Tradescantia pallida: care | Gardening On

Pale tradescantia: care

There is no doubt that some plants, just by taking a look at them, already captivate us. Such is the case of Tradescantia pallida, better known as Purpurina or Amor de Hombre. If you are thinking of having one, it is most likely that you search or ask what are the care of the Tradescantia pallida.

For this reason, this time we are going to focus on this species that you can have both indoors and outdoors and that is very easy to care for. Go for it?

What is Tradescantia pallida

What is Tradescantia pallida

First of all, you should know that the tradescantia pallida it is plant that can easily reach 40 centimeters in height. Its stems can go straight to the sky, but don’t be surprised that it has a hanging growth.

The most characteristic of this plant is, without a doubt, the color of the leaves. All of them are purple but there are some cases in which the edges are red. Of course, depending on the season of the year, that color can change its hue, since it adapts to each moment. In addition, in summer, it has small flowers that are pink in color and that are hidden among those purple leaves in such a way that they create a very beautiful sensation to have in a pot at home or in the garden.

The Tradescantia pallida falls between the environment purification plantswhich makes it ideal to have in offices and help people breathe easier. It is even capable of absorbing bad odours.

Tradescantia pallida: care you need

Now that you know the Tradescantia pallida we are going to detail each of the care that you must provide to your plant so that it always stays alive and growing.

Location and temperature

As we have told you before, the Tradescantia pallida is a plant that It adapts perfectly to being inside the house as well as being outside. What’s more, it doesn’t matter if you put it in the sun (as long as it doesn’t burn too much) or if it’s only in the shade.

As for the temperature, we do need to stop a bit because it needs a warm environment to grow. In fact, its ideal temperature is between 12 and 18 degrees. It does not like very cold winters, nor does it like summers that are too hot, so you will have to protect it from extremes.

As for extreme cold, it tolerates up to five degrees more or less. But if the temperature drops much more then it can suffer.

Substratum

The ideal soil for a Tradescantia pallida must be very nutritious. Much. In addition to having good drainage. It The only thing it does not tolerate is a heavy soil with water retention.. So beyond that you can use high quality soil or even poor soil as she will adapt.

In a pot you have to control very well that the soil drains wellso a mixture with substrate and drainage, at 50%, or 70-30 is the best option. Make sure that the water is well filtered to avoid puddles in the roots and you will have it perfect.

Fertilizer

tradescantia pallida

Fertilizer is something essential for the plant, especially in the growth phase, which is starting in the spring. From that moment, every 15 days, you must apply a fertilizer. Later, in the dormant phase (that is, when it is at rest) you can provide it with a portion of fertilizer each month.

The best we can recommend for this plant is the organic fertilizer.

Irrigation

Although Tradescantia pallida is a plant that does not tolerate drought, you should bear in mind that the irrigation is not going to be the same if it is in the garden than if it is in a pot.

If you have it in a pot, you have to wait for the soil to dry very well. In winter, this may mean watering every 10-15 days (it will depend on the environment and the cold) while, in summer, you will have to wait for the soil to dry out (normally, inside the house, once a week; twice if it is outside ).

In the event that it is in the garden, in winter it will depend on the ambient humidity, since this can nourish the plant. But for general rule would be watered every 10 days. In summer, depending on the weather, it may require two to three waterings a week.

Multiplication

tradescantia pallida multiplication

The reproduction of the Tradescantia pallida always It takes place from spring to autumn, especially closer to autumn since it is done through plant cuttings. For this, it is important that they are cut when they are of a suitable height and, if possible, throwing them rooting to encourage the development of these (Otherwise it is more complicated to get ahead).

If the plant has a faster growth, you can multiply it even throughout the year, but make sure that the temperature is above 15 degrees since, below, the plant can be stressed and suffer.

Also, when making the cut, you should know that the stems are almost hollow, so do not bend or twist them a bit. The best? Use a utility knife or something similar to cut it cleanly and loosely.

Plagues and diseases

The Tradescantia pallida is a very resistant plant in such a way that They are not usually affected by pests.

As for diseases, there are two related to lighting and irrigation. And it is that insufficient lighting can cause the leaves of the plant to become matt and wither. The solution if you cannot give it all the light it needs is to place it in semi-shade or full shade, since the plant will adapt to it and will return to its splendor.

As for irrigation, excessive irrigation, or with a very short period between irrigations, can end up rotting the roots of the plant and, in the end, destroying it.

Basically, these are the care of the Tradescantia pallida, a very fast-growing plant that will allow you to have a very leafy plant in a short time. Do you dare after knowing the care you need?

Tradescantia pallida: care | Gardening On

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