Tradescantia is loved for its vivid foliage: purple heart, pink Nanouk, silver Zebrina and rainbow Fluminensis. The colours depend on a few simple factors.
Light decides the colour
Give Tradescantia bright, indirect light, with a few hours of gentle sun in the morning. In dim light, purple and pink leaves turn dull green and stems become long and leggy.
Watering
Let the top 2 to 3 cm of soil dry between waterings. Tradescantias droop quickly when thirsty but recover within hours after a drink. Overwatering causes mushy stems and yellow leaves.
Prune for fuller growth
Pinch the tips every few weeks to encourage branching. Every cutting can be rooted in water and replanted into the same pot for a dense look.
Why are the colours fading?
- Too little light: move closer to a bright window.
- Too much hot sun: leaves bleach or burn; use a sheer curtain.
- Old, leggy stems: cut them back and let new growth replace them.
Soil and feeding
Use a light, well-draining potting mix. Feed every 4 weeks in spring and summer with a half-strength fertilizer.
Browse bright foliage in our Tradescantia collection.