Tradescantia 'Yellow Hill' is a vibrant and easy-to-grow cultivar of Tradescantia, commonly known as spiderwort or inch plant. This trailing plant is prized for its variegated foliage, featuring lance-shaped leaves with stripes of bright yellow and green. The variegation pattern can vary from leaf to leaf, adding to its visual interest. It's a popular choice for hanging baskets, shelves, or as a groundcover in warmer climates. It belongs to the Commelinaceae family.
The genus name Tradescantia honors John Tradescant the Elder and John Tradescant the Younger, English naturalists and gardeners. 'Yellow Hill' refers to the bright yellow stripes on the leaves, which create a "hill" of color.
Light: Tradescantia 'Yellow Hill' thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and fade the variegation, while insufficient light can lead to less pronounced variegation and leggy growth. A spot near a window with filtered light, or a room with ample ambient light, is ideal.
Water: Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water thoroughly when you do water, ensuring any excess drains away. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while allowing the plant to dry out too much can cause the leaves to wilt and brown.
Potting mix: A well-draining potting mix is essential. A standard houseplant potting mix, amended with perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage, is a good choice.
Fertilising: Feed your Tradescantia 'Yellow Hill' with a diluted balanced liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or stop fertilising during the autumn and winter months.
Temperature: Tradescantia 'Yellow Hill' prefers typical room temperatures, roughly between 18-24°C (65-75°F). It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from cold temperatures. Avoid placing it near draughts or heating/cooling vents.
Humidity: While Tradescantia 'Yellow Hill' can tolerate average household humidity, it appreciates slightly higher levels. Using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water can be beneficial, especially in drier environments.
Growth Habit: Tradescantia 'Yellow Hill' is a trailing plant that can be grown in hanging baskets, trained to climb on a support, or allowed to trail.
Pruning: Regular pruning can help maintain the desired shape and size. Pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth.
Toxicity: Tradescantia 'Yellow Hill' is mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.