Tradescantia care and propagation
Tradescantia is a fast-growing trailing houseplant. Good light, careful watering and regular tip pruning help coloured and variegated forms stay compact.
Light
Give the plant bright, indirect or filtered light. Very low light can reduce colour and produce long bare sections. Harsh afternoon sun behind glass can scorch leaves, so adjust the position gradually.
Water and compost
Use a well-drained houseplant compost in a pot with drainage holes. Water thoroughly, then allow the upper layer to begin drying before watering again. Reduce watering in winter as growth slows. Constantly soggy compost can cause root and stem rot.
Keep it full
Pinch or trim long stems just above a node. This encourages branching, and the removed healthy tips can become cuttings. Rotating the pot helps growth receive light more evenly.
Propagate from stem cuttings
- Take a healthy stem cutting with several nodes using clean scissors.
- Remove leaves that would sit below water or compost.
- Root the lower nodes in water or moist, free-draining potting mix.
- Pot water-rooted cuttings once they have a useful cluster of roots, or keep compost-rooted cuttings lightly moist while they establish.
- Plant several rooted cuttings together for a fuller pot.
Handling note
Tradescantia sap can irritate skin in some people. Wash your hands after pruning and keep plant material away from pets and children who may chew it.
See Tradescantia currently available and read the arrival guide.