This is a xerophytic herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family of the commelinaceae, genus made up of about 30 species of herbaceous plants extended throughout the American Continent and whose origin is moved to Mexico and with endemic characteristics in the dry areas of the area.
Features
La Tradescantia Sillamontana It is a small plant that does not exceed 40 centimeters in height, erect bearing and hairy stems highly branched at the top.
The shape of its leaves is oblong lanceolate and its flowering is contemplated between mid-spring and late summer, however in hot climates it could thrive satisfactorily.
They are used as indoor decoration plants for their interesting eye-catching look due to white woollyness covering its stems and leaves.
This woolly-looking villi protects the plant from the sun's rays and from the loss of water from its leaves, since it is necessary to prevent them from being burned by the sun. They can be kept inside the home all year round, not being able to do the same outside, since being a warm-friendly plant it would spoil when cold days arrive.
Its stems are by nature thick and although it is a plant of upright origin and nature, once they grow they are affected and overcome by the weight of their stems, which transforms it into an exceptional decorative element due to the originality of its woolly leaves and the delicacy of its pink flowers, in such a way that its ornamental qualities are exposed in a natural way.
Caring for the Tradescantia Sillamontana
Its delicate flowers grow alone at the end of the stem and its beautiful color is an intense pink, flowering is essentially typical of the genus which adds originality to the plant but not a great attraction.
As an important part of the care and maintenance of this species, you must proceed to supply the required humidity without exceeding the amounts from spring to autumn, as well as relying on the use of a standard mineral fertilizer type every 15 to 20 days.
It is recommended to use doses lower than those recommended by the manufacturer and thus avoid an excess of nitrogen for optimal results.
The tradescantia lanosa needs simple care, nothing complicated and that does not cause problems. Only the substrate should be kept properly moistened And do not expose it to direct sunlight, it does not require pruning, you just have to detach the already weakened stems, we will shorten the too long ones and we can use the cuttings as cuttings and thus encourage the birth of new shoots and more robust specimens.
Farming
They have the advantage and particularity that through their fragments or cuttings nature allows reproduce the plant in a short period of time.
The roots will begin to be seen in a short period without major inconveniences, rooting easily and simply, inserting it directly into the substrate without the use of external chemical agents such as hormones.
It is a simple plant and very easy to grow as long as its needs are respected, as has already been pointed out, pests and diseases are not the enemy, its enemies to take into account are the excess water and extreme temperatures.
It only requires a well-moisturized soil and seasoned with a mantle of leaves in order to maintain the required humidity, a generous proportion of coarse sand that facilitates drainage, thus avoiding the risk of rotting and keeping the plant almost dry in autumn and winter for its successful evolution and growth.
Finally, it is appropriate to add how ideal this species looks when it comes to place it in tall or uneven pots and where its decorative hanging stems stand out and its branches slide downwards, showing itself in all its splendor, since it is precisely in this that its beauty and attractiveness is found.