You may not know her name but it is likely that you have seen her on occasion. Is that the tradescantia It is a very common plant in Spanish homes as it is not only beautiful but also very easy to care for.
It is a versatile hanging plant that is suitable for interiors and is widely used in ornamentation.
The tradescantia has the virtue of adapting both indoors and outdoors in addition to providing beauty as it can cover the ground or be a splendid hanging plant. In the case of covering the ground, it is generous as few species because it is frequent that it takes root in each of its nodes, so the plant looks voluminous and covers large areas.
A broad genre
Tradescantia is a genus made up of more than 70 species, most of them of American origin. There are specimens originating from Canada and others from Argentina, although today it is possible to find the plant on all five continents.
Some of the most popular species are the tradescantia purpúrea or purpurina, zebrina, fluminensis, pallida, spathacea, virginiana or sellamontana although many of them are known by more ordinary names such as amor de hombre, flotilla, yerba de boca or flor de Santa Lucía.
Plant needs
In general, it is a perennial species although in some cases the plant can be annual. Their leaves grow in two rows or spirally and the inflorescence varies according to the species, although it is common for them to have six violet or bluish petals.
Tradescantia is a plant that needs to grow under the protection of natural lightl in order to develop in harmony. Adapts without problems to high temperatures and low humidity climatesd. Nor is it demanding in irrigation as it is a plant that resists drought and can be watered twice a week in summer.
It is important that it has good drainage as it does not resist excess moisture. In addition, it is recommended fertilize the soil and perform a flush pruning during the growing season in order to favor its development.