Also known as «man’s love», tradescantia It is a plant native to the tropical regions of North and South America. With oval, pointed leaves in green, silver and purple, it grows quite quickly in these regions, which is why it is often used as a ground cover.

In reality, the tradescantia plant is a family composed of more than 70 species, among which is the Tradescantia zebrinawhich is properly known as «man’s love.» Why is it called man’s love? Mystery, it is not known.

Other species of Tradescantia are:

• Tradescantia fluminensis alba vittata (pictured) – forms white stripes on bright green leaves. The flower color is white.
• Tradescantia fluminensis aurea: It forms white flowers and almost entirely yellow leaves.
• Tradescantia fluminensis tricolor: It has leaves with white and light green stripes. Flowering is rare in this species.

In this video you will find a small preview of the main care that tradescantia needs:

Tradescania or man’s love: basic care

As an indoor ornamental plant, the tradescantia or man’s love has minimal needs that we can easily satisfy. It likes to be in a location with lots of indirect sunlight. Make sure the soil dries out before watering the plant again.

How and how much to water the tradescantia

It is best to water the tradescantia once a week. Make sure the soil dries out briefly between watering:

• Check the soil regularly by sticking your finger up to your knuckles in the soil.
• If the soil is already dry after two days, give the plant a little more water.
• If the soil is still very wet after five days, you should water less.

If the plant is dry for a long time, the leaves will begin to fall off and they will become opaque. If this happens once it won’t be a problem, but if it happens more than once, some parts of the stem will dry out.

This It causes the rest of the stem to lose its water and fall off the plant. If the plant receives too much water, the stems or roots will rot.

In a bright place, the plant needs more water than in a dark place. The size of the plant also influences when it comes to watering it.

Spray the leaves

In addition to regular watering with short breaks, the tradescantia appreciates regular spraying of the leaves and other care.

Tradescantia is a houseplant that prefers humidity. Regular spraying benefits you. Also It is a good solution against lice and mites and, in addition, dust is removed from the leaves.

The dust removal It has two advantages, first that the plant looks prettier. In second place, A dust-free leaf receives more light, which gives the plant more color.

How much sun does tradescantia or man’s love need?

Tradescantia prefers a location with lots of light, but not too much direct sunlight. The ideal location is between sun and partial shade.

Tradescantia species with lighter leaves can be placed in a sunnier location than those with darker leaves.

Be careful not to put the plant in a sunny location immediately after purchase. First let the plant acclimatize for a few days in a semi-shaded location.

If the leaves change color, the plant may be in a place that is too bright. If a plant It does not produce many new leaves in spring and summer, it is better to move it a little closer to the window.

When and how to transplant tradescantia

It is best to transplant a tradescantia immediately after purchase or in spring. In spring, the plant is in the growth phase and any damage to the roots will recover faster.

When transplanting, use a pot Make it at least 15% larger than the original pot. Transplant the climbing plant into regular potting soil, trying to damage the roots as little as possible.

If the plant is growing quickly and you want to keep it smaller, You should place it in a pot that is not too large.

when to pay the tradescantia

We recommend paying the tradescantia only in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, the plant does not need as many nutrients, so it is easy to overdose.

For this purpose, You can use general fertilizers for indoor plants. You should always read the instructions for use before using it to find the correct dosage.

Fertilizing more than necessary will not do the plant any good, because the soil becomes too acidic, so the roots can no longer absorb water and then the plant dies.

Is it necessary to prune tradescantia?

You can remove old leaves from the plant. As it spreads very quickly you can prune it from time to time.

Pruning can also help make the plant a little bushier. Cut branches can be used for cuttings.

When does tradescantia bloom?

Although the tradescantia may flower, this does not happen quickly or very often. Some species flower earlier than others.

Once dry, the flowers must be removed, since they consume energy that the plant is better off investing in the leaves and roots.