Tradescantia Pistachio™ White is a new foliage plant introduction that can be used as a houseplant or a combination plant in mixed containers outdoors. What makes this plant unique is it has the largest amount of white variegation available on any Tradescantia. The plant is fast growing and sure to be a winner for anyone who is looking for a new houseplant or outdoor plant. The unique variegated foliage of mint green and white will look great in your home by adding versatility to any outdoor mixed container.
Tradescantia is an easy-to-grow plant known for its variegated leaves. They come in a variety of colors including deep purple. The most popular have silvery or green variegated leaves with purple undersides. Some varieties produce small blooms. They can be grown outdoors and indoors. The plant is native to North America, Central America, and South America. There are hardy types that can be grown in zones 4-9 and semi-tropical ones that grow in zones 9-12.
The tropical varieties are grown mainly for their foliage The plant is known for its trailing nature. Indoors the plant can be placed near a window with bright indirect light. If they don’t get enough light the leaf markings will fade. Direct sun will burn the leaves. Outdoors plant them in full sun to shade. If you live in a warm climate, protect them from the afternoon sun. Indoors the plant will do well in temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees. Outdoors they prefer a mild temperature but make sure it does not drop below 50 degrees. Frost will kill the plant.
Care of Tradescantia Plants
Soil: If grown indoors, use an all-purpose potting soil. To keep the soil moist, try mixing vermiculite or peat moss in the soil. For outdoors use rich well-draining soil with an acidic pH of 5.0-6.5. Average soil will work but make sure you do not allow it to dry out.
Watering: Tradescantia plants prefer moisture. Do not let the soil get too dry even in the winter. Provide good drainage and do not overwater so the plant does not get root rot. Lack of water can cause the plant to be stressed.
Fertilizing: While fertilizing is not necessary it will help during the growing season. Fertilize only in the spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertilizer. If you grow your plant outdoors, use a slow-release all-purpose fertilizer in the early spring.
Humidity: Indoors the plant flourishes in humidity and enjoys regular misting. If it is not humid enough the leaf tips will turn brown. To create a humid environment, place the plant on a tray of pebbles in water.
Pruning: If your plant becomes leggy, which you might find with the vining types trim it back to encourage a fuller plant. Hardy varieties might not look that great after flowering, so cut them back by one-third to rejuvenate the plant, which can also inspire it to rebloom later in the season.
Repotting: If you see the roots growing out of the draining holes or circling the bottom of the pot, it is time to repot. The best time to do this is in the spring when the plant is coming out of dormancy. Remove the plant from the pot gingerly so as not to break any stems. Make sure the new pot is 2 inches or more than the previous pot and use new soil. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in bright indirect light.
Posts: Tradescantia may get infected with pests such as aphids and whiteflies. Monitor your plants and use preventative programs to control them.
Propagation: Sharing these plants with friends or refreshing your own tradescantia is easy to do. You can snip a branch or two and submerge the fresh cuttings into the soil. Water regularly and new growth will begin shortly. The cuttings can also be grown in water if you prefer.
Toxicity: Tradescantia is mild to moderately toxic to pets and children.
Photos Courtesy of Green-Fuse Botanicals