Tradescantia fluminensis 'Quadricolor'

Tradescantia fluminensis 'Quadricolor'

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Tradescantia fluminensis is part of the Commelinaceae family and its native range is SE. & S. Brazil to N. Argentina. Tradescantia is a prostrate creeping herb which trails, leaves are thin and lanceolate with light pink, cream and green stripes of variegation. 

Genus name honors John Tradescant (1570-1638), botanist and gardener to Charles I. Specific epithet comes from the Latin flumen meaning river and ensis meaning origin, this is in reference to the plant growing near rivers.

Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive.

Water: Allow the first 2-3 inches of mix to dry out. Before watering, ensure the substrate isn’t compacted, if it is, aerate it with a few pokes of a skewer or blunt stick. I’d recommend watering from below; sit the plant in a basin or saucer of water for 30 minutes, remove and allow to drain. This plant has a very dense crown and stems that are prone to rot. 

Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings.

Fertilising: Feed your plant every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.

Temperature: Ideally 18-23°C.

Humidity: Tradescantia would prefer higher humidity but do well to adapt to average home humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.

Tradescantia are toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.