About
A tender, evergreen, trailing perennial, with succulent stems clasped by iridescent, silver-green leaves. Each leaf has a purple mid-rib and margins, and is dark purple beneath. Small, 3-petalled purplish flowers may be produced intermittently throughout the year.
About the genus
Tradescantia can be trailing or tufted perennials with usually fleshy, evergreen foliage and distinctive, 3-petalled flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants
HabitTrailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in standard houseplant compost in bright, filtered light. When in active growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. See houseplant cultivation
PruningPinch out growing tips to promote bushiness
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to red spider mite, mealybugs, aphids, vine weevil and thrips
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free