightly sprinkled with the substrate, leaving the top of the shoot above the soil surface.
3. The soil in a layered pot is gently and regularly moistened with a spray bottle.
4. After some time, roots appear in the leaf node of such layering.

The successful completion of the rooting process will be indicated by the appearance of new, young leaves and shoots.

Still through 2 - 3 weeks after the appearance of new growth, the layers can be completely separated from the mother bush.

Another method of reproduction is seed However, in relation to tradescantia, this method is rarely used, since cuttings, division and air layering will still be the most successful and fastest.

Seed propagation is more suitable for experienced and curious flower growers, who will be interested in observing the entire process of plant development from the very beginning.

1. Fresh seeds are sown in spring on the surface of a well-moistened, loose and nutritious substrate, consisting of a mixture of peat and river sand, taken in equal amounts.
2. A container with seedlings is placed in a warm (about 20 degrees Celsius) and protected from direct sunlight.
3. To maintain an optimal high level of humidity, the seedling container is covered on top with glass or transparent plastic wrap.
4. Every day, the seedlings are aired, removing the shelter and removing the accumulated condensate from it.
5. With the advent of the first sprouts, which can be seen within 7 - 10 days, the shelter is removed.
6. The first pick into separate, small cups is carried out with the appearance of the first 2 - 3 true leaves.
7. They begin to feed the picked plants after another 2-3 weeks, using a very weak solution of mineral fertilizers for ornamental leafy plants.

In tradescantia, obtained from seeds, the first buds will appear only in the third year of life.

3.3. How to prune and grow tradescantia

Caring for tradescantia is not difficult. Proper formation of the crown of this perennial will help to end up with a compact and dense plant. In addition, regular pruning can rejuvenate plants, which over time lose the lower leaves and expose the stems.

Pinch the apical buds of young shoots to form lateral shoots. Pruning is carried out with a sharply sharpened, sterile tool.

If shoots with green leaves appear on varieties with variegated leaves, they should be removed immediately.

Take out indoor flowers to fresh air in the warm season, taking care of shelter from strong winds, direct sunlight and rain. Tradescantia especially dislikes strong gusts of wind.

Since the plants do not tolerate frost, they should be brought into the house for the winter.

Do not put flower pots near heaters during the winter months and under air conditioning in the summer.

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3.4. How to transplant a houseplant

Tradescantia at home love a little cramped conditions, so take your time to change the size of the pot.

Transplant spring, with the beginning of new growth, this procedure is usually carried out simultaneously with pruning.

Young bushes are planted annually in a larger pot, but adult specimens can only be transplanted every 2 - 3 years.

Pot for tradescantia should have large drainage holes.The plant has a very modest root system and should be planted rather in shallow, wide bowls.

Instead of transplanting, it is better to use gentle transshipment, transferring the plant to a new container along with the old clod of earth without destroying it. Such a procedure will be less traumatic for the root system of the flower.

1. Before planting, a drainage layer is laid out on the bottom of the pot in the form of broken bricks, expanded clay, river pebbles or crushed stone. Also, it would be nice to use fragments of clay pots as a drainage layer.
2. The drainage layer is sprinkled on top with a small layer of substrate and a bush is placed in the center of the pot.
3. Along the perimeter, tradescantia is sprinkled with fresh earth mixture, which, after planting, is tamped with fingertips to remove air pockets.

If there are signs of decay of the root system and the plant does not look very healthy, then it is worth holding transplant with complete soil replacement.

To do this, the plant is taken out of the old pot and the roots are carefully shaken off the old soil, then they are carefully examined, rotten and old roots are cut with a sharp pruner.

Planting of such plants is carried out only in fresh and well-sterilized soil, since pathogens may remain in the old mixture.

In general, Tradescantia is very easily tolerates a transplant and easily recovers after it and continues to develop.

3.5. Diseases and pests of tradescantia

Even for this widespread and unpretentious flower, there is a certain agricultural technique, the violation of which will lead to various diseases.

• An excess of nutrients in the soil is harmful to varieties with variegated leaves - they fade.
• The tips of the leaves dry out and turn brown when the air humidity is low.
• With a lack of lighting, the plants become elongated and pale, the internodes lengthen, and the leaf blades become smaller.
• Variegated varieties in low light can become just green.
• With stagnant moisture and insufficient drainage, the plants rot.

• With a lack of light on the shoots will form less leaves, the internodes will become longer.
• fades with insufficient watering, its leaf blades lose turgor.
• Fungal diseases appear when the bushes are kept in too cool and humid conditions, as well as in case of insufficient air movement.
• does not grow- in the winter months, when kept cool and in low light, plants can really stop their development.
• Leaf blades become small with a lack of nutrients in the substrate, as well as when grown in direct sunlight.

From insect pests the plant can be attacked by spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, thrips and scale insects.

Insects - pests

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3.6. Flowering time

Flowering may come in any season, however, it will be most abundant in summer. Since the plant is kept in the overwhelming majority of cases as an ornamental leaf, the buds that appear can be pinched so that the bush does not waste energy on the formation of flowers.




3.7. Watering

The substrate must be evenly moist spring and summer, when the plants are actively developing. Immerse the Tradescantia pot for a few minutes in a large container of water and allow excess moisture to drain.

After each watering, drain excess moisture from the pan under the pot.

In autumn and winter, the frequency of watering is reduced slightly, drying the ground to a depth 1 - 2 cm. before each subsequent watering.

If the plant is given a dormant period in a cool room, then watering should become so rare as to simply prevent the earthen clod from completely drying out.

Especially often small, young Tradescantia need regular watering, adults will endure short-term drying out more easily.

For irrigation use only well maintained for at least a day room temperature water. You can also water the flower with filtered or bottled drinking water.



3.8.Features of cultivation - fertilizer

From spring to autumn feed complex fertilizers every 2 weeks.

In autumn and winter, the frequency of top dressing is reduced to 1 time per month or stopped altogether until spring. Resume fertilization only in the spring, with the appearance of the first signs of new growth.

Green-leaved species respond positively to both mineral, so on organic fertilizers, variegated varieties are best fed with mineral ones.For green Tradescantia, the most successful will be alternation organic and mineral fertilizers.

An excess of organic matter in the soil in which the variegated plant is grown will lead to a loss in the brightness of the leaf plates.

Top dressing with a high nitrogen content enhances the growth of green mass, but the leaves lose turgor and become soft.

Make a nutrient solution only in moist soil, after abundant watering. The ingress of fertilizers in dry soil on the root system of the plant can cause a burn.



3.9 Content temperature

Tradescantia plants thermophilic and kept at a temperature 20 - 24 °C during the whole year. In the winter months, the temperature of the content should be slightly lowered, as there is not enough lighting and the shoots will become elongated.

If you use artificial lighting, then a dormant period when growing a flower is not necessary.

Plants do not tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C.



3.10. How to spray tradescantia

When the central heating is turned on or the temperature is elevated, the air in the room becomes too dry and the plants will need high humidity.

Place Tradescantia on a tray of damp pebbles or use a room humidifier. When growing on a tray, make sure the water level is always below the bottom of the pot.

Spray you can in the morning with water at room temperature, not forgetting good air movement. Spraying is carried out in the morning, so that moisture droplets have time to evaporate from the surface of the leaf plates before dusk and do not cause decay.



Also, to increase the humidity of the air, you can use a room humidifier or any vessel filled with water and placed next to the plants.

You can also increase the humidity of the air simply by grouping several plants in a limited space.

Do not spray tradescantia such as cyanotis or tradescation sillamontana- fluffy pubescence on the leaves can retain moisture droplets, which will cause rot.

Spraying is also undesirable for tradescantia navicular- it belongs to succulent plants and will be content with the usual dry atmosphere of living quarters.

Place the plants in a room that will ventilate regularly, but do not expose tradescantia to cold drafts.

In the warm season, plants can bathe under the shower with water temperature 35 - 40 degrees Celsius. For the duration of the procedure, do not forget to cover the soil in the pot with plastic wrap - this will save the earthen ball from erosion.

After taking a shower, the plant is still on 20 - 30 minutes leave in the humid atmosphere of the bathroom.

Such procedures help not only to clean the leaf blades from dust, but also help prevent the invasion of harmful insects, such as spider mites.



3.11 Lighting

green-leaved species of this indoor flower can grow in shading, but variegated varieties require several hours of direct sunlight daily - in the morning or evening.

In spring and summer, from 11-00 to 16-00, the plants should be in shading from direct sunlight.

In autumn and winter, when the activity of the sun subsides and the weather is often overcast, you can put tradescantia on south window.

In the shade, with a lack of sunlight, the bright color of variegated plants turns pale. green leaf tradescantia contains a large amount of chlorophyll in the leaves, so growing in partial shade is preferable for her.

Plants grown successfully artificial lighting, which is organized using fluorescent or phytolamps.

The most successful for placement are window sills facing the eastern or western side.

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on the leaves can cause burns.Tradescantia - valuable ornamental plant, undemanding to care. It looks spectacular at any time of the year.

Plants are often grown as ampelous in hanging baskets or in flowerpots, when the hanging stems protrude in a beautiful cascade over the edges of the pots.

Tradescantia is often used as ground cover plants, planting it at the foot of large-sized plants.



3.13 Note

Tradescantia remains attractive for about 2 years, after which it stretches, loses the lower leaves and should be replaced with a fresh plant.

Plant able purify the air indoors from harmful impurities.

White tradescantia juice can cause irritation and redness of the skin - use protective gloves when working with the plant and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after working with the flower.

Interestingly, some varieties of Tradescantia have not irritating, but wound healing juice.

One of the interesting facts about the plant is also that cats, hamsters and parrots like to taste its leaves, as well as other domestic animals - for them, the leaves of this flower are sources of vitamins and trace elements.

Tradescantia zebrina has medicinal properties- its juice is able to lower blood sugar.



3.14 Hydroponics

Tradescantia grow well in hydroponics.

4. Types of tradescantia:

4.1. Tradescantia violet or netcreasia - Setcreasea

A small genus of perennial evergreens - tradescantia with purple leaves. Stems decumbent, creeping. The leaves are green or purple, 10-15 cm long, on short petioles or sessile, arranged alternately. There are varieties with longitudinal pink stripes. Leaf blades have velvet pubescence. The flowers are pink, with 3 triangular petals, up to 2 cm in diameter.



4.2. Tradescantia virginiana - Tradescantia virginiana

One of the subspecies Tradescantia Anderson, is a herbaceous perennial plant up to 90 cm high. The leaves are arcuately curved, linear, slightly bent along the central vein. Flowers with three petals, white, violet-blue, pink or purple, relatively large - up to 4 cm in diameter, with bright yellow stamens, collected in small inflorescences - umbrellas. The flowering period is long, falls on the end of May - beginning of July. Flowering is profuse and attractive.



zebrina - Tradescantia zebrina

Herbaceous, evergreen, perennial, bush plant. Zebrina variegated grows rapidly, its stems can reach 180 cm in length. The leaves are sessile, oval or spear-shaped, 5 - 10 cm long, with sharp tips, very variable in color, but all have stripes. Young leaves and undersides of adult leaves are purple. Pink, white or purple small flowers with 3 petals appear in spring and summer, but are not of particular value.



Reo or veiled - Rhoeo

Reo is a monotypic genus, consisting of only 1 species - an ornamental evergreen herbaceous plant. Long - up to 30 cm, xiphoid, hard reo leaves are located on a strong, low trunk. The lower surface of the leaf blade is colored red or purple. The flowers are small, white, inconspicuous, axillary. Variegated varieties have longitudinal light stripes - white or pink.



4.5. Tradescantia white or white-flowered - Tradescantia albiflora

Plants that have probably gained the most popularity among Tradescantia at the present time. They are a very beautiful, often miniature species with bright striped, very light - almost white leaves and very delicate white flowers. Unfortunately, this plant needs a lot of sunlight; when grown in partial shade, the leaves may turn green.



4.6. Tradescantia small-leaved or riverine - Tradescantia fluminensis

Perennial, evergreen, herbaceous plant with hanging long stems. It forms such a magnificent shape that when grown in hanging pots from a distance it resembles a wig. The leaves are oval, fleshy, green, up to 5 cm long. The underside of the leaf plates is often colored in a contrasting purple hue. The flowers are tiny, three-petaled, white and can appear at any time of the year. Indoor tradescantia rarely indulge flower growers with the appearance of buds.

Small-leaved tradescantia is sometimes used as a dense groundcover.



4.7. Tradescantia sillamontana or cyanotis - Tradescantia sillamontana

Perennial, evergreen, herbaceous, "shaggy", succulent plant with branched, rather thick, creeping shoots. The leaves of this variety are lanceolate or linear, glossy, fleshy, covered with a delicate white fluff, arranged alternately. The flowers are axillary, blue or purple, of little interest. Outwardly, the plant resembles a related tradescantia. In some varieties, the underside of the leaf blade has a burgundy hue.

4.8. Tradescantia blossfeldiana - Tradescantia blossfeldiana

This variety of tradescantia is a very unpretentious, ground cover perennial plant with creeping, thick, profusely branching stems and dark green, narrow leaves. The lower surface of the leaf blades has a rich attractive pubescence. At any time of the year, pink, blue, purple or white flowers with three petals can appear on the plant.



4.9. Tradescantia Lodges - Tradescantia loddgiesii

Bright ornamental plant with long leaves. The upper part of the leaf blade often has three-petalled, inconspicuous, small, white or pink flowers.

An unusual plant, tradescantia, known since the 17th century, continues to win the sympathy of novice flower growers. And those who have been involved in flowers for a long time and know a lot about plants find new positive qualities in it. In nature, there are many types of Tradescantia, so unlike each other. Through the efforts of breeders, new varieties and hybrids are created. Having learned all the nuances of simple plant care, you will be happy to engage in the fascinating process of growing it at home, and, perhaps, over time, experienced flower growers will envy your Tradescantia collection.

Description of the origin and appearance of tradescantia

To say that tradescantia is a plant known to many is to say nothing. Even a person who is not fond of floriculture is probably familiar with this name. Somewhere at work, with friends, at school, a clinic or a kindergarten, these modest, but at the same time surprisingly cute plants certainly caught the eye.

It turns out that tradescantia, which lived in almost every apartment in Soviet times, is American by origin. Its habitat falls on the temperate and tropical zones of the American continent and stretches from southern Canada to northern Argentina. Homeland is considered to be warm and humid tropical forests of North America.

Carl Linnaeus named the plant in honor of the naturalist, naturalist and part-time royal gardener John Tradescant. In colloquial language, tradescantia is often referred to as "women's gossip".

Tradescantia belongs to the evergreen herbaceous perennials belonging to the Kommelinov family. The plant has fragile, flexible creeping or straight shoots. They take root easily if they spread along the ground. The leaves, arranged alternately, have a different shape - elliptical, ovate, lanceolate. Small flowers, depending on the type of white, pink, purple. Inflorescences are located on the tops of the shoots or in the leaf axils.

In the literature on the care of domestic flowers, a plant called Reo or Reo is sometimes found, described as an independent genus. In fact, it used to be so, but now Reo is included in the genus Tradescantia.

Beneficial features

Not everyone knows that tradescantia is a medicinal plant. A leaf applied and fixed to the affected area will heal minor cuts and scratches. Tradescantia juice, rubbed into the gums, will help to cope with periodontal disease. Plant-based preparations are used in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections, diseases of the throat and gastrointestinal tract.

Indoors, tradescantia helps purify the air and neutralizes electromagnetic radiation.

At home, keeping tradescantia is very simple. It can be called a leader among the most undemanding indoor plants. It is so unpretentious that even a novice florist can quite cope with its cultivation. Due to its unpretentiousness in care, tradescantia is successfully used for landscaping apartments, offices, and other premises. The plant gets along well with other representatives of the green world, therefore it often decorates flower arrangements in flower beds, in winter gardens, green corners, even in an aquarium this plant will live. Tradescantia looks great both in hanging planters and as a groundcover.

This amazing plant can even live in an aquarium.

The tradescantia genus has many varieties and species. Among them there are ground covers, ampelous and bushy varieties (mainly those that are grown on the street). About 70 species are successfully grown indoors.

Table: varieties and species popular in indoor floriculture

Use in the design of the apartment

Tradescantia is most often grown as an ampelous plant, allowing the stems to cascade down. But you can put green whips on vertical supports fixed in a pot. Often flower growers fasten strong threads across the room, and then, tradescantia begins to master them. It is possible, having shown imagination, to make some form of wire, and the plant, in turn, will master it with pleasure. Or use traditional flower ladders.

With the help of tradescantia, you can create a real living wall. To do this, plant the rooted cuttings in a long container and build a p-shaped structure over it. From the top bar, let go down and fasten strong threads at the level of the soil. By pinching the plants, you will make it branch and grow actively, braiding the structure.

Phytowalls can be of any size, placed in any place, including dimly lit. After decades of worshiping synthetics, mankind has chosen the path of returning to everything natural, created by nature itself. And this is very correct.

Photo gallery: zebrina, myrtle, virgin, Blossfeld, hairy, Anderson and others

Tradescantia veiled or Reo - several names have been fixed in everyday life for this large variegated plant. So, in various countries of the world, a flower is called Moses in the cradle, a Lily boat, and even an oyster plant. One of the popular indoor species is called zebrin tradescantia or hanging tradescantia. Both one and the second name fully reflect the appearance of the plant with drooping knotty shoots, 10-centimeter pointed leaves and small lilac-pink flowers Tradescantia sillamontana is literally wrapped in thick white felt. This feature allows you to save moisture and protects the leaves from the scorching rays of the sun. The flowers of Tradescantia white-flowered (three-flowered) are small, white. The stems are creeping, and the leaves are wide, thick, ovate. Stems thinner, purple. The leaves are smaller: green above, pure purple below or with irregular purple spots. It blooms profusely with white flowers about 1 cm in diameter. Tradescantia Blossfeld is a semi-succulent plant native to Argentina with purple leaves below and red-green above. The flowers of this species are also interesting - with three petals growing on long pubescent stems, Tradescantia hairy is distinguished by erect stems and elongated leaves with dense felt white pubescence. The flowers are small, lilac-pink, located at the ends of the shoots of Tradescantia navicular - one of the most decorative ampelous forms of this genus Tradescantia Anderson - a herbaceous plant that can be grown both at home and in an open-air garden plot. The peculiarity of this plant is that the flower simply loves cloudy weather.

Table: seasonal maintenance at home

Planting and transplanting into new soil

The plant after wintering needs a transplant. During the winter, the stems of Tradescantia may dry out, the color may change, the plant may lose its attractive appearance. All these are signs that the plant needs to be transplanted.

Soil preparation

Tradescantia is so undemanding that absolutely any soil is suitable for it. You can buy universal earth in the store. And, of course, given the natural features of tradescantia, you can make a soil mixture with your own hands. A mixture of equal parts is quite suitable:

• leaf land;
• sod land;
• humus;
• coarse sand.

If you don't find any of the components, it's okay. The main thing is that the mixture is light, loose and passes water well.

Why you need a shallow pot

The capacity for planting and transplanting should be shallow, as the root system of the plant is very weak and delicate, but wide. The material from which the flower pot is made does not matter. The main thing is that there are holes in the bottom to remove excess liquid.

Drainage must be mandatory, otherwise the root system of Tradescantia will die in marshy soil.

Step by step transplant process

Only young plants need annual transplants. Adults disturb less often: 1 time in 2-3 years if necessary. If the root system has fully mastered the interior of the pot and the roots appear in the drainage hole, it's time to start transplanting. The procedure is carried out traditionally - in the spring.

Needing an urgent change of capacity, Tradescantia can be transplanted in winter. But subject to mandatory additional lighting.

Moving from store to new home

A plant purchased in a store must go through a period of adaptation and acclimatization. If you purchased a plant in autumn or winter, then it is best to wait for the beginning of spring and then you can safely transplant tradescantia. It is best to lower the earth lump into the water and after a while the transport soil will begin to move away from the roots.

Care: so that there is no reason to dry, wither, rot

Even despite its complaisance and ability not to bother the owner, tradescantia needs at least minimal attention and care.

Watering: generous in summer, moderate in winter

Spring and summer are periods in which tradescantia should receive generous watering. But in no case should moisture stagnate in the roots. After a good watering, wait for the excess water to drain into the pan and drain it. The next moistening is carried out a couple of days after the topsoil has dried.

Tradescantia are not afraid of short periods without watering. But if you often forget to water the plant, this will definitely negatively affect its health.

In winter, tradescantia is watered less often, the substrate should be in a moderately wet state. If the plant is kept at an average temperature of 12 ° C, then moistening is carried out quite rarely, after the earthen coma has completely dried out.

In summer, tradescantia requires abundant watering.

Don't over feed

Tradescantia does not like heavily fertilized substrates. Therefore, you need to feed the plant very carefully. To excessive application of nutrients, tradescantia can respond with deformed and discolored leaves.

Complex fertilizers for ornamental and deciduous plants begin to be applied from March and are carried out at intervals of 2 weeks. Half the rate from that indicated in the instructions is introduced. Can be alternated with organic fertilizers.

Don't force the plant to bloom

Tradescantia can bloom all year round. But in indoor species, unlike garden ones, flowering is very inexpressive. Therefore, there is no need to show a special desire to make the plant bloom. Moreover, the process can adversely affect the appearance of the plant. The stems will begin to stretch, and the leaves will dry.

Capable of overwintering without a dormant period

As you know, during the dormant period, plants stop growing. This does not apply to Tradescantia. This gum is able to grow actively in the winter, if there are all the prerequisites for this - enough light, warmth and sufficient watering.

If tradescantia does not have favorable conditions for growth, then it goes into forced rest. This will happen if you keep the plant at a temperature of 10 ° C, do not feed and rarely water.

Tradescantia growing in the room, which is not immersed in a state of rest, must be illuminated with fluorescent lamps.

Only garden species - Virginskaya and Anderson - have a pronounced dormant period.

When to trim and pinch

Tradescantia is a fast growing plant that needs mandatory pruning and shaping. Active growth leads to very rapid aging and loss of decorative effect - the leaves, starting from the base, dry up, fall off, the stem becomes bare. Pruning helps to rejuvenate the plant, causes active branching to begin, which will hide old defects and form a lush crown.

You can trim and pinch all year round. The stems should be cut as short as possible - at a distance of 3-5 cm from the soil surface.

Pruning is carried out only after flowering!

Young plants that are actively growing are pinched. This method helps to form the desired shape of the crown and maintains its density.

Incorrect watering, temperature, lighting and other care errors

Despite the ease of care, many novice growers still make mistakes. However, if you immediately pay attention to the problem, it can be easily fixed.

Table: care errors, their elimination

What misfortunes is Tradescantia prone to?

Of the diseases, tradescantia is most susceptible to root rot. And of the pests, perhaps the most dangerous are domestic cats. Do not laugh, cats really love this plant very much, and if the tailed pest manages to get to it, then you won’t have time to blink an eye, as the tradescantia will be eaten. Insects also do not bypass the flower, especially if it is poorly looked after. The most common are spider mites and aphids.

Table: pests, control measures, prevention

Reproduction methods

Tradescantia is propagated by cuttings, dividing the bush, rooting layering and seeds. These methods, especially the first and second, are very simple. The only difficulty is the fragile stems that often break. Therefore, you need to act carefully.

cuttings

It is best to use mature stems that are at least a year old for cuttings. You can carry out the procedure at any convenient time, since the season does not play any role, except that in winter the rooting process may be slightly delayed.

Rooting cuttings in water

You can successfully root cuttings in plain water. During the growth of the root mass, you will have to change the liquid several times so that it does not bloom. But cuttings rooted in water take longer to adapt to the earth mixture.

The division of the bush

This method is carried out simultaneously with transplantation in the spring months:

1. Tradescantia bush is removed from the pot. The earth from the roots can be slightly shaken off.
2. Then, using a sharp knife or simply by hand, the root ball is divided into the desired number of independent plants.
3. Each part is planted in a separate pot and watered.

Rooting cuttings

Thanks to the excellent rooting of creeping stems, they can not be cut into cuttings, but rooted in a pot next to them:

seed propagation

It is necessary to start propagation by seeds in the spring - in March. This method is not as fast as cutting, dividing or rooting layering.

Seeding steps:

Today, many flower growers have exotic flowers in honor: succulents of unusual color and shape, decorative leafy or even insectivorous plants. And in vain, in my opinion.

Just don’t think, reader, that the author is an old grumbler who has turned everything in the world, and now has taken up gardeners (aging, of course, but not a grumbler!). I started this conversation because sometimes, in pursuit of original species, we forget about indoor plants, which previously delighted our eyes and brought considerable benefits. Just recently I went to visit a grandmother, and a beautiful tradescantia has grown all over her wall. I talked to her, and she told me five reasons why Tradescantia should be in every home.

REASON 1. Unpretentious plant, caring for him on the shoulder of a novice grower.

Tradescantia loves light (still should not be abused, the midday sun can burn the succulent leaves, so at such hours it is better to lightly shade the flower), but it also takes root in slightly shaded rooms.

Moisture-loving plant. It is important that the soil is well-drained.

Grows in normal soddy soil. If desired, you can add sand and peat to the substrate.

As a rule, it does not need additional feeding. In some species, variegation passes under the action of fertilizers.

Easily propagated by cuttings. In water, a cut branch gives roots in 3-4 days. However, it is possible to root the stems in the ground without waiting for the roots.

REASON 2. High decorative.

• Both ampelous and ground-blooded plants are grown.
• A mix of tradescantia and other plants looks good.
• Many species that differ in color and shape of leaves (white-green stripes - white-flowered, light yellow - riverine or myrtle, silver-green - zebrina, etc.).
• Regular pinching of elongated stems stimulates the growth of side crops. X shoots.
• The only drawback of the plant - leaves fly around on old stems - can be easily eliminated, it is enough to plant young shoots regularly.
• The plant is fast growing. For a year, the stem grows by 20-30 cm.

REASON 3. Medicinal properties

• Tradescantia effectively cleans and moisturizes the air.
• Tradescantia leaves are used to heal wounds.
• The Indians used tradescantia as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent.
• Venezuelan doctor D. Pirrero claims that tradescantia contains substances similar in their properties to inulin, a substitute for starch and sugar in diabetes mellitus.
• Phytoncides (biologically active substances) contained in the plant can successfully treat sore throats, boils, and gastrointestinal diseases.
• Help with bruises and bruises dressings with tradescantia leaves.
• Granny admits that she regularly looks at the green foliage of tradescantia to relieve eye fatigue.

REASON 4. Feng Shui

• Feng Shui experts say that tradescantia is an energy indicator. Allegedly, it can be used to determine pathogenic zones in any room. Tradescantia does not grow in bad places.

Tradescantia also helps in the fight against negative emotions and thoughts.

And they say that tradescantia not only improves mood, but also contributes to a smiling mood. If your friends do not have a sense of humor, give them a pot of colorful leaves.

REASON 5. Vitamins for animals

• Aquarists often place Tradescantia so that the shoots fall into the water. So, fish lovers solve two problems at once - they decorate the aquarium and treat the fish with green vitamins.
• And cats are happy to chew this grass.

Tradescantia is a representative of the genus of evergreen herbaceous perennial plants, belongs to the Kommelin family. The name Tradescantia comes from the names of the English naturalists John Tradescant Jr. and John Tradescant Senior.

The shape of tradescantia leaves is lanceolate, elliptical or ovoid. Stems can be straight or creeping.

Homeland tradescantia - tropical and temperate part of the American continent.

Most tradescantias are grown as houseplants, but they can also grow in greenhouses and conservatories.

Types of houseplant Tradescantia and photo

The tradescantia genus includes about thirty different species.

Domestic Tradescantia

Tradescantia, which are grown as indoor, are of the following types:

White-flowered tradescantia also has such names as tradescantia tricolor and tradescantia uridis

In another way, it is also called "tradescantia tricolor" or "tradescantia uridis".

The plant is native to South America.

Stems are creeping. The leaves are broad and oblong, ovoid, pointed at the top, smooth on both sides.

The length of the leaves is about 6 cm, the width of the leaves is about 3 cm.

The color of the leaves is green or silver, with a glossy sheen.

The flowers are small and white, the bracts are white.

There are several varieties of this type of tradescantia:

1. Albovittata - stripes on the leaves are only white.
2. Tricolor - stripes on the leaves are lilac-pink and white.
3. Aurea - green stripes, yellow leaves.
4. Aureovittata - longitudinal golden stripes on the leaves.

Blossfeld

The plant is native to Argentina.

Stems are creeping and ascending. The leaves are oblong, elliptical, pointed at the top, covered with white hairs at the bottom.

The length of the leaves is about 8 cm, the width of the leaves is about 3 cm.

The color of the leaves is greenish-red above, purple below.

The flowers are small, pink.

The most common variety of Tradescantia Blosfeld is variegata or variegated. Its peculiarity is the presence of a small number of yellow and green stripes on large leaves, while the pattern on neighboring leaves is the same.

The striped tradescantia also has the names hanging tradescantia and hanging zebrina.

Another name is “hanging tradescantia” or “hanging zebrina”.

The stems are smooth, hanging or creeping, often becoming reddish in color. The leaves are elongated, ovoid.

The length of the leaves is about 8 cm, the width of the leaves is about 5 cm.

The color of the leaves is green with silvery stripes above, red below.

The flowers are small, purple.

Another name is "tradescantia myrtoleaf".

The plant is native to Brazil.

The stems are creeping, painted red, covered with green spots. Leaves are ovate, smooth.

The length of the leaves is about 2.5 cm, the width of the leaves is about 2.5 cm.

Leaf color is green above, red below.

The following varieties are known:

1. Variegata - beige stripes.
2. Quicksilver - stripes are white.

In the photo, garden tradescantia

Tradescantia, of course, is better known as a house plant, but a species of this plant has been bred that can overwinter in the open field in cold conditions. This is Anderson Tradescantia, this name combines varieties bred on the basis of Virginia Tradescantia.

Shoots straight, branched.

The leaves are lanceolate, purple and green.

The flowers are collected in an inflorescence in the form of an umbrella, they can be white, pink, blue or purple.

The best varieties:

1. Leonora - flowers are blue or purple.
2. Osprey - white flowers, blue center.
3. Iris - bright blue flowers.
4. Innocence - white flowers.
5. Sweet Kate - dark blue flowers.
6. Red Grape - crimson flowers.

What other varieties of tradescantia are known

In addition to the varieties of indoor Tradescantia described above, the following are also found:

• rainbow hill- lilac leaves on top, green with white stripes below, lilac or white flowers;
• gold wing- yellow-green leaves;
• Maiden's Blush- new leaves are white or pink, old leaves are pink-white, with green ends;
• Yellow Hill- leaves are green with beige, white or yellow stripes on top, green below.

Rules for the care of tradescantia at home

Tradescantia is a plant that does not require increased attention.

Tradescantia is not a capricious plant, it does not require much care. At home, it is often grown in planters or in pots hung from a window or other part of the room.

What kind of lighting is needed for a plant

Tradescantia like to have light diffused, although they can withstand both bright sunlight and lack of light. It is best to place a pot of Tradescantia on the western or eastern side of the apartment, on the north it can also be comfortable, on the south additional shade may be required.

Variegated plant species require more light. With a lack of light, they turn pale and green. But an excess of sunlight can burn the tradescantia leaves too much, and they will burn out.

In the summer, tradescantia pots can be moved to the balcony if it is protected from wind and bright sunlight. It can also be planted in the ground in the country or in the garden.

Temperature regime for indoor flower Tradescantia

Tradescantia is an unpretentious plant, both the average temperature regime (20-24 ° C) and coolness (7-13 ° C) are suitable for it.

Watering the plant

In spring and summer, tradescantia should be watered abundantly, and you also need to make sure that water does not accumulate in the pot. It is advisable to water a couple of days after the soil on top becomes dry. In winter, you need to ensure that the earth is moderately moistened. Water two to three days after the soil has dried out.

It is very important that water does not collect in the pot holder. Some time after watering, it is advisable to drain the excess water that has collected in the stand and wipe the stand dry. Water for irrigation should be settled.

If tradescantia is in cool conditions (10-15 ° C), it should be watered less often, after the earth has completely dried.

This plant can withstand quite a long absence of watering, but this adversely affects it.

Air humidity

There are no special requirements for humidity, but the plant loves to be sprinkled with water, especially in hot weather.

Priming

Tradescantia is undemanding to the soil, grows well in ordinary soil, which can be bought in flower shops.

Fertilizer and top dressing

In summer and spring, it is advisable to feed Tradescantia about two times a month; complex mineral and organic fertilizers are suitable. In autumn and winter, the plant does not need to be fed. Species with a variegated color are not advised to feed with fertilizers of organic origin, because. they may lose their original colors.

Transplantation and pruning tradescantia

Tradescantia does not have to be transplanted often, because. This plant grows very fast. But if such a need arises, then it is better to transplant in the spring, combining it with pruning.

Types of reproduction indoor flower Tradescantia

Tradescantia propagated by seeds and cuttings

Reproduction of Tradescantia occurs by planting seeds, cuttings or by division.

Seeds are best propagated in the spring. Seeds need to be sown in small greenhouses, where it will be constantly maintained at about 20 ° C. In greenhouses, constant ventilation and spraying should be carried out. Flowers appear by the third year.

Propagation by cuttings can be carried out at any time. Young stems should be cut into cuttings, about 15 cm each, and planted in several pots. After a couple of days, the cuttings will take root.

Propagation by division is best done in the spring, when young stems begin to grow.

Diseases and pests of tradescantia

The most common pests of tradescantia are aphids, spider mites, scale insects. They settle on both sides of the leaves, the leaves lose their color and die. Aphids most often attack young stems and leaves.

It is necessary to conduct regular inspections of the plant. If the leaves are not severely damaged, you can wash them with soapy water. If this does not help, you can apply an insecticide.

Possible problems

• Few leaves - not enough light, water and top dressing.
• Leaves of the same color - not enough light.
• The leaves are sluggish, yellow, with spots - not enough water.
• The ends of the leaves are dry, painted brown - the air in the room is too dry.

Useful properties of room tradescantia

Tradescantia has long been known for its beneficial properties. Even Buddhist monks grew tradescantia for medicinal purposes. Tradescantia leaves contributed to the rapid healing of wounds. In some countries, tradescantia was taken orally, in Cuba it was used for disorders of the digestive system, in Jamaica - for the treatment of tuberculosis, in Venezuela - for the treatment of diabetes.

The healing properties of tradescantia, apparently, are familiar to cats, because they love to nibble on the leaves of this plant. Therefore, if a mustachioed pet lives at your house, it is better to remove the flower higher, and only occasionally give its leaves to chew as a treat.

Currently, tradescantia is used in medicine for the treatment of boils, hematomas, purulent wounds, and periodontal disease. Watch the video about the medicinal properties of this plant, we wish you a pleasant viewing.

Tradescantia is familiar to almost everyone: until recently, it was the decoration of any room. And schools, kindergartens, hospitals, were simply crammed with these plants - few institutions did not have pots with hanging multi-colored shoots on the shelves.

In our time, new, picturesque varieties and species have appeared that are in demand among modern flower growers due to their unpretentiousness and ease of breeding. Flower growers call it 'women's gossip' because of the long branches that are so tangled that it is difficult to make out where one or another shoot originates.

Description of tradescantia

The tradescantia genus (Tradescantia) consists of approximately 60 species of perennial herbaceous plants, originating from the humid tropics and subtropical forests. Some of them are in dry areas. The main decoration are amazing leaves growing on long stems with multiple branches. Their color ranges from light green to blueberry and depends on lighting, temperature. Some varieties have original stripes on the leaves. In our climate, they are grown both in the house and in flower beds.

Due to the peculiarity of the branches to lodging, it is used as an ampelous culture. At first, young stems grow straight up, but soon droop, unable to withstand their own weight. Therefore, they look more respectable in wall planters, on the upper shelves of furniture. Under natural conditions, commeline grow on the ground, with the help of sprawling, rooting branches, they capture uninhabited places.

Kommelinaceae are known for hanging stems with alternate leaves that completely hug the trunk at the junctions. To get out, the side shoots often have to tear the covering leaf. The veins on the leaves diverge in parallel lines. But the main distinguishing features are associated with the flower. The three petals are white, pink, lilac or purple, enclosed in greenish, loose sepals and only live for a couple of days.

On the hanging branches there are barely noticeable rudiments of roots, which, when in contact with a moist soil substrate, immediately increase in size and cling to the ground, which is successfully used in breeding.

Tradescantia care at home

The correct conditions for keeping tradescantia will ensure its full development, abundant flowering, and the formation of green mass. The beauty will delight her owner, giving a positive charge of energy and a great mood. I am glad that there are almost no care requirements and it is very easy to follow them.

If the plant lives in the same pot for a long time- the roots no longer cope with the task of providing nutrition to the green mass - partial drying of the leaves begins and the lower part of the stem is exposed, which subsequently dries out: the crown parts hang from the pot on elongated, almost bare, shoots. In this case, cuttings are urgently required to obtain young bushes.

Basically, all Tradescantia love rooms with high humidity and abundant watering.. They can leave a small amount of water in the pan for a short time. It is watered abundantly, without waiting for the earthen clod to dry, reducing the volume of water only when the room temperature drops. Only a few desert species require the soil to dry out between waterings.

The more abundantly fertilize Tradescantia, the faster they grow.. Top dressing is carried out in the phase of active growth. Fertilizers can be any - organic or mineral.

Usually tradescantias are not transplanted, with the exception of especially valuable specimens, which are transferred to a large bowl with the addition of fresh earth. Ordinary plants are simply updated using cuttings, because over time, the lower parts of the stem become bare and the flowers become ugly.

Growing tradescantia from cuttings

Even the most inexperienced flower lover can propagate tradescantia.

• Cuttings 10 cm long are taken from adult specimens.
• Leaves are removed from the lower internodes.
• Immediately several pieces are planted in a pot and watered abundantly.
• To speed up the process, you can cover the pot with a jar. When new kidneys appear, the jar is removed.
• Cuttings can be rooted in water, with further planting in the ground.

Tradescantia can be rooted even with a very small segment of the stem with a pair of leaves. It is buried with the lower part into the soil mixture - roots and shoots simultaneously grow from the internode. If you cover the cutting with a transparent jar, the plant will quickly release new shoots.

One of the British flower growers placed the sprout in a glass bottle and closed it with a cork. Only once did he water the plant. And this flower has been growing in a vessel without soil for more than 50 years, forming a closed ecosystem. Amazing, right?

For garden forms, dividing the bush and seed propagation is relevant. Some species are self-seeding. When transplanting, the roots are cut a little and the bush is divided into parts. The plant quickly recovers and blooms.

Planting Tradescantia

Planting tradescantia is simple - you need to prepare a nutrient soil. The nutrient mixture for orchids is best suited: the substrate is quite loose, has good drainage properties, and contains all the substances necessary for the plant.

To plant tradescantia:

• Filling the pot with substrate
• We make a recess for the cutting with the root system and place it there, sprinkle it with earth.
• If the cutting is without a root, simply press it into the ground to a depth of 3-4 cm.
• Watering.

Tradescantia planting is over! It remains to water on time and enjoy the rapid growth of the flower.

Pests and diseases of Tradescantia

Tradescantia is resistant to attack by pests and is not very susceptible to diseases. Nevertheless, the necessary measures should be taken, noticing negative changes. The red mite sometimes settles on the back side. To avoid the appearance of pests, you can periodically water the earth in pots with a solution of tar soap.

If a large number of insects are found, the plant, together with the pot, is placed in a plastic bag and the flower itself, the pots and the soil are carefully treated with an insecticide. The bag should be tied in a knot and the plant left in it for 5 days. After that, the processing is repeated. Three times processing completely eliminates pests. The place where the pot was located should also be wiped with a cloth moistened with an insecticide solution to avoid re-infection.

Most varieties are loyal to the conditions - they endure the lack of light, nutrients, watering, air humidity, and attention from the owner, although their appearance suffers.

Kommeline can be kept in a hydroponic culture - their roots are quite resistant to the absence of air. To maintain Tradescantia at this content, nutrients should be provided by dissolving them in water. Such a solution is poured into the dishes where they are.

Types of tradescantia with photos and names with descriptions

Hairy Tradescantia Tradescantia villosa

This tradescantia is easy to identify by leaves covered with silvery pubescence. It is not quite ordinary: it is not only a very beautiful, but also a resistant plant, calmly enduring drought. There are examples when the hairy tradescantia lived without water for several weeks. With a lack of moisture, the leaves turn purple, lose elasticity - as if the plant freezes. But as soon as a little water gets on the roots, it will come to life and bloom with amazing purple flowers. This flower feels good where other flowers cannot withstand the heat and sun - on the windowsills of the southern windows and even next to the central heating radiators. In summer, you can plant it on the balcony.

Tradescantia white-flowered Tradescantia albiflora photo planting and care

The stem of the plant is herbaceous, strongly branched. Its malachite leaves are sometimes slightly pubescent, and the flowers are white. In order for the bush to be more picturesque, flowering shoots should be pinched, because flowering is inconspicuous and depletes the plant. The most common form is with leaves mottled with irregular white stripes on a light emerald background. The Laekensis form differs from the previous one with pink stripes, while Tricolor has both white and pink stripes.

Tradescantia Blossfeld Tradescantia blossfeldiana photo

This form has a few wide stripes of yellow and green. With a lack of lighting, inept cuttings or pruning, beautiful stripes on the leaves can disappear forever.

River Tradescantia Tradescantia fluminensis

This species has frequent light yellow stripes. The creeping shoots of this species have a magnificent purple color with greenish specks.

Tradescantia navicularis Tradescantia navicularis

A wonderful plant that forms clumps among thickets of cacti on clay soil. It can rightly be considered a succulent - the supply of moisture is contained in all parts.

Tradescantia sillamontana Tradescantia sillamontana photo

It is literally shrouded in thick white felt - it is problematic to determine the real colors of its leaf plates. Its stems grow vertically, and the leaves are arranged in a spiral. Bright pink flowers are especially spectacular against the background of whitish leaves.

Tradescantia virginiana Tradescantia virginiana photo

It is successfully grown in household plots as a perennial plant. It has erect stems with ribbon-like leaf blades. It blooms with numerous flowers of pink, blue, collected umbrellas. The fruit is a box with opening doors.

Tradescantia Anderson Tradescantia andersoniana

Abundantly flowering perennial for flower beds with a straight stem 35-75 cm high. It has many varieties.
Garden species of tradescantia are bred without problems by cuttings, seeds, dividing the bush. Such an operation is carried out at the beginning of the season, cutting the roots a little, after which the flowers are quickly restored. Propagating by seeds, you can get specimens completely different from the parent.

This inconspicuous flower has a number of positive qualities.

• The plant is able to purify the environment from negative emissions: tobacco smoke, toxins that exude building materials and furniture.
• Neutralizes the electromagnetic field emitted by household appliances.
• It is actively used in folk medicine - heals wounds, stops bleeding, relieves inflammation, improves the condition of diabetics.
• Scientists have found in the juice of tradescantia variety Zebrina a substance similar in quality to insulin.
• Phytoncides of commeline destroy viruses and microbes present in the room.
• Tradescantia moisturizes the air, improving the microclimate.
• Pets, especially cats, love to eat juicy leaves. Aquarium fish, birds eat crushed leaves with pleasure.
• It is believed that tradescantia cleanses the energy field of the house, removes damage, the evil eye, improves the relationship of others. Great for all zodiac signs.

Tradescantia, one of the first representatives of the plant world, traveled into space by traveling on a satellite. This beautiful and useful plant brings a lot of positive emotions to its owners.