Tradescantia Cerinthoides

Tradescantia Cerinthoides Care

Tradescantia Cerinthoides

Other names: Spider-lily, Cradle-lily, Oyster-plant

What is the plant

Tradescantia cerinthoides, commonly called flowering inch plant, is a species of plant in the dayflower family that is native to south east Brazil to north east Argentina. Described in 1843 by the German botanist, Carl Sigismund Kunth. The pink tipped white flowers and green purplish foliage are appealing features to gardeners. This plant is used in many parts of the world as an ornamental, and can become an invasive species

It can be invasive in the southern USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

21°C - 29°C

Hardiness zone

11 - 11

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Tradescantia are not picky about their soil and will grow just fine in all-purpose soil. However, because they like to stay moist, you might consider mixing a moisture retainer such as vermiculite or peat moss in with the soil.
Pruning
Due to the vining nature they’re named for, Tradescantia need regular pruning to maintain a pleasing, bushy appearance. Gardening Know How recommends pinching back about a fourth of the plant to “encourage branching and increase fullness.”
Fertilizer
Fertilizing your Tradescantia isn’t absolutely necessary, but they will reward you with better growth if you do feed them. Fertilize only in the spring and summer with a half-strength liquid fertilizer monthly or a controlled-release fertilizer.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Tradescantia like bright, indirect light. They need a good amount of light and if they don’t get it, you’ll notice that their leaf markings begin to fade. Direct sun, however, will scorch their leaves (with the exception being the purple queen variety, which loves full sun).
Soil
Tradescantia are not picky about their soil and will grow just fine in all-purpose soil. However, because they like to stay moist, you might consider mixing a moisture retainer such as vermiculite or peat moss in with the soil.
Temperature
Tradescantia thrive in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees, so they do well in typical indoor temperatures. Outdoors, they prefer a mild climate that doesn’t drop below 50 degrees. Frost will kill them.