Overview
Tradescantia cerinthoides is a trailing conservatory greenhouse in the genus Tradescantia, part of the Commelinaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Tradescantia cerinthoides grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and low maintenance.
About
Tradescantia cerinthoides, commonly known as flowering inch plant, is a trailing perennial from the Tradescantia genus, which is known for its fleshy, evergreen leaves and distinctive three-petalled flowers. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soils with a pH that can be acid, alkaline, or neutral, and requires moist but well-drained soil. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is ideal for patio and container planting and is low maintenance. Propagation is best achieved through softwood cuttings in spring or summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tradescantia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Tradescantia cerinthoides size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tradescantia cerinthoides
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings using stem tips in spring or summer
- Pest resistance
- Red spider mite, Mealybugs, Aphids, Vine weevil, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Tradescantia cerinthoides?
Tradescantia cerinthoides prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Tradescantia cerinthoides need?
Tradescantia cerinthoides grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Tradescantia cerinthoides hardy in the UK?
Tradescantia cerinthoides has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Tradescantia cerinthoides?
Softwood cuttings using stem tips in spring or summer.
More in the Tradescantia genus
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Blue Spider'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Gisela'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Iris Prichard'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Little White Doll'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Mariella'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Mrs Loewer'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Ocean Blue'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Purple Profusion'