
Tradescantia fluminensis, also known as the small-leaf spiderwort, is a low-maintenance and versatile houseplant.
This plant is native to South America and has been a popular choice for indoor gardens for its ability to thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.
It's a relatively small plant, growing up to 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide, making it a great option for small spaces or indoor containers.
Tradescantia fluminensis is a trailing plant, meaning it will grow along the edges of its container or up a trellis, adding a lush green touch to any room.
Expand your knowledge: Tradescantia Fluminensis Care
What Is Tradescantia?
Tradescantia is a popular indoor plant known for its beautiful, three-petaled flowers. It's an evergreen perennial that's easy to grow.
This plant is often referred to as a "wandering jew" due to its ability to spread and grow. It's a fun houseplant to grow, especially when paired with other wandering species.
The flowers and foliage of Tradescantia are definitely worth the effort of keeping it in check. Those showy flowers are really a sight to see.
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Plant Overview
Tradescantia fluminensis 'Viridis' is a low-growing, creeping plant with a very fast and vigorous growth habit. It will spread out of any container and trail downwards.
The stems are 2-4mm wide, with internodes 2-6cm long, and are smooth except for one line of tiny hairs running along the length. New growth stems are moderate olive green (146A), darker with age (147A).
The leaves are pointed ovals, 4-6cm long and 2-3cm wide, with a moderate olive green upper surface (137A) and a greyish yellow green underside (191B).
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Description
This plant has a low-growing, creeping habit, with stems that will spread out of any container and trail downwards. It grows very fast and vigorously.
The stems are 2-4mm wide, with internodes 2-6cm long, and are smooth except for one line of tiny hairs running along the length. New growth stems are moderate olive green (146A), darker with age (147A).
Leaves are pointed ovals, 4-6cm long and 2-3cm wide, and are smooth except for a few hairs at the top of the sheath. The upper surfaces are moderate olive green (137A), the undersides are greyish yellow green (191B), and the sheaths are moderate yellow green (143D).
The plant produces flowers that are 15-17mm across, with pure white and pointed petals. Anthers are yellow, stamen filaments and pistil are white.
Compared to Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Bicolor’, this plant has green leaf undersides instead of purple.
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Categories
Plants come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, but did you know they can be categorized in many different ways? One way to think about plants is to consider their blooming seasons, which can range from spring to fall, or even year-round in some cases.
If you're looking for a plant that will bloom in the spring, consider the tulip, which is one of the first flowers to bloom in many parts of the world.
Plant colors can also be a great way to categorize plants. From vibrant reds and oranges to soft pinks and purples, there's a wide range of colors to choose from.
Some plants are also known for their beautiful foliage, with leaves that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Plants can also be categorized by their climate requirements. Some plants thrive in hot, dry climates, while others prefer cooler, more humid environments.
Here's a breakdown of some common plant categories:
Leaf color can also be an important consideration when choosing a plant. Some plants have beautiful, vibrant leaves, while others have more subdued colors.
Plant growth rates can also vary widely, depending on the type of plant and the conditions it's growing in.
In addition to these categories, plants can also be thought of in terms of their ornamental parts, such as flowers, leaves, or stems.
Plant uses can also be an important consideration, as some plants are grown for their edible fruits or leaves, while others are grown for their ornamental value.
Some plants are also more sensitive to sunlight than others, requiring more or less direct sunlight to thrive.
Finally, plants can also be categorized by their hardiness zone, which refers to the specific region in which they can grow without freezing or dying off.
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Growing and Care
Tradescantia fluminensis is a strong plant that thrives in moist soil with high humidity.
The plant prefers rich soil and has enough space to crawl.
To keep the soil moist, add mulch when the plant is young.
Pruning once a year, preferably after the blooming season, will help maintain the plant's shape.
Adding organic matter once a year will also benefit the plant.
You can propagate Tradescantia fluminensis by cutting stems with at least three leaves.
Place the cutting in the soil, keeping it moist and in high humidity.
Alternatively, you can propagate the plant by cutting the stem and placing it in water.
Switch the water every few days and wait for the roots to grow before transferring the cutting to soil or adding fertilizer.
Starting from cuttings is easier than starting from seeds, although germination is also relatively easy.
As an annual, it's better to start with cuttings.
Aphids and mealy bugs are common pests that can affect the plant.
Prune the plant regularly, especially dead leaves and bloom stems.
This will help maintain the plant's health and prevent pests from taking over.
Tradescantia fluminensis can grow up to 20-50 cm or 8-20 inches in size.
In optimal conditions, the plant grows relatively fast.
It requires full sun, half shade, or full shade, but keep in mind that without enough light, the plant won't bloom.
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Indirect sunlight is essential for the plant to thrive.
To grow indoors, choose a location with plenty of light, ideally with even sunlight.
Artificial home light won't be enough, so use indirect light instead.
For container growing, start with a minimum 5L to 10L pot with at least 200% more space than the root ball.
Switch to a bigger pot or prune the roots and leaves when the plant outgrows its container.
Replace the soil every few years and use a potting mix or peat soil with perlite, mixed with humus and organic matter.
Keep the soil moist by adding chopped mulch and letting the bottom of the pot fill with water, but dry it out once in a few days.
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Blooming Information
Tradescantia fluminensis green is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright indirect light to low light.
It's a great choice for busy people or those new to plant parenthood, as it can survive with infrequent watering and requires minimal pruning.
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This plant is native to South America and has been popularized by its ability to trail down and create a lush, green carpet.
Tradescantia fluminensis green can grow up to 3 feet long, making it a great option for hanging baskets or containers.
It's also a great air purifier, removing toxins and pollutants from the air to create a healthier environment.
With proper care, this plant can bloom with small white flowers in the summer months.
It's a versatile plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors, as long as it's in a spot with consistent temperatures between 65-75°F.
For another approach, see: Do House Plants Improve Air Quality
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Tradescantia turning green?
Your Tradescantia may be turning green due to insufficient light, causing the leaves to revert to solid green instead of their variegated color. Check if your plant is getting enough light to maintain its beautiful purple/pink hues
Is Tradescantia fluminensis invasive?
Yes, Tradescantia fluminensis is considered an invasive weed that outcompetes native plants and disrupts ecosystem processes. Its invasive nature can have significant ecological impacts, including altering litter decomposition and nutrient cycling.
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