Hey Plant Friends!
I often get a lot of questions about various things people have heard about Tradescantias, asking if they’re true or not.
We've all wondered about the mysterious Tradescantia Albiflora or heard that Tradescantias can’t handle water on their leaves, which sounds strange—how do they survive outside when it rains? And, what happens if they get direct sunlight, since it's bright indirect light is what's recommended?
So this week, I thought I'd set the record straight on some of them!
1. You Need a Special Soil Mix for Tradescantias
Myth: Many believe that Tradescantias require a special soil mix to thrive.
Fact: Tradescantias aren’t picky when it comes to soil. They’ll happily grow in any good quality soil mix you have on hand. However, if you want to mix your own, go for it! Adding materials to increase drainage, like perlite or pumice, can give these plants an extra boost and help keep their roots happy.
2. There’s a Tradescantia Species Called Albiflora
Myth: Some believe that Albiflora is a specific species of Tradescantia.
Fact: The name Albiflora has been around for a long time, but it’s outdated and often used to refer to different species. People sometimes use it to describe the Tradescantia fluminensis species, while others use it for various cultivars in the Continental Group. Because of this confusion, it’s best to rely on more precise names when identifying or discussing Tradescantia plants.
3. Tradescantia Can’t Get Water on Their Leaves
Myth: There’s a misconception that Tradescantias can’t tolerate water on their leaves.
Fact: Tradescantias can handle water on their leaves; otherwise, they wouldn’t survive outdoors. However, indoor conditions are different due to less airflow and the absence of wind to dry off lingering water. Therefore, moisture on the leaves can lead to problems like leaf rot. To prevent this, make sure any water on the leaves dries off quickly. A gentle shake or using a fan can help with this.
4. There’s a Tradescantia Named Tricolor
Myth: Some believe there is a specific Tradescantia cultivar named Tricolor.
Fact: There is no official cultivar named Tricolor. This name is often used to refer to different Tradescantia varieties, primarily ‘Mundula Lisa,’ but also ‘Spathacea Sitara’ and ‘Fluminensis Lavender.’ To avoid confusion, it’s best to refer to the specific cultivar names when discussing these plants.
5. You Can Never Let Them Dry Out
Myth: It’s a common belief that Tradescantias should never be allowed to dry out.
Fact: Tradescantias are semi-succulent plants that store water in their leaves and stems, some more than others. They’re adapted to handle short periods of drought and often benefit from drying out between waterings. In fact, overwatering is a greater risk than underwatering, so don’t worry about letting your Tradescantias dry out a bit before watering them again.
6. They Need Increased Humidity
Myth: Some believe that Tradescantias require high humidity to thrive.
Fact: Tradescantias are incredibly adaptable plants that can thrive in regular indoor humidity levels. While they may appreciate extra humidity, especially in very dry climates, they can still grow well without any special adjustments to your home environment. Keeping them in normal indoor conditions will usually be enough to keep them happy and healthy.
7. You Have to Root Them in Water First
Myth: It’s often thought that Tradescantias must be rooted in water before being planted in soil.
Fact: Tradescantias are versatile and root easily, even when planted directly in soil. Whether you choose to root them in water first or directly in soil is entirely up to you, as both methods work well. Pick the propagation method that you prefer, and your Tradescantias will thrive regardless!
8. A Variegated Tradescantia That Has Lost Its Variegation Can Get It Back
Myth: Some people believe that a variegated Tradescantia that has reverted to green can regain its variegation.
Fact: Once a variegated Tradescantia has lost its variegation, it won’t return. There is one exception, ‘Maiden’s Blush,’ which gets its variegation in colder temperatures. Therefore, when purchasing a variegated Tradescantia, it’s best to select one with a lot of variegation to minimize the risk of it reverting.
9. You Can Plant All Tradescantias Together
Myth: It’s often thought that all Tradescantias can be planted together without issues.
Fact: It’s better to plant different Tradescantias separately. Variegated plants can be overpowered by non-variegated ones, which are generally stronger and will eventually take over the pot. Additionally, different Tradescantias have varying water requirements. For instance, the thin-leaved Tradescantia Fluminensis needs more frequent watering compared to Tradescantia Sillamontana and Tradescantia Cerinthoides (for example ‘Nanouk’), which have thicker stems that can store more water. It’s important to consider these differences when grouping your Tradescantias to make sure all your plants thrive.
10. There Are Only a Few Varieties of Tradescantia
Myth: Many think there are only a few varieties of Tradescantia.
Fact: You’d be surprised at just how many different Tradescantia varieties exist! There are well over 100 unique varieties to explore. There are tropical Tradescantias, which we typically keep as houseplants, and there are also frost-hardy ones that can survive outdoors even in colder climates. I love how diverse the Tradescantia world is, but I also know I’ll never have a complete collection!
11. There’s a Cultivar Called Purple Heart
Myth: Some people believe there’s a Tradescantia officially called ‘Purple Heart.’
Fact: ‘Purple Heart’ is not an official name for any Tradescantia cultivar. The term has been used by sellers for a long time to refer to Tradescantia pallida Purpurea, and it was also used for ‘Purple Pixie’ when that variety appeared. Despite its widespread use, ‘Purple Heart’ isn’t an accepted name, so it’s better to use the specific cultivar names to avoid confusion.
12. Tradescantias Can’t Be Put in Direct Light
Myth: Tradescantias are commonly thought to only thrive in bright, indirect light and can’t handle direct sunlight.
Fact: While the recommendation is to place them in bright, indirect light, some varieties can thrive in direct sunlight. It depends on the variety, as the variegated types are more sensitive to sunburn. However, varieties like the purple Pallidas and Sillamontana love light and will love it in direct sun. The key is to introduce direct sunlight gradually, giving them time to adapt.
13. There’s No Need to Trim Your Tradescantias; You Will Get a Full-Looking Plant as Long as It Gets Enough Light
Myth: It’s believed that Tradescantias will grow full-looking without trimming, provided they receive enough light.
Fact: While some varieties branch out naturally, most Tradescantias kept in pots indoors will not grow as full on their own. Regularly chopping and propping your plants will help you getting that full looking plant.
14. There’s Something Wrong; My Tradescantia Is Getting Bald and Losing Its Bottom Leaves
Myth: Some people believe there’s a problem with their Tradescantia when it starts losing leaves at the base and becoming bald.
Fact: This is completely normal because of the plant’s growing habit. Tradescantias are crawling plants that spread along the ground and root wherever they touch. They’re not naturally adapted to grow from a single point. When the stems get too long, they struggle to support themselves, becoming weak and losing leaves. You can prevent this by regularly pruning and propagating your Tradescantia. This will encourage healthy new growth and maintain a fuller appearance.
I hope this newsletter has cleared up some of the common myths and misconceptions about Tradescantias.
If you have more questions or want to share your own experiences with Tradescantias, I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out or share your thoughts on Instagram.
Until next time, happy gardening!
Katja
