Mini Tradescantia Care – Help It Thrive

Our little Tradescantia is noted for its small stature and exquisite colors. Those looking to add a Mini Tradescantia to their collection or already have one should consider the following care instructions. It will teach you the basics.

Tradescantia mini is it toxic?

People are not poisoned by this plant. Some people, however, discover that Tradescantia leaves contain sap that irritates their skin. Wear gloves while handling your plant or wash your hands immediately after touching the leaves to avoid any skin irritation.

Pets may be poisoned by Mini Tradescantia. It’s important to keep pets away from these plants and make sure they don’t eat the leaves or any other plant parts by mistake.

What is its water requirement?

The watering directions for Mini Tradescantia are not unduly difficult. During the cooler months, from November to March, you should allow the plant dry out little, then water more often during the summer to maintain the soil slightly moist.

If feasible, use a self-watering pot or planter to keep your small Tradescantia from becoming waterlogged. You may water your plant from the bottom rather than the top if you don’t have a self-watering planter.

Sunlight: How Much Is It Needed?

Indirect sunlight is required every day for mini tradescantias. However, never position the plant in direct sunlight; the plant is extremely sensitive to direct sunlight, which may quickly burn the leaves. A home with a lot of windows should have a west or east-facing window.

The distinctive, colorful leaves of your little Tradescantia will fade if it doesn’t get enough indirect sunlight during the day. In this situation, you should relocate your plant to a spot that receives more indirect sunlight than it did previously.

Is Fertilization Necessary?

Tradescantia is sturdy enough that it doesn’t need to be fertilized as often as other plants.

Fertilizer can be applied every two months from April to October or during the peak growing season.

You want to use a 20-5-10 liquid fertilizer because you don’t want to use anything too strong since it would harm the plant. From November to March, do not fertilize the plant.

What is the best time to prune?

Plants of the Tradescantia genus have long, vine-like leaves. The way you prune and when you prune will largely be determined by the aesthetic you want for your plant.

You should use minimal pruning that just removes dead branches and leaves if you want the plant to grow longer. Larger Tradescantia plants look the best hanging in pots, on porches, or balconies where their long vines can spread freely.

Tradescantia should be pruned and pinched regularly if you want it to remain small. If you want to restrict longer vines from sprouting from your plant, pinch both the stems and the leaves.

What is the best way to repot my plant?

Repotting your plant once a year is ideal. This will allow your plant’s roots to develop in the right amount of room, preventing root rot and overpopulation.

You should seek a pot that is 1 to 2 inches broader than the one it came in. Make careful to use new potting soil while repotting your plant. Check for root problems before repotting your plant and, if required, clip away problem areas. This will ensure that your plant has the best possible start in its new planter.

Temperature 

During the day, Mini Tradescantia loves temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, while at night it prefers temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

The plant, however, is resilient and may thrive in temperatures that are slightly lower or warmer than the moderate range. Plants cultivated in colder temperatures will develop slowly, whilst plants grown in warmer temperatures will need to be kept in a humidified atmosphere to avoid burning.

What Are Some Common Problems

Despite the fact that these plants are noted for their hardiness, plant owners may encounter several frequent issues. Discoloration and leaf loss are the two most prevalent issues that plant owners have with this plant.

You may notice that the leaves of your plant are discolored or faded if it does not receive enough indirect light. You should relocate your plant to a different location with more indirect sunlight as soon as possible.

When your plant’s leaves start to fall off, it’s an indication that it’s not getting enough water. You may also see that the plant’s stems are limp in this scenario. In certain circumstances, though, this is a warning that the plant is growing old and will soon die. You may simply remove cuttings from the plant for later use if it is otherwise healthy.

 Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Tradescantia

Is there a way to make my Tradescantia pinker?

I put my Tradescantia Tricolor next to a Mosaic Plant, Fittonia albivenis, to bring out the beautiful pink tones. The green leaves of this trailing plant have rich pink veins. They’re a fantastic match.

Should you mist Tradescantia?

Plants of the genus Tradescantia prefer humid environments and should be misted regularly. Without enough humidity, the leaf tips will turn brown. One approach to keep the plant wet is to set it on a tray of stones in water.

Why is my Tradescantia turning green?

This is particularly common when the plant is exposed to insufficient light. It can also happen when the plant’s variegated leaves are too hot or too cold to grow. When the plant is deprived of the proper circumstances, it will revert to developing solid green leaves in order to conserve energy.

What do you do to maintain variegation in Tradescantia?

Trim any unusually green stems + remove them if you observe your plant becoming green, which might happen due to insufficient light. Trimming the plant at any time causes the plant to focus more energy on the pinker, more variegated growth.