How Do You Take Care Of A Tradescantia Spathacea?

How do you take care of a Tradescantia Spathacea?

Tradescantia Spathacea has thick rhizomes and waxy lance-shaped leaves arranged in rosettes. Above, the leaves are dark to metallic green, with a glossy purple underside. These will grow to a maximum length of 0.30 m (1 ft.) and a width of 76 mm (3 in).

They are herbaceous perennials that attain a height of around 0.30 m. (1 ft.). They are hardy in USDA zones 9-12 and are frequently planted as houseplants. The Royal Horticultural Society awarded its cultivar ‘Sitara’ the Award of Garden Merit. The following are factors to consider when caring;

Sunlight

Tradescantia Spathacea, being a succulent plant, prefers full sun, indirect sunlight. They are the perfect choice for a sunny window or patio, as they require indirect sun. Unfortunately, this is not the case in many homes and apartments due to the poor placement of windows and other obstructions. Therefore, it is a good idea to start this plant in an east or south facing window for faster growth.

Watering

When it comes to watering, Tradescantia Spathacea isn’t too tough. During summers while it’s vigorously growing it will prefer mildly damp soil. Just let the first inch or so dry out before watering again, which will likely come down to watering approximately twice a week.

Soil

Tradescantia Spathacea can be grown in a variety of soil types, but it does not like to be overly wet as this will encourage root rot. If the soil is too soggy, sprinkle on some perlite or sand to promote drainage. Potting up your Tradescantia Spathacea, as with other elements of oyster plant maintenance, is a snap.

There is no need for elaborate soil mixes as long as surplus water can drain without causing the soil to dry up too rapidly. Simply combine potting soil and a tiny bit of perlite to increase drainage.

Temperature

Tradescantia Spathacea thrives in average to warm indoor temperatures (65-80°F/18-27°C) throughout the year. It is tolerant of temperatures as low as 55°F/13°C. Tradescantia Spathacea should be kept away from heat/air conditioning vents, drafty entrances, and windows; it does not tolerate shifting temperatures.

Humidity

Tradescantia Spathacea is a very vigorous plant with roots that can be exposed to varying humidity levels throughout the day. As long as the air is dry, this plant can tolerate low humidity levels. During winter months, Tradescantia Spathacea will tolerate moderate to moderate humidity to enable optimum oyster plant maintenance. Less than 40 percent preferably.

Repotting

Tradescantia Spathacea, like most succulents, can be repotted every year or two. For the best results, repot in spring. They prefer their roots to be more or less level with each other. The easiest way to do this is to remove any old potting soil and replace with equal amounts of coarse and fine potting mix.

Propagation

Propagating Tradescantia Spathacea is easy. Cut a branch off and allow the cut end to dry in a shaded area. Once the end has completely dried, plant this cutting into potting soil and place it in indirect sunlight. It will root within a few weeks.

Tradescantia Spathacea can also be propagated from stem tip cuttings planted directly into potting soil and placed in indirect sunlight for about 2-3 weeks (see propagation instructions below).

Pruning

Tradescantia Spathacea is a plant that requires minimal pruning. They can be pinched back to promote branching which will increase the overall beauty of your Tradescantia Spathacea.

Pests and Diseases

Tradescantia Spathacea is known to have a number of pests and diseases that may affect your health. For example, thrips, aphids, spider mites and root rot.

Is Tradescantia Spathacea an indoor plant?

Tradescantia Spathacea was previously known as Rhoeo Spathacea. The popular name for this Tradescantia species (Moses-in-the-Cradle plant) refers to the attractive boat-shaped bracts that cradle the little white blooms.

This easy-to-care-for indoor plant lends elegance and beauty to most decors. Tradescantia Spathacea needs a well-drained soil to succeed indoors. Tradescantia Spathacea care tips:

• Tradescantia Spathacea prefers to be potted on a slightly damp, not excessively wet, substrate. You may wish to remove some of the soil from the pot and cultivate the new potting mix a little before re-potting. This is required only during spring and summer months when it is actively growing. Watering during this time should be done deeply.
• During the winter months, from September until March, you can cut down on watering. Just be sure that the soil does not become bone dry.
• During winter months, water only when the top inch or so of the soil has completely dried out.
• Tradescantia Spathacea is an outdoor plant in temperate areas; it is an indoor ornamental in all other areas of the world.

How often should I water Tradescantia Spathacea?

Watering Tradescantia Spathacea is not difficult. It prefers mildly damp soil throughout the summer when it is actively developing. Allow the first inch or so to dry out completely before watering again, which will likely be approximately twice a week. Watering too often will encourage root rot. Tradescantia Spathacea should not be kept too wet, as it will encourage root rot.

Watering indoor plants can be confusing. How often should you water your indoor plants? When the best time to water them and what is the right way to water houseplants?

One of the most important things when watering plants is to avoid cold water. Watering with cold water can cause leaf drop, especially during cold winter months.

Is Tradescantia Spathacea a succulent?

Rhoeo discolor tricolor (Tradescantia Spathacea) is an evergreen perennial succulent with three-toned leaves in colors of pink, green, and cream. Additionally, the leaves have a reddish purple underside. This stunning plant is equally at home in pots or hanging planters.

Tradescantia Spathacea is a heirloom plant that is well known for its physical resemblance of a mother cradling her child. This plant cuddles its flowers with an upright, boat-shaped bract that sits atop of the rosette.

Tradescantia Spathacea has the unique propensity to live for two decades or more in optimal conditions. Though its lifespan is long, it is considered by most to be a short-lived plant.

Is Tradescantia Spathacea toxic?

Although the plant is not overtly hazardous, Tradescantia Spathacea leaves contain an irritant sap that can irritate the mouth and other parts of your cat, dog, or even child. Therefore, keep this plant out of their reach or avoid it entirely if you are concerned!

Additionally, exercise caution while repotting. Tradescantia Spathacea is notorious for being difficult to root and maintain. If exposed to excessive water or humidity, it might be more likely to root again, but many people have said that the bracts are difficult to root.

Is Tradescantia Spathacea poisonous to humans?

Toxic only in massive quantities. Causes severe mouth pain if eaten! Slight irritation of the skin, or lasting only a few minutes.

Stinging and itching occur when cell sap comes into contact with the skin or eyes; ingestion irritates the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat, as well as produces gastrointestinal ache. Tradescantia Spathacea contains calcium oxalate crystals which are one of the most common allergens in nature.

Tradescantia Spathacea should not be eaten, because they contain calcium oxalate crystals. These are the same crystals found in many species of plants that spin a web, such as daffodils and certain species of ragwort and other Ragworts.

Is Tradescantia Spathacea invasive?

Although it has not been classified as a pest, it has become an extremely invasive weed in many regions, particularly in Florida, where it invades and destroys native plant populations. Tradescantia Spathacea forms a thick groundcover on the forest floor, preventing the germination of native plants. Tradescantia Spathacea also serves as a host plant for the giant whitefly.

Tradescantia Spathacea is a hybrid that is mostly self-pollinating. However, you can also directly pollinate your Tradescantia Spathacea by hand.

This means, that the male and female parts of the plant will come in contact to get fertilization done. It is crucial that you do not use any pesticides when doing this so as not to kill the pollen-producing male part of an individual plant.

Is Tradescantia Spathacea edible?

Tradescantia Spathacea is not considered toxic to humans, but should never be consumed due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals are very irritating to the skin and mucous membranes, as well as to the lips, tongue, and throat if they are ingested. Eating Tradescantia Spathacea can cause nasty mouth pain that may last for several hours.

Tradescantia Spathacea is not poisonous to humans. Tradescantia Spathacea should not be eaten, because it contains calcium oxalate crystals. These are the same crystals found in many species of plants that spin a web, such as daffodils and certain species of ragwort and other Ragworts.

Tradescantia Spathacea can irritate skin and eyes so that must be kept away from direct sunlight especially in March, June, September and November when temperatures remain cool.

Is Tradescantia Spathacea a trailing plant?

Rhoeo Spathacea ‘Tricolor’, Tradescantia Spathacea ‘Tricolor’ Tradescantia are climbing or trailing plants that thrive in bright light indoors. Additionally, they are known as spider lily, cradle lily, oyster plant, and blossoming inch plant.

The stems extend to around 60cm or more. Tradescantia Spathacea can be planted in the garden or their flowers and leaves can be used in flower arrangements. Tradescantia Spathacea is a trailing plant that can spread to considerable size, producing beautiful clusters of flower.

Tradescantia Spathacea has long, thin grey-green leaves with pink edges and a brownish purple underside. It is propagated by rhizome and grows about 10-20 cm high and has an equal spread.

Is Tradescantia Spathacea a perennial?

Tradescantia Spathacea, often known as Moses-in-a-basket or oyster plant, is an evergreen clump-forming perennial endemic to southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. Tradescantia Spathacea is a trailing plant that can spread to considerable size, producing beautiful clusters of flower.

Tradescantia Spathacea will only bloom once and then die; after flowering, the plant dies back completely to the ground. To grow another plant, take a segment of its rhizome (daughters) and replant it in new soil each spring.

Tradescantia Spathacea, although epiphytic, can be grown in pots. Water thoroughly and give them a long drink about once a week to keep them hydrated.

Tradescantia Spathacea is very susceptible to disease and pests; however, its good drainage keeps it free of disease problems. The height of this plant can be controlled by cutting at the base.

Tradescantia Spathacea is a very versatile plant that can be used to make beautiful flower arrangements, given as a gift, or planted in your home or garden. Tradescantia Spathacea is not commonly found in the market; however, it can be propagated easily using its rhizome.

Tradescantia Spathacea is a trailing plant that can spread to considerable size, producing beautiful clusters of flower.