10 Types of Tradescantia Plant Varieties with Names and Pictures
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Tradescantia Plants commonly called Inch Plants, Spiderworts, Wandering Dude, Dayflower or Trad. are popular plants which easily adapt to indoor growing conditions. Loved for their fast growth, vibrant foliage and low-maintenance care, Inch Plant Varieties come in a wide range of colors, leaf patterns, texture and growth habits.
Majority of the Tradescantia varieties have a trailing or creeping growth habit which makes them some of the favorite plants for hanging baskets and limited spaces in the home or office space.
Tradescantia types are easy-care plants ideal for a beginner and any plant parent looking for hassle-free plants. They thrive indoors thanks to their adaptability to bright indirect light, minimal watering, and easy propagation.
Inch Plant Types are a pleasant addition to any plant collection and will elevate any home decor. It is not unusual to find at least one in many living spaces.
If you are looking to add a Tradescantia to your collection, you may get these plants online from Amazon (Link to Amazon).
Tradescantia species are native to the Americas from southern Canada to northern Argentina, including the West Indies. There are about 85 Tradescantia species belonging to the Commelinaceae family. We have below a list of 10 of the most popular Tradescantia Plant Types that you can successfully grow in your home.
10 Tradescantia Plant Varieties for Indoors
Popular Tradescantia Varieties are Tradescantia fluminensis, Tradescantia pallida, Tradescantia spathacea, Tradescantia zebrina, Tradescantia albiflora'Nanouk', Tradescantia x andersoniana among others.
1. Tradescantia fluminensis
Tradescantia fluminensis also called Small-leaf Spiderwort, Wandering Trad, River Spiderwort or Wandering Willie are fast-growing plants whose leaves, about 2-4 inches long, tightly clasp the creeping or trailing stems. The undersides of leaves are pale purple (mauve) and it produces pale purple sap.
Wandering Trad has the varieties variegata with cream striped leaves, Quicksilver with white striped leaves, tricolor whose leaves are striped with cream and purple, among others.
Inch Plant thrives in bright indirect light, warmth of 16-270C, humidity of 50-55% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season. Learn how to grow and care for Tradescantia fluminensis.
2. Tradescantia pallida
Tradescantia pallida commonly called Purple Heart Plant, Purple Queen bears leaves which are elongated, pointed, slightly hairy, glaucous green, fringed with red or purple. It is one of the popular purple-leaved plants for the home or office.
The flowers in Purple Heart Plant are small, sterile, three-petaled and are white, pink or purple. The stems are clearly segmented and roots easily grow from the joints.
Purple Queen grows best in bright indirect light (filtered light), warmth of 18-270C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, free-draining soil coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season. Learn how to grow and care for Tradescantia pallida.
3. Tradescantia spathacea
Tradescantia spathacea also called Boat Lily, Moses-in-the-Cradle, Moses-in-a-Boat, Cradle Lily or Oyster Plant is a low-growing plant with a short stem on which are fleshy, sword-shaped, glossy green leaves with purplish-red undersides. It is one of the favorite plants for limited spaces in the home, office and other suitable spaces.
Moses-in-the-Cradle bears small white flowers in purple "boats" at the base of the lower leaves and hence the common names. It flowers at any time of the year if grown under good light.
Oyster Plant performs best in bright indirect light, warmth of 18-270C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Tradescantia spathacea.
4. Tradescantia zebrina
Tradescantia zebrina commonly called Silver Inch Plant bears glistened ovate leaves which are multicolored above. The leaf surface is bluish-green, banded with silver and edged in purple. The flowers are pink to purplish.
Tradescantia zebrina will withstand a wide range of growing conditions placing it among the hard to kill indoor plants. It easily propagates; just a node of this plant will sprout into a beautiful plant in no time.
Silver Inch Plant blossoms in bright indirect light (filtered light), warmth of 16-270C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained potting mix coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
5. Tradescantia albiflora 'Nanouk'
Tradescantia Nanouk also called Fantasy Venice Plant or Spiderwort 'Nanouk' bears bright green, pink & purple, fuzzy leaves growing on sturdy stems and small white and yellow flowers arising from the pink buds.
On account of its vibrant and colourful foliage, Fantasy Venice Plant is among popular plants for any space as it will create a magnificent sight.
Tradescantia albiflora 'Nanouk' prospers in bright indirect light, warmth of 16-270C, humidity of 50-55% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained potting soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Tradescantia albiflora 'Nanouk'.
6. Tradescantia x andersoniana
Tradescantia x andersoniana also called Blushing Maid Tradescantia or Blushing Bride Tradescantia is a trailing, tender perennial plant which bears pink and white variegated new growth.
When mature the leaves turn completely green. It is advisable to cut it back regularly to encourage the new growth of pink and white variegated foliage.
Blushing Bride Tradescantia grows to a height of 6-10 inches and the stems are 4-5 feet long. It is perfect in a hanging basket for an office desk without windows.
Tradescantia x andersoniana blossoms in bright indirect light (dappled light), warmth of of 16-270C, humidity of 50-55% and consistently moist rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Learn how to grow and care for Tradescantia x andersoniana.
7. Tradescantia navicularis
Tradescantia navicularis also called Chain Plant, Widow's Tears or Day Flower has two type of stems which exhibit different growth habits. where some stems are short, grow upright and bear tight overlapping leaves. The other stems spread along the ground and bear more open leaves.
Tradescantia navicularis or Callisia navicularis bears fleshy stems which are tightly clasped by thick, waxy, lance-shaped, bronze-green leaves with purple streaked undersides.
Chain Plant performs well in bright indirect light, warmth of 16-270C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained succulents soil coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season.
8. Tradescantia sillamontana
Tradescantia sillamontana also called Cobweb Spiderwort, White Velvet or White Gossamer Plant is a small upright perennial plant which bears highly branched hairy stems and oblong-lanceolate leaves in the shape of a boat's keel and may have a purple tone.
The flowers in White Velvet Plant are borne at the end of the stems and are a deep pink color. The entire plant is covered by white hairs and hence the common names. It grows to a height of 1 foot only placing it among the best low-light small plants for the poorly-lit spaces.
Cobweb Spiderwort grows best in bright indirect light, warmth of 16-270C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, free-draining succulents mix coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Learn how to grow and care for Tradescantia sillamontana.
9. Tradescantia chrysophylla
Tradescantia chrysophylla also called Baby Bunny Bellies Tradescantia or Speedy Jenny Baby Bellies is one of the best plants for the home on account of its fuzzy foliage which feels like the under belly of a baby bunny.
The velvety green leaves in Speedy Jenny Baby Bellies have soft purply undersides. The plant is perfect for a hanging basket as it grows to a height of 6-8 inches and can trail upto 2 feet wide.
Baby Bunny Bellies Tradescantia flourishes in bright indirect light (dappled light), warmth of 18-240C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with regular feeding in the growing season. Learn more on how to grow and care for Tradescantia chrysophylla.
10. Tradescantia virginiana
Tradescantia virginiana also called Virginia Spiderwort, Spider Lily or Common Spiderwort is a perennial herbaceous plant with alternate, simple leaves, on tubular stems and blue, purple, magenta, or white flowers in summer.
On account of its spectacular foliage and striking flowers, Common Spiderwort is among the best plants for the office space as it is great at brightening up any space.
Virginia Spiderwort blossoms in bright indirect light (filtered light), warmth of 16-270C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained potting soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season. Learn how to grow and care for Tradescantia virginiana.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many types of Tradescantia are there?
There are over 85 species of Tradescantia but only a handful are commonly grown as indoor plants.
2. Which is the easiest Tradescantia variety to grow?
Tradescantia zebrina is considered the easiest variety to grow indoors due to its tolerance to varying light conditions and forgiving watering needs.
3. Do Tradescantia like sun or shade?
Tradescantia prefer bright indirect light; a spot infront of a bright, sunless window. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, especially variegated varieties.
4. What is the life span of a Tradescantia?
Most Tradescantia will last for 2-3 years after which they become straggly. Cutback the stems to rejuvenate growth. To maintain a healthy stock of these plants, regularly root stem cuttings to propagate new plants.
