Proper care of Tradescantia at home. Tradescantia care at home, propagation by cuttings, planting and growing Why does Tradescantia die

Despite its unpretentiousness, if not properly cared for, tradescantia is prone to the appearance of diseases that have a detrimental effect on the overall appearance of the bush. Signs of diseases and errors when caring for flowers:

  • Drying of the tips of the leaves indicates insufficient air humidity.
  • Yellowing leaves - the plant lacks moisture.
  • The shoots grow, the leaves do not grow and fall off, they lose their characteristic stripes - lack of light.
  • Blackening of the leaves indicates rot.
  • Flowering does not occur for a long time or is completely absent - excess.

The source of the disease for indoor and outdoor Tradescantia can be a diseased plant. In addition to being affected by rot, it is susceptible to attack by spider mites and thrips. To prevent the appearance of rot, it is enough to drain the remaining water from the pan and follow the rules of agricultural technology.

Tip: to rejuvenate Tradescantia before the winter cold and improve its aesthetic appearance, replant the flower.

Insects attack the lower parts of the plant, changing the appearance and affecting other flowers. To control pests, use a soap solution, an infusion of garlic, and if the affected area is large (for example, in the garden), spraying is necessary. A pronounced positive effect in the fight against insects and slugs is observed after treatment with Actellik, Decis, Karate and permethrin-based preparations.

Maintaining comfortable conditions and proper care at home will enable Tradescantia to fully develop and delight with lush flowering. A well-groomed plant will always delight and decorate your home at any time of the year.

More information can be found in the video:

Today, many gardeners value exotic flowers: succulents of unusual color and shape, decorative foliage or even insectivorous plants. And in vain, in my opinion.

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

REASON 1. An unpretentious plant, a novice gardener can take care of it.

    Tradescantia loves light (you should not overuse it, the midday sun can burn the succulent leaves, so at such times it is better to slightly 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 ordinary turf soil. If desired, you can add sand and peat to the substrate.

    As a rule, does not require additional feeding. In some species, variegation disappears under the influence of fertilizers.

    Easily propagated by cuttings. In water, a cut twig produces roots in 3-4 days. However, you can root the stems in the ground without waiting for the roots.


REASON 2. Highly decorative.

  • They grow both ampelous and ground-blooded plants.
  • A mix of tradescantia and other plants looks good.
  • Many species differing in color and leaf shape (white-green stripes - white-flowered, light yellow - riverside or myrtle-leaved, silver-green - zebrina, etc.).
  • Regular pinching of elongated stems stimulates the growth of side plants. X shoots.
  • The only drawback of the plant - leaves fly off on old stems - can be easily eliminated by regularly replanting young shoots.
  • The plant is characterized by rapid growth. Over the course of a year, the stem grows 20-30 cm.

REASON 3. Medicinal properties

  • Tradescantia effectively purifies and humidifies 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 properties to inulin, a substitute for starch and sugar in diabetes mellitus.
  • Phytoncides (biologically active substances) contained in the plant can successfully treat sore throat, boils, and gastrointestinal diseases.
  • Bandages with Tradescantia leaves help with bruises and hematomas.
  • 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. Supposedly, 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.

    They also say that Tradescantia not only improves mood, but also promotes a smiling mood. If your friends don't 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 chew this grass with pleasure.

Tradescantia is a common houseplant. Although in its homeland, America, it is a common weed. In our country, Tradescantia is very loved by gardeners for its excellent decorative properties and unpretentiousness. Home care: what is it?

If earlier the plant was simply a tremendous success and could be seen almost everywhere, now the fashion for this chic hanging plant has passed. But for beginning gardeners, growing tradescantia is a great opportunity to try their hand.

What does the plant look like?

Tradescantia, which we will consider in detail today to care for at home, looks very beautiful. The long, bright green stems can grow up to one meter in length. And if the pot with the plant is placed on a high shelf, the resulting waterfall of greenery will become the highlight of the room’s interior.

The leaves of the plant grow up to 15 centimeters in length. They are very thin and located alternately on the stem. The foliage can be either pure green or variegated in color. Quite a few species boast reddish, white and yellow stripes on their leaves.

But the plant blooms discreetly. Tradescantia flowers are very small and can have white, pink or purple shades. They open early, before the sun has yet begun to shine in full force. During the day the buds are closed. True, on a cloudy day, Tradescantia leaves its buds blooming until evening.

Plant care

Tradescantia is a flower that has very fragile graceful stems hanging over a beautiful waterfall. Although the plant is a perennial, it is recommended to rejuvenate it approximately once every 2 years, and sometimes this period is reduced to one year. The fact is that as they grow, the lower leaves dry out and the stem becomes completely bare. It doesn't look very nice, so the plant needs to be replanted. We’ll talk about how to propagate Tradescantia a little later.

Temperature

The Tradescantia flower, which is not too difficult to care for, is also undemanding about ambient temperature. It thrives in both cool and warm rooms. Of course, the plant will not tolerate excessive hypothermia, so the lower temperature level is +10 degrees. But white-flowered Tradescantia grows well even at +7. In addition, the flower loves the flow of fresh air and is not at all afraid of drafts.

Light mode

Tradescantia is a flower that, although unpretentious to care for, grows better in good light. If the bulk of house flowers need shading, then this green cascade prefers to receive direct sunlight. Partial shade will also not prevent the plant from fully demonstrating its decorative properties. But there are some nuances here. Variegated varieties of Tradescantia acquire a brighter color in a well-lit room, while the plain leaves of the plant become faded under the constant rays of the sun. And plants placed in partial shade again acquire a rich green tint.

Watering

Tradescantia, which we are now considering caring for at home, loves water very much. During the entire active growing season, which lasts from spring to autumn, it requires constant watering. It is simply impossible to fill it. The only “but” is that the earthen ball should always be moist, but stagnation of water should not be allowed.

In the winter months, the plant is watered less, but the soil should still remain slightly moist at all times. The water to be used for this purpose must be settled.

Feeding Tradescantia

During spring and all summer, the plant must be fertilized at intervals of two weeks. With the onset of winter, fertilizing is carried out once for a month and a half. Any complex or organic compounds can be used as fertilizer. But for variegated varieties, you should purchase specialized fertilizers. Fertilizing must be combined with watering.

Landing: some subtleties

Tradescantia, planting and caring for which is the topic of our conversation, is an undemanding plant. But if the goal is to get a truly magnificent specimen, then you need to follow some rules. You can use ordinary soil as a planting substrate, but then the plant is not at all immune from various unpleasant situations. After all, various pests can live in the soil. Sometimes Tradescantia is literally occupied by black mosquitoes. This can only be dealt with by using chemicals. And in order not to complicate plant care, it is best to use a ready-made flower mixture. If you can’t buy one, you can make the soil yourself. You need to take leaf humus, turf and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1. Each component must first be thoroughly calcined in the oven.

Humidity level

There is no need to constantly spray Tradescantia, but periodic spraying will not make it worse. This is especially true in winter, when the heating season begins. You can irrigate the flower with settled water several times during the day. As you can see, Tradescantia is very unpretentious. Home care is completely simple. Now it’s time to get acquainted with the plant’s propagation options.

Plant propagation

The flower reproduces very simply, and most importantly - quickly. The main method - cuttings - can be used throughout the year. But in winter, when it is significantly reduced, the rooting process of the plant is delayed. During the rest of the year, cut cuttings produce roots within two weeks. The planting substrate is made up of the following components: compost soil, sand and humus (in a 1:1:1 ratio). After the plant takes root, it will take no more than a month to regain its decorative appearance.

Tradescantia, which is planned to be propagated, should not be too “old”. For cuttings it is necessary to select young shoots. Cuttings intended for rooting must have at least 6 sections.

You can propagate the flower using seeds. This option is best suited for spring. You can start planting seeds as early as March, using window mini-greenhouses. A combination of peat and sand in a 1:1 ratio is recommended as a planting substrate. The optimal temperature for seed germination is +20 degrees. The soil should be periodically moistened using a spray bottle and also ventilated. When seedlings appear, they need to be sprayed quite often. Tradescantia grown from seeds bloom during the third year of life.

Diseases and pests

Scale insects can be dealt with using soap or alcohol solutions. It is necessary to wet a cloth and remove insects. Such procedures are carried out several times a week, but not less than four. If the plant is affected too severely, then it must be treated with preparations such as Actellik, Karbofos or Fufanon.

Aphids mainly damage young shoots. The leaves lose color and fall off. The milk of aphids becomes an excellent basis for which does not allow the process of photosynthesis to fully proceed. The plant will be saved from aphids by spraying with soap solutions, since soap covers the pests and does not allow them to breathe. “Fitoverm” and the same “Aktellik” will help in the fight against spider mites.

We hope that our article helped you get answers to your questions. And now your pet will delight you with its beauty.

Tradescantia is a famous plant. It decorates many houses and institutions with its hanging shoots of green and variegated colors. They love this plant for its unpretentiousness and ease of care. Knowing the differences between varieties, shapes and types will help you make the familiar Tradescantia into a spectacular addition to your home interior or garden decoration.

Tradescantia: appearance, origin, distribution

In nature, Tradescantia is a perennial herbaceous creeping plant with long straight or branched shoots and oval or elliptical leaves located alternately on the stem. The flowers are mostly inconspicuous, small, white, pink or blue, located in clusters at the top of the shoot or in the axils of the leaves. In decorative floriculture, Tradescantia is valued for the beauty of its foliage, not its flowers. For the first time, botanical characteristics of this plant were given by the gardener of the English King Charles I, John Tradescant, whose name became the basis for the name.

Tradescantia comes from America, where different species of this plant are found from the northern regions of Argentina in South America to the border with Canada in North America.

Tradescantia is a perennial herbaceous creeping plant with long shoots

To successfully grow a plant in an indoor culture, you need to know the features of its growth in natural conditions:

  • In its homeland, Tradescantia is considered a weed; it prefers swampy, highly moist soils, mainly peat. They are poor in nutrients - therefore, Tradescantia is unpretentious and does not require frequent feeding;
  • The ideal climate for the plant is a warm and humid climate;
  • The illumination of Tradescantia is not important - it easily tolerates both full shade and bright sunlight;
  • As a plant of a tropical climate, in conditions of which it does not have periods of rest, Tradescantia is in the stage of active growth all year round.

Variety of types and forms of Tradescantia

Tradescantia has many varieties and forms, striking in its diversity. This is due not only to the wide distribution of the plant in various climatic zones, but also to the work of breeders. The most famous and popular among floriculture lovers are the following varieties, forms and types:

  1. Tradescantia zebrina, or zebra-shaped. One of the most popular and most famous species. This is a plant with drooping hanging shoots and multi-colored leaves: on the inside they are purple-violet, and on the outside they are green with white and silver stripes. Zebrina flowers are three-petaled and purple. One of the popular varieties of Tradescantia zebrina is Violet Hill. It is easily recognized by the central purple stripe on the outside of the leaf and silver inclusions.
  2. Tradescantia virginiana. As the name suggests, this species is native to Virginia. It is valued for its long flowering. Its flowers, unlike many other types of Tradescantia, are bright and beautiful. They are large, three-petalled, predominantly blue (color can range from white to pink-violet or blue). A distinctive feature is also the long, straight, lanceolate leaves. The shoots reach a height of 60 cm.
  3. Tradescantia Anderson. This is a hybrid formed by crossing Tradescantia virginiana with other species. The result was the appearance of a plant with decorative leaves and beautiful large flowers of various colors. The leaves of Anderson's Tradescantia are not only green, but yellow, purple, and variegated. Varieties with double flowers have been bred.
  4. White-flowered Tradescantia. The most common as a well-known houseplant. It has a drooping creeping stem and ovoid, pale green leaves with longitudinal white stripes, reaching 5 cm in length. In some varieties, the stripes may be golden or pinkish. White-flowered Tradescantia rarely blooms, its flowers are small and inconspicuous.
  5. Tradescantia myrtifolia (or riverside). It is distinguished by small elegant leaves, reaching 3.5 cm in length, located on a purple stem. The leaves on the inside are also purple in color; on top they are a rich green tone. The flowers are small, flowering is abundant.
  6. Tradescantia Blossfeld. It differs from other species in the shape of its leaves, pointed at the ends. Their length reaches 8 cm. The stems are thick, juicy, fleshy, creeping. The leaves are usually variegated: purple underneath, uniform green or green with white stripes and a pinkish tint on the outside. The flowers are pink, numerous, and formed at the ends of the shoots.
  7. Tradescantia sillamontana. Its peculiarity lies in the leaves, which are covered with a white coating, similar to a felt covering.
  8. Tradescantia hairy. This variety is rare. Its stems are erect, and its small leaves are covered with dense hairs that form a fluffy coating. The flowers are pink-lilac, bright.
  9. Tradescantia navicular. A very original representative of this family. It can be immediately recognized by its unusual leaves: juicy and fleshy, tightly pressed to the stems, slightly pubescent, pointed at the ends and boat-shaped.

Photo gallery: types of tradescantia

Variegated multi-colored leaves give a special “zest” to the zebrina. One of the most decorative varieties of zebra-shaped Tradescantia, which attracts attention with its unusual foliage colors, is Violet Hill. Beautiful long-lasting flowering makes the Virginian Tradescantia an excellent decoration for both the home and the garden. Anderson’s Tradescantia is indispensable for decorating gardens and cottages. White-flowered Tradescantia is easy recognizable by its decorative leaves with stripes of white, golden or pink color. The originality of Tradescantia sillamontana is due to the presence of a felt coating on the leaves. The most popular variety in indoor floriculture is the variety with variegated leaves that have a purple-pink coating on a white-green background - Tradescantia Blossfeld. Tradescantia pilosa is distinguished by the presence of hairs on stem and leaves Tradescantia navicularis got its name from the shape of its leaves, reminiscent of a boat.

Reo, or Tradescantia capillata

Reo belongs to the same family as Tradescantia - Commelinaceae. Previously, it was isolated as a separate genus of the family, but currently rheo is classified as a member of the Tradescantia genus. However, the external differences are very striking: the presence of rhizomes; thick, fleshy, non-drooping stem; elongated, hard, large leaves, reaching 30 cm in length and 5–7 cm in width. Reo leaves are colorful, bright - purple-red on the underside and lush green on the top. The flowering is very original: the flowers have the shape of a boat, formed by bracts, inside of which there are inflorescences collected from several small buds. Reo is valued for its decorative foliage.

Reo got its name in honor of a forest nymph. In addition to the main name, there are others by which this plant is known: Moses in a Basket, Moses' Boat, Moses' Boat and even Jesus' Cradle, received for the similarity of the shape of the leaves and bracts with the boat.

Reo is an atypical representative of Tradescantia

Table: keeping tradescantia at home

Lighting Humidity Air temperature
Spring Summer The ideal place for growing Tradescantia at home would be a western or eastern window. When located on the south side, shading is necessary. On a window facing the north side, there is an increased likelihood of shoots stretching, leaves losing their decorative properties, and a decrease or complete absence of flowering.
It should be noted that different varieties require different conditions. For example, Tradescantia, which has hairy leaves, tolerates direct sunlight well, which can cause burns on the leaves of more delicate varieties. Variegated forms are more sensitive to light: bright rays of the sun can cause leaves to turn pale, and deep shadow can cause a change in pattern.
High air humidity has a positive effect on the growth and development of Tradescantia. The plant responds well to frequent spraying of the leaves. 20–25°C.
Autumn winter In winter, when central heating radiators greatly dry out the air in city apartments, using an air humidifier will be very useful for the plant. The plant tolerates temperature changes up to 12°C. If possible, it is better to provide Tradescantia with a cool winter. However, the plant grows well all winter without a dormant period.

Transshipment and transplantation of Tradescantia

During transshipment, the earthen ball with roots is not destroyed, but during replanting, the old soil is completely replaced by new one. Thus, transshipment is more gentle for any plant.

Transshipment of plants

Transshipment of a plant is usually carried out when it needs a more spacious pot. This can be determined by the roots, which, as they grow, entwine the entire earthen lump and begin to peek out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

Transshipment is carried out as follows:

  1. You need to choose the right new pot for the plant. The size of the container is determined as follows: between the old pot and the new one, if you place them one inside the other, there should be a distance of 1–1.5 cm. Tradescantia prefers shallow and wide containers.
  2. The substrate for Tradescantia should be quite loose and nutritious. Any ready-made universal soil sold in stores is suitable for it. If you wish, you can make the mixture yourself by taking soil, peat and sand in a ratio of 2:1:1. A drainage layer of 1–2 cm is necessary to eliminate excess moisture during watering and creates optimal conditions for the development of the plant’s root system. You can use any material that allows water to pass through: sand, expanded clay, small shards, broken brick, crushed stone, gravel.
  3. The earthen ball of the plant must be moist before transshipment.
  4. The plant must be removed from the pot along with the lump of earth without disturbing it. To do this, they use techniques such as turning the pot upside down while simultaneously tapping on its bottom. If the pot is soft (for transportation), you can gently crush it on all sides, gradually moving the earthen lump outward.
  5. The top layer of soil must be shaken off as much as possible.
  6. In a new pot, you need to pour a layer of substrate onto the drainage layer so that the earth ball can be placed in such a way that the root collar is 2-3 cm below the level of the surface of the pot.
  7. Place the plant, fill the gaps between the pot and the lump of earth with roots with the soil mixture, making sure that there are no voids left. The soil needs to be well compacted.
  8. Water the Tradescantia well.

Transshipment is a gentle method of replanting indoor plants

Transfer

Transplantation will differ from transshipment primarily in that the integrity of the earthen coma is violated, rotten roots and old depleted soil are removed. Typically, the need for replanting occurs once every 2–3 years (or in cases where the plant is sick).

To properly transplant Tradescantia you need:

  1. Prepare the new pot, soil mixture and drainage in the same way as for replanting.
  2. The plant must be carefully removed from the pot, gradually shaking the earthen ball, and carefully separate the roots from the soil and from each other.
  3. Carefully examine the roots, remove dry, diseased or rotten parts.
  4. Plant tradescantia in a new pot with prepared drainage and substrate. The soil mixture should be poured gradually, straightening the roots, and making sure that the soil is evenly distributed between the roots. Compact the soil.
  5. Water the plant.

Video: how to transplant tradescantia

Care

Tradescantia is a plant that tolerates unfavorable conditions well. If you do not have the opportunity to do regular care, then Tradescantia will survive this. But if you want to get a beautiful lush bush, then you should not neglect the rules of care.

Ruellia also deserves attention for its unpretentiousness and ease of care:

Watering

Tradescantia is a moisture-loving plant. The intensity of watering depends on the time of year, humidity and air temperature. An indicator of the need for irrigation is a slight drying of the surface of the earthen clod. At high air temperatures, watering is usually necessary once every 2 days, at lower temperatures - once a week.

Water for watering Tradescantia should be soft and allowed to stand for several days.

Top dressing

Feeding Tradescantia is mandatory during the period of active growth, namely from March to September - October. In winter, if the plant has a dormant period (it is kept at low temperatures), fertilizing is not needed. If in winter Tradescantia is located in rooms with high air temperatures, and there is no dormant period as such, then fertilizing can be continued, but its frequency can be reduced.

Any complex mineral fertilizer is suitable for fertilizing Tradescantia. The frequency is usually once a week in the summer, and once every 2-3 weeks in the winter.

To fertilize Tradescantia, any complex fertilizer that can be purchased in the store is suitable.

Flowering period

Although Tradescantia is mainly grown for its beautiful cascading shoots with colorful decorative foliage, the flowering of most varieties is also of interest. White, purple, pink or blue small flowers located in the axils of the leaves and at the ends of the shoots, combined with the rich color of the foliage, give the plant a special charm. The flowering of indoor Tradescantia can be stimulated by cold wintering, reducing the frequency of watering, and changing lighting conditions.

If the problem of inconsistent flowering has arisen in garden varieties of Tradescantia, then most likely it is due to unfavorable growing conditions, insufficient watering, and the need to renew the plant (usually every 4–5 years).

Flowering of indoor tradescantia can be stimulated by cold wintering and reducing the frequency of watering

Features of preparation for winter

For indoor Tradescantia species, wintering and the dormant period are not particularly important, although this is preferable. If it is not possible to find a place with a temperature from 12°C to 15°C from November to March, then Tradescantia will grow in winter, delighting with the greenness of its shoots.

For garden tradescantia, everything is completely different. After the end of the growing season, it must be prepared for wintering: cut off the above-ground part of the plant and sprinkle (mulch) the soil with peat or humus. Otherwise, the plant may not survive the winter period.

Tradescantia in the garden needs to be prepared for wintering: cut off the above-ground part of the plant and mulch the soil with peat or humus

Formation of Tradescantia

Pinching Tradescantia should be done regularly - it helps tillering, the formation of side shoots, and improves appearance. With age, the plant loses its decorative effect: the shoots become bare and the leaves dry out. In this case, pruning will help. New young shoots will emerge from the root, and the cut stems can later be rooted.

Plant support

Most often, Tradescantia is grown in hanging pots or cache-pots as an hanging plant - hanging lashes of green or variegated leaves look impressive. But there are options for unusual uses of tradescantia for room decoration. For example, using mounts for tradescantia stems on the wall, you can create an unusual living decorative wicker decoration. An interesting option would be to use a vertical support.

Various supports for Tradescantia can be used to advantage in room decor

Creation of a florarium

The care conditions required for Tradescantia make it possible to use this plant to create compositions for a florarium - a closed ecosystem in an aquarium or bottle. Tradescantia's good relationship with high soil and air humidity makes it an excellent plant for a tropical florarium.

The most famous and unusual florarium with tradescantia was created by English amateur gardener David Latimer. His “garden in a bottle” with Tradescantia has been growing closed for 40 years! The plant filled the entire volume of the bottle, and was watered only 2 times: when planting and 10 years after it.

Tradescantia has been growing in the florarium of florist David Latimer for several decades.

Table: mistakes in caring for Tradescantia

Problem Cause Corrective Action
The tips of the leaves dry out. Dry air. Increase the humidity in the room or spray Tradescantia frequently.
The leaves are turning yellow. Little moisture. Increase watering.
Variegated leaves turn green. The plant does not have enough light. Move to a more illuminated place.
The stems stretch out and the leaves become smaller. A sign of lack of lighting and feeding. Adjust the feeding regime, provide Tradescantia with more light.
The stems at the base became soft and turned brown. Rotting of the stem and root has occurred. This occurs when Tradescantia is overwatered or watered with too cold water. At the initial stage of decay, you can try to save the plant by cutting and rooting healthy parts of the stem.
Faded color of leaves. Excessive lighting. Move the plant to a more shaded place.

Photo gallery: the result of mistakes in caring for Tradescantia

The cause of dry leaf tips is insufficient air humidity Tradescantia leaves turn yellow with insufficient watering The plant should be protected from direct sunlight to maintain the bright colors of the leaves

Diseases and pests of Tradescantia

If the plant withers, dries out and loses its attractive appearance, you should check to see if pests have appeared on the bush.

Table: typical diseases and pests

Pests and diseases Signs and symptoms How to fight
Aphid Damages young shoots and leaves. In this case, the shoots die, and the leaves lose color and curl. A sticky coating appears. Spraying with special insecticides (Aktellik, Fufanon, Fitoverm) or a solution of laundry soap or washing powder. For prevention, it is recommended to repeat the treatment after 2-3 weeks.
Shchitovka The appearance of small brown plaques on the leaves and stems. Leaves turning pale and falling off. Sticky coating. Mechanical treatment - wiping stems and leaves with a sponge and soap solution, spraying with insecticides.
Trips They are small in size, so they are not easy to detect. Colorless or yellowish spots appear on the leaves, and the leaf dries out. Small black dots are visible on the underside of the leaf blade.
  1. Spraying with insecticides.
  2. At the initial stage of infection, treatment with a solution of laundry soap can help (you need to leave the plant in the soap solution for a while, covering it with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect).
  3. To prevent thrips infection, you need to maintain optimal humidity in the room, since these pests more often attack plants when the air is too dry.
Spider mite The appearance of cobwebs on the underside of the leaf and in the internodes, which is especially noticeable when spraying. The plant withers, the leaves turn pale and fall off.
  1. Spraying with insecticides. Repeat the treatment 2-3 times with an interval of 1-2 weeks.
  2. Ensure indoor air humidity.
Sooty mushroom Appears on the outside of the leaf in the form of a dark-colored film. Disturbs the plant's breathing pattern. Often its appearance is associated with the presence of other pests, as it settles on the sticky secretions of aphids, scale insects and thrips.
  1. Clean Tradescantia from pests, if any.
  2. Wash the plant thoroughly with soapy water, using a sponge to carefully remove the mushroom from the leaves and shoots.

Photo gallery: signs of pest infestation

In case of severe infestation, small insects of green, black or gray color are visible. The appearance of small brown growths on the leaves and stems means infestation with scale insects. Thrips are small black insects that are not easy to see. One of the main signs of a mite is the cobwebs it leaves on the underside of the leaves and stems. Dark coating on the leaves - the main symptom of sooty fungus infection

Tradescantia propagation

Tradescantia is propagated by seeds and cuttings.

Cuttings

The easiest and most convenient way to propagate Tradescantia is by cuttings. Its shoots quickly and easily produce roots and subsequently take root. In this way, Tradescantia can be propagated from early spring to late autumn, excluding only the winter months, when root formation is very slow. Young shoots of Tradescantia at least 15 cm long are suitable for cuttings. They take root well in ordinary warm water at air temperatures above 20°C. After the roots appear, the cuttings are planted in the soil substrate in compliance with all the requirements for planting: drainage, optimal soil mixture, suitable pot volume, timely watering.

Planting several shoots in one pot at the same time gives the plant a special decorativeness and splendor.

Video: propagation of Tradescantia by cuttings

Seed propagation

Propagation of Tradescantia by seeds is not as popular as cuttings, but no less effective. It is often used for growing garden species. Planting the plant with seeds is carried out in the spring, usually in March. Seeds are planted in a prepared container with soil substrate (the best option would be a light and loose mixture of peat and sand in a 1:1 ratio) or in peat tablets. The soil should be moist, but not soggy. The seeds are scattered over the surface of the soil and slightly covered with the substrate on top. The container with seeds must be covered with plastic film or glass, creating the effect of a greenhouse with constant humidity and temperature. The emergence of seedlings should be expected no earlier than 2 weeks after planting. Subsequently, the seedlings are planted in separate pots. This procedure is carried out after the appearance of the third leaf.

Tradescantia grown from seeds will bloom 3 years after planting.

The appearance of the third leaf is a sign of Tradescantia’s readiness for transplantation.

Useful reviews about growing plants

Tradescantia Blossfeld is a very capricious person. It takes root well in the spring, but is difficult the rest of the time. Once a cutting, placed in water in September, stood thoughtfully in the water until March. Then it gave roots. Does not tolerate flooding, cold, or heat. Loves light, but can get sunburned. The most difficult time for her is winter. Another whim - it likes to produce shoots with green leaves. They need to be plucked out, otherwise it will turn green.

Lena Ushttp://www.flowersweb.info/forum/forum1/topic109928/message2930638/#message2930638

I have 2 varieties of garden tradescantia. One is blue (bought second hand), and the second is Bilberry Ice. They grow under the canopy of spreading barberry. They bloom normally. It is preferable to plant them in partial shade, because in the bright sun, one-day flowers fade before noon. Although it is often written that Tradescantia prefers bright sun.

maslenohttp://forum.prihoz.ru/viewtopic.php?t=3267

A very easy flower to grow and propagate, but very beautiful if you treat it well. Does not require special growing conditions, tolerates shade, but the leaf color will be brighter in good light. Loves watering and spraying. If there is a lack of water, the leaves will begin to dry out and the shoots may become sluggish. Propagated by shoot cuttings, which take root very easily in moist, light soil. Having taken root, it produces rapid growth and side shoots; if you pinch it, you can get a whole bush from one shoot. It is very beautiful if you root several shoots in one pot. Looks great in a flowerpot, hanging, but also beautiful just on the window.

Kukusyahttp://vseotzyvy.ru/item/11056/review/93306/

Garden Tradescantia variety Blushing Bride in our Russian climate is an annual plant and does not overwinter. You can cut and root the cuttings in water in the fall, they give good roots, and then grow them in the winter as indoor Tradescantia. But when grown indoors, these beautiful pink stripes at the base of the leaf disappear. As soon as you plant it in the garden in the spring, they appear again. And in the ground it “gets fat” and “beautiful.” But when there are many different Tradescantia nearby, they easily cross-pollinate and produce multi-colored self-seeding, because Picking off faded flowers is another activity!

Veronicahttps://forum.tvoysad.ru/viewtopic.php?t=2070

Have you ever had experience growing Tradescantia underwater? As a child, in my first aquarium with fish (there were all sorts of guppies and swordtails back then), I decided to do this. I read in a Soviet book on aquarium keeping that Tradescantia will survive such an execution just fine. I brought an ordinary green cutting from school, tied it to a stone, lowered it to the bottom... without any adaptation. And it started to grow!! It has changed very much, stretched out, the leaves changed shape. From each node a separate trunk began to grow vertically upward to the surface. It turned out to be such a green wall. On the surface, the leaves returned to their previous shape. It was only later that I read that this feature of Tradescantia is due to its habitat - during heavy rains it is completely submerged under water and continues to grow as before.

powaqqatsihttp://www.floralworld.ru/forum/index.php/topic,151.135.html

By following simple rules for caring for Tradescantia, you can get a wonderful plant that will decorate your home and garden. Tradescantia pleases with beautiful foliage and flowering, in addition, it has medicinal properties: it has an antimicrobial effect and helps purify the air.

Beneficial features

In modern floriculture, various exotic plants have become very popular, and for some reason Tradescantia began to be considered too simple a flower and began to disappear from home collections. Although, thanks to the varied colors of the leaves of different varieties, it is quite decorative.

In addition, this flower has a lot of medicinal properties. It is worth having it in your own home, because it protects it from negative energy. Tradescantia domestica will become your protector from evil tongues and will absorb all the envy and gossip of your enemies.

Besides the emotional one, this the flower will also affect your physical fitness, as it will serve as a filter for the air in the apartment and at the same time as an air humidifier. Absorbing all harmful substances and simultaneously releasing moisture, tradescantia makes the air clean and healthy for the human respiratory system.

It is especially useful to keep Tradescantia in the kitchen in order to protect yourself from the harmful effects of electrical equipment.

In medicine, the leaves of the plant are used to treat boils and purulent wounds. This plant also has the ability to resolve hematomas and heal wounds. Rinsing with a decoction of leaves is used for periodontal disease. Tradescantia indoors is used internally as an anti-diarrheal agent. In some countries, diabetes and tuberculosis are treated with its help.

Tradescantia is a real home healer. Fresh leaves are applied to wounds, hematomas, boils to relieve inflammation and prevent suppuration. For diarrhea, 3 tablespoons of leaves are brewed with a glass of boiling water and taken 2 times a day before meals. If the tonsils are inflamed, it is recommended to lubricate them with Tradescantia juice several times a day. For a runny nose, the juice is used in the form of drops.

Tradescantia leaves are very popular with cats. Therefore, if you do not want all the leaves to be eaten, move the flower higher and let your cat chew the leaves sometimes as a treat.

Is it possible to keep a Tradescantia flower at home? It's certainly possible. However, there is an opinion that all climbing plants, and Tradescantia is one of them, drive men away from home and even lead to a complete loss of love.

You can learn more about the medicinal properties and contraindications of Tradescantia in the video below:

note to other types of indoor plants, which also have a lot of useful properties. For example, “house birch”, an ornamental plant popular for its medicinal properties, a sacred tree among Muslims, and also popular among people under such names as “Mother-in-law’s tongue”, “Snake skin”, “Pike tail”, a very unpretentious plant

Home care

Let's take a closer look at how to care for Tradescantia at home.

Tradescantia requires special care at home. This plant loves light. Therefore, it is necessary in a room with maximum illumination from sunlight and artificial lighting.

Variegated varieties are especially demanding on lighting conditions. From lack of light, the leaves turn pale and green.

But at the same time, the plant must be protected from direct sunlight on the leaves. This may cause them to turn yellow. In summer, it is advisable to keep Tradescantia on the balcony, shading it from the sun and protecting it from drafts and gusts of wind. It is also possible to plant the plant in a shaded place in a flower bed.

Indoor Tradescantia flowers prefer a moderate temperature, from 10 to 22 degrees (in winter no higher than 15). They also require fairly high humidity. If the air in the room is too dry, the plant must be sprayed.

Watering rules

Tradescantia loves moisture at home, so it needs to be watered abundantly and regularly. The lump of earth should be constantly moist, but not wet. The plant does not tolerate stagnant water; this will cause rotting of the roots. Drying out the soil in the pot is detrimental for this flower. In winter, the frequency of watering is sharply reduced.

Replanting and pruning

Every two to three years, Tradescantia needs to be replanted into new soil and into a larger container. At the same time, old stems are removed, while young shoots are rooted.

You should also prune shoots that are too long, which stimulates the appearance of lateral shoots and increases the decorativeness of the plant.

To preserve the decorative appearance, you need to regularly remove all dried leaves and stems, elongated shoots on which bare areas have appeared. The trimmed tops of long shoots are rooted in the same pot, then the bush becomes lush and beautiful.

Soil composition

The external condition of the plant depends on the soil in which it is grown. The composition of the substrate is selected depending on the variety. For variegated varieties, you should not select a bush that is too nutritious, otherwise the leaves will lose their characteristic color.

A mixture of turf, sand and humus (1:1:1) is ideal for a flower. When purchasing ready-made soil, give preference to compounds with a high content of potassium and phosphorus.

Fertilizer application

The flower needs feeding throughout the growing season. Fertilizer is combined with watering once every two weeks. Any mixture for decorative foliage plants is suitable.

IMPORTANT! For variegated varieties, the use of special fertilizers is necessary.

Reproduction

Like most indoor plants, Tradescantia reproduces in various ways:

  • Cuttings. This method is applicable all year round. The shoots of the plant take root easily both directly in the soil and in water, followed by planting in pots. For greater decorativeness, 5-6 cuttings 10-15 cm long are placed in one container at once. Rooting occurs in 6-7 days.
  • Dividing the bush. The fastest method of propagation, allowing you to immediately obtain a separate adult plant. The bush is divided when transplanted in the spring. Before dividing, the roots are well watered, then the bush is carefully divided into two parts and planted.
  • Sowing seeds. It is carried out in spring in mini-greenhouses. The substrate for sowing is prepared from a mixture of peat and sand. Peat tablets are very convenient for sowing, in which seeds are placed and covered with sand on top. For germination, it is necessary to ensure a temperature of at least 20 degrees. The substrate is regularly moistened and periodically ventilated.

Find out more about the features of caring for Tradescantia at home in the video below:

Diseases and pests

Why do Tradescantia leaves dry out, their number decrease, and the stems wither and turn yellow? These plant diseases are associated primarily with violation of maintenance rules. If you notice any signs of ill health, then it is necessary to eliminate the care problem:

  • A decrease in the number of leaves or their coloring in one solid color indicates a lack of illumination;
  • Lethargy, yellowness of stems and leaves are a signal of a lack of moisture in the soil;
  • Tradescantia leaves dry out when there is insufficient air humidity;

Houseplants Tradescantia are affected by aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These insects breed first on the underside of the leaves, gradually covering the entire leaf blade. The plant begins to wither and may gradually die.

Violation of living conditions contributes to the appearance of pests, as well as the development of diseases. For example, spider mites multiply in the presence of dry air.

At the first signs of pests, it is necessary to wash the Tradescantia with warm water and a solution of laundry soap. Then you should treat it with an insecticide.

Buy this interesting plant for your collection of house flowers. With minimal care, Tradescantia will decorate the interior of your home and have a beneficial effect on its atmosphere.

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