Plant guide
トラディスカンチア
Watering rhythm
Every 5–7 days
Tradescantia is a hardy, easy-going houseplant native to South America. It features trailing stems adorned with vibrant foliage in shades of green, purple, and white. It grows quickly and thrives in hanging baskets and trailing displays. Even in cooler climates, it's straightforward to grow, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Bright indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. Aim for temperatures between 10–28°C (50–82°F), and try not to let it drop below 5°C (41°F) in winter. Humidity between 50–70% is lovely, though the plant is also quite tolerant of drier air.
Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.
Spring
Every 4–6 days
Summer
Every 3–5 days
Autumn
Every 5–7 days
Winter
Every 8–12 days
Water thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry, until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Always empty any excess water from the saucer. Tradescantia actually prefers being on the drier side rather than constantly moist—this is the secret to keeping it thriving long-term. A light misting on the foliage with a spray bottle keeps the leaves clean and perky.
Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves look pale and color is fading | The plant isn't getting enough light, or it's been without adequate nutrients for a while. | Move it to a brighter spot with indirect light. From spring through autumn, feed it with diluted liquid fertilizer once a month to perk it back up. |
| Stems feel mushy and the base is rotting | You're watering too much, or the soil drains poorly, keeping the roots constantly wet. | Remove any rotted sections and shift to drier watering habits. If drainage is the real problem, repot into fresh soil mixed with materials like pumice or perlite. |
| White powdery coating or cotton-like clusters on the leaves | Powdery mildew or mealybugs have moved in. | Gently wipe affected areas with a tissue, then spray with an appropriate fungicide or insecticide. Keep the air moving around the plant and avoid enclosed, stagnant conditions to prevent future problems. |
| Leaves turn yellow and drop easily | The temperature may be too low, or overwatering has weakened the roots. | Keep the plant in temperatures of at least 10°C (50°F), and dial back watering during winter. If root rot is suspected, a repot into fresh soil may be necessary. |
| Stems are getting long and leggy with sparse growth | Not enough light, or the plant has grown so much it's become unruly. | Move it somewhere brighter and gently trim back the long stems. Pop the cuttings in water to root them—you'll soon have new plants to propagate. |
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