How to Grow and Care for Tradescantia chrysophylla 'Baby Bunny Bellies' Indoors


Tradescantia Baby Bunny Bellies Plant is among the popular, trailing Tradescantia varieties and bears fuzzy foliage which feels like the under belly of a baby bunny.

The velvety green leaves on Baby Bunny Bellies Tradescantia have beautiful, soft, purply undersides. The plant grows to a height of 6-8 inches and can trail upto 2 feet wide and is perfect for a hanging basket.

Tradescantia Baby Bunny Bellies like its cousin Tradescantia fluminensis (Small-leaf Spiderwort) is easy to grow indoors when given the right growing conditions.

Baby Bunny Bellies, Tradescantia chrysophylla

Botanical name: Tradescantia chrysophylla

Family: Commelinaceae

Common names: Baby Bunny Bellies Tradescantia, Tradescantia Baby Bunny Bellies, Baby Bunny Belly Plant, Speedy Jenny Baby Bellies, Baby Bunny Bellies Plant


Is Tradescantia chrysophylla toxic? Yes, Baby Bunny Bellies Plant is mildly toxic to humans and pets. If ingested, the plant sap can cause burning in the mouth, tongue and throat. The sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive skin. Always wear gloves when handling your Speedy Jenny Baby Bellies.

How to care for Baby Bunny Bellies Plant indoors

  • Light: Give it bright indirect light; place it in a brightly-lit spot to enhance the leaf color and prevent legginess. Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching of the leaves.

  • Watering: Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid soggy soil to prevent rotting. Take care not to wet the foliage to minimize fungal diseases.

  • Temperatures: Maintain a warmth of 18-240C with a minimum 130C. Keep it away from sources of drafts like windy doors, AC units, hot sources among others.

  • Humidity: Ordinary room humidity of 50-55% is adequate for this plant, it has no need for extra humidity.

  • Fertilizer: Feed it monthly in spring and summer with a well-balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Withhold feeding in fall and winter to prevent fertilizer burn and loss of the plant.

  • Soil: Use a light, well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. A blend of 2 parts of potting soil and 1 part perlite is good.

  • Pruning: Regularly remove yellow and dead leaves to keep it neat as well as discourage pests and diseases. Pinch off the growing tips to control growth and encourage bushy growth. To rejuvenate growth, cutback leggy stems at the beginning of the growing season.

  • Potting and repotting: Use a pot with a drainage hole to prevent rotting. Repot at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer), only when extremely pot-bound.

  • Propagation: Propagation is done at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer), by plant division or from stem-cuttings which can be rooted either in water or in soil.

  • Common problems: Yellow leaves, plant dying, leggy growth, leaf drop, loss of leaf color, root-rot, leaf spot disease, scale insects, mealybugs and aphids.
Baby Bunny Bellies Tradescantia, Tradescantia chrysophylla

Watering

Watering Baby Bunny Bellies Tradescantia is not complicated. During the growing season (spring and summer), liberally wet the soil until the water drips through the drainage hole. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Maintain the soil moderately moist but not soggy (too wet) as it can result in yellow leaves, mushy stems and musty smelling soil due to rotting stems and can lead to death of the plant.

Decrease watering in fall and winter to keep the soil barely moist as growth is minimal at this time. However, do not allow the soil to dry out completely; dry soil can lead to dry curling leaves, crispy brown edges and stunted growth.

Use room temperature water to prevent cold shock which can cause stunted growth and leaf loss. Only water with chlorine-free water to avoid staining and browning of the leaf edges.

Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root-rot and death of the plant. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.

Light Requirements

Baby Bunny Bellies Plant thrives in bright indirect light (dappled light); place it next to a bright, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunshine as it can cause ugly brown scorching marks on the leaves.

If your plant becomes leggy or stretched, it's likely not getting enough light. Therefore, if the lighting is not adequate, use a grow light to ensure that the plant receives enough light for a lush growth.

Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and to prevent leggy growth.

Temperature & Humidity

Baby Bunny Bellies Tradescantia prefers a warmth of 18-240C with a minimum 130C. Keep it away from sources drafts to prevent extreme temperatures which can cause reduced growth, wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.

Baby Bunny Bellies Plant has no need for high humidity; a humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant. However, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity where the temperatures are too high. Ascertain that there is proper circulation to minimize fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Feed Baby Bunny Belly Plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer. To encourage bushy growth, you may choose a fertilizer higher in nitrogen.

Withhold feeding in fall and winter as the growth is minimal and feeding at this time may lead to fertilizer burn; burnt leaf tips.

Potting Soil

The best soil for Tradescantia chrysophylla soil should be a light, well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy, compacted soil, as it retains too much moisture. A mix of 2 parts of potting soil and 1 part perlite is recommended for this plant.

Repotting

Repot Tradescantia Baby Bunny Bellies at the beginning of the growing season (spring to early summer), only when extremely pot-bound. Use a pot one size larger than the current one.

Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot. Speedy Jenny Baby Bellies is spectacular in a hanging basket where the the stems can cascade downwards beautifully. Check out these hanging planters with macrame hangers on Amazon.

Pruning & Grooming

Pruning Baby Bunny Bellies Tradescantia involves regular removal of dead foliage to maintain the plant neat and tidy as well as discourage pests and diseases.

To control the growth of the plant and encourage bushyness, pinch the growing tips. When the plant becomes leggy, cutback leggy stems with a sharp, clean pair of pruning scissors at the beginning of the growing season to rejuvenate growth and promote a compact growth. You may use the stems to propagate new plants.

Clean the leaves regularly by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to keep them clean as well as discourage pest and disease infestations.

Tradescantia chrysophylla Propagation

Tradescantia chrysophylla propagation is done by plant division or from stem-cuttings, which can be rooted either in water or in soil. The best time to propagate is at the beginning of the growing period (spring to early summer), when in active growth to promote establishment.

1. How to propagate Tradescantia chrysophylla from stem cuttings

  1. Take a stem cutting from a healthy plant of about 4-6 inches and ensure it bears at least two sets of leaves.

  2. Allow some time for the formation of a protective callus tissue over the cuts of the cuttings to prevent rotting.

  3. Fill a rooting container with loose, free-draining soil to a depth of about 4 inches. Lightly moisten the soil.

  4. With a pencil or similar object make a hole that is wider than the diameter of the cutting.

  5. Carefully insert the cutting in the hole made previously to a depth of about 3 inches.

  6. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist through out until new growth emerges.

  7. Allow the new plant to be well established before transplanting to individual pots after which you can begin routine care.

2. How to propagate Tradescantia chrysophylla by plant division

  1. Water the plant thoroughly at least 1 day before to make it easier to divide and also hasten establishment.

  2. Take the plant out of its pot and carefully divide it into sections. Ensure each sections has adequate roots and at least one set of leaves.

  3. Select a 6 or 8 inches pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.

  4. Fill the pot with loose, free-draining soil and make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the section.

  5. Place the section in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base while taking care not to bury it too deep; maintain the section at the same soil level it was in the previous pot.

  6. Water the soil thoroughly and place the set up in a well-lit, warm place until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.
Baby Bunny Bellies Tradescantia, Tradescantia chrysophylla

Baby Bunny Bellies Plant Problems & Solutions

Baby Bunny Bellies Tradescantia common problems are yellow leaves, plant dying, leggy growth, leaf drop, loss of leaf color, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to solve them.

Yellow leaves

Some of the causes of yellow leaves on Tradescantia Baby Bunny Bellies are too little light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, aging among others.

How to fix it

Too little light: Position the plant in medium to bright indirect light or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.

Inconsistent watering: Water only when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out. Do not water on a schedule.

Soggy soil: Use well-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.

Aging: It is natural for the old leaves to turn yellow, brown and drop off as the plant matures.

Plant dying

Baby Bunny Belly Plant is dying due to root-rot disease which is prevalent in soggy soil. It is characterized by yellowing and wilting leaves, rapidly followed by browning and plant collapse.

How to revive Baby Bunny Belly Plant?

  1. Carefully slip the plant out of its pot and inspect the roots.

  2. Trim the brown-black, mushy roots and treat the healthy roots with a copper-based fungicidal solution as recommended by the manufacturer.

  3. Disinfect the pot with the fungicidal solution or use a fresh pot to repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.

  4. Do not water the plant immediately and keep it dry for 5-7 days before you can resume watering.

  5. Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil to prevent the soil from getting soggy.

  6. Reduce watering in fall and winter as growth is slowed at this time; keep the soil slightly moist.

Leggy growth

Leggy growth or elongated stems on Baby Bunny Bellies Tradescantia are caused by too little light, inconsistent watering or nutrients deficiency.

How to fix it

Too little light: Position the plant in a brighter spot as it needs bright indirect light or instal a grow light if you do not have enough light in your home.

Inconsistent watering: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Nutrients deficiency: Feed the plant with a balanced, liquid fertilizer once a month in the growing season to promote healthy growth.

Leaf drop

Leaf drop on Tradescantia Baby Bunny Bellies Plant is caused by too little, inconsistent watering, soggy soil or temperature stress.

How to fix it

Too little light: Place your plant in bright indirect light or use a a grow light if you do have sufficient light in your home.

Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and a free-draining soil.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like hot air vents, AC units, drafty windows, hot surfaces among others.

Loss of leaf color

Loss of leaf color on Baby Bunny Bellies Plant is caused by too little light. Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.

Pests

Common pests of Baby Bunny Bellies Plant are scales, mealybugs and aphids which are prevalent in dry conditions.

How to fix it

  1. Isolate the affected plant to minimize spread to other plants.

  2. Treat the plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap. Ensure to follow the manufacturers' instructions on the label.

  3. Regularly check underneath the leaves of the plant for these pests and carry out timely control measures.

  4. Keep the plant well pruned to discourage the pests.

  5. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or group the plants together to increase humidity to reduce the pests infestations.

Diseases

Tradescantia Baby Bunny Belly is prone to leaf spot disease which is characterized by brown, moist spots on the foliage. In a serious attack the spots can enlarge and merge, killing the whole leaf.

How to fix it

  1. Remove and burn the affected parts to reduce the risk of spread to the rest of the plants.

  2. Spray the affected plant with a systemic fungicide and ensure all the parts are completely covered with the fungicidal solution.

  3. Keep the plant on the dry side and do not mist it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do you take care of a Baby Bunny Belly Plant?

  1. Position Baby Bunny Belly Plant infront of a large, brightly-lit, sunless window where it will receive bright indirect light.

  2. Give it a warmth of 18-240C and keep it away from drafts.

  3. Grow the plant in fertile, moderately moist, well-drained soil. Never allow the soil to dry out completely.

  4. Feed it monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season but do feed in the cold season.

  5. Maintain a humidity of 50-55% as it has no need for extra humidity.

  6. Repot the plant during the growing season only when extremely pot-bound.

  7. Regularly remove dead foliage to maintain the plant neat and also minimize pest and disease infestations.

  8. Regularly pinch off the growing tips to encourage a bushy, compact growth.

  9. Cutback the leggy and strangly stems to rejuvenate growth and control growth.

  10. Regularly inspect the plant for any pests and diseases and take timely control measures.

2. How to root Baby Bunny Bellies Plant?

Baby Bunny Bellies Plant stem cuttings can be rooted either in water or in soil. However, rooting in water takes longer than rooting in soil.

3. Why is my Baby Bunny Belly Plant dying?

Your Baby Bunny Belly Plant is dying due to incorrect watering, root-rot, pests infestations, cold drafts, too little light, poor feeding among other reasons.

4. Are Baby Bunny Bellies indoor or outdoor plants?

Baby Bunny Bellies Plant is a great choice for outdoors in the warm climates and USDA zones 10-12. In the colder regions it is best grown as an indoor plant or a container plant which can be brought inside when the temperatures dip to a minimum 130C.

5. Do Baby Bunny Bellies Plants like humidity?

Baby Bunny Bellies Tradescantia has no need for extra humidity; a humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this Plant. However, where the temperatures are too high, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity.

6. Can Baby Bunny Bellies Plant be in the sun?

Baby Bunny Bellies Plant cannot tolerate direct sunlight; it prefers bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause scorching resulting in ugly, brown, leaf marks. It may also lead to stunted growth and death of the plant.

7. How often do you water Baby Bunny Bellies Plant?

Water Baby Bunny Bellies Plant when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

8. Are Baby Bunny Bellies Plants poisonous?

Baby Bunny Bellies Plants are mildly toxic to humans and pets. If ingested, the plant sap can cause burning in the mouth, tongue and throat. The sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive skin.

9. How to repot Baby Bunny Bellies Plant?

  1. Repot Baby Bunny Bellies Plant only when pot-bound. Thoroughly water the plant and carefully slip it out of its pot.

  2. Remove most of the old soil from the roots, carefully detangle the roots and cut away old and dead roots with a sterilized pair of scissors.

  3. Select a terracotta pot one size larger than the current one and fill it half way with well-drained soil.

  4. Position the plant in the center of the pot and fill the pot and lightly press down the soil.

  5. Wet the soil thoroughly and replace the plant to its growing spot.

10. How do you prune Baby Bunny Bellies Plant?

  1. Regularly remove dead foliage to keep the plant neat and also reduce pest and disease infestations.

  2. Regularly pinch off the growing tips to encourage a bushy, compact growth.

  3. Cutback the straggly stems to rejuvenate growth and control growth.

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