Glitter (Tradescantia pallida)

tradescantia pallida

Today we are going to talk about a plant whose color is not common in the rest. Is about the glitter or love of man. Its scientific name is tradescantia pallida and there are people who do not agree with the common name "love of man." It is native to eastern Mexico from the Tamaulipasa area to Yucatán. It is a perfect plant to decorate houses for its exotic color and the little care it needs.

In this article we are going to tell you about all the characteristics of glitter and the care it needs. Do you want to know more about it?

Key features

It is a plant that withstands many environments and situations well. They need a lot of light and do not support well the shady and too humid places. However, they are capable of adapting to almost all types of climates and soil as long as it remains in direct light exposure.

Its common name obviously comes from the purple color of its leaves. It is a lively silver with a creeping bearing of 1 meter in diameter. The most normal thing is that it does not exceed 30 cm in height since it has stems that are not too strong. To make it grow healthily and as long as possible we must support it on the wall or some other structure so that it grows.

The leaves are lanceolate and are mostly around the neck of the stem. They have a length of about 7cm and about 3 cm wide. When it blooms, it does so with small flowers that are usually only 1 cm in diameter. They are flowers that are grouped together forming a terminal structure of the stems. It usually blooms in the spring and summer time when temperatures are higher.

In winter it is able to withstand temperatures between 8 and 10 degrees, although if we place it in direct sun there will be no problems. The best temperature you can have for your optimal stay is around 18-20 degrees.

It is a hanging plant that can tolerate drier environments. Even so, if during the summer the heat is very strong and the environment is too dry, you have to increase the frequency of watering. The important thing here is to always keep the substrate moist so that the plant can be outdoors and not have problems. On the other hand, in winter it will be necessary to reduce the risks.

Uses of tradescantia pallida

uses of glitter

This plant is widely used in patios. It is perfect to make a good combination of colors with other flowers. It gives the exotic touch that our patio or garden needs and that matches well with wall colors of all kinds. We can also have it in pots, in beautiful hanging baskets or in planters. Being a hanging plant, we will be giving more diversity to the decoration of our exteriors and interiors.

The only downside to this plant is that it has great invasive power. In many plantations where glitter was grown, it has managed to escape from the growing area and has multiplied excessively to the point that it is considered a weed. Therefore, you have to be careful in the garden because it could invade the living space of other plants.

It is also used in many public gardens in cities, for the decoration of numerous roundabouts and even hung on many cornices. It is quite an exotic decorative plant that is worth having.

Inside to the family tradescantia We also find other precious specimens for decoration such as Tradescantia zebrina, Tradescantia fluminensis, Tradescantia albiflora, Tradescantia spathacea, Tradescantia Sillamontana, Tradescantia brevicaulis, Tradescantia multiflora, y tradescantia virginiana.

One of the most common uses is to cover the plants with gray or yellow leaves due to the wonderful combination of colors that it gives us. It combines very well with other plants as they are Pachystachys lutea, Phlomis fruticosa, Euryops pectinatus, Centaurea, Artemisia, Santolina y cineraria maritima

Glitter care

tradescantia pallida in flowerpot

As we have mentioned before, the ability of this plant to adapt to all types of climates, environments and terrains is totally spectacular. You only need direct sun exposure or avoid areas that are too shady and / or humid. They are not demanding in terms of the type of soil. They are capable of even thriving in calcareous soils.

Tradescantia pallida: care
Related article:
Tradescantia pallida: care

The planting is advisable to do it in the spring time which is when temperatures are higher and they have more energy and hours of sunshine to adapt to new environments. It is important to take this into account, since the plant needs a sufficient period of time to be able to adapt to the new type of soil and to the climatic conditions. During the spring time there are no frosts or low temperatures. We remember that its optimal temperature is between 18 and 20 degrees.

When it comes to watering it, we will need a more abundant watering in the summer and spring time. Always keep the substrate moist. If it begins to dry out, it is an indication that you have to water. In winter it is easier for the plant not to have to be watered as often, since the substrate stays humid for a longer time and the rainfall irrigates it by itself.

Maintenance and multiplication tasks

contrasting glitter colors

For optimal growth, it is advisable to fertilize it once a year with some organic fertilizer. Natural compost can be a good option. We can make our own compost to serve as compost for our plants. The time when we must pay is in spring so you can make the most of all the nutrients and flourish in more quantity.

This plant does not require much maintenance, but if we want it to stay lively and in perfect condition, we must do some tasks such as pruning it at the beginning of spring. This way we will be guaranteeing that the oldest branches are eliminated and we will leave space for the new ones. In addition, we will be controlling its growth to prevent it from becoming an invasive plant.

It is quite resistant to pests and diseases, so you won't have much trouble. If a case any cochineal, which you can treat with diatomaceous earth. Here you can buy it. and in this video you will see how it is applied:

From cuttings in spring, summer or fall, their multiplication is quite easy. Therefore, be careful that they do not spread too much.

I hope that with this information you can learn more about glitter.


26 comments, leave yours

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  1.   Macarena said

    Can it be left in water?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Macarena.
      No, it has to be planted on the ground. In water it rots.
      Regards!

      1.    Rossiel Raffo said

        IT IS A PLANT FOR MEDICINAL USE. FIVE LEAVES AND A CUP OF ORANGE JUICE. BOIL A MINUTE AND A HALF.
        EXPECTORANT. EXCELLENT FOR BRONCHITIS.
        ELIMINATE THE FLEME. IN ECUADOR THEY SAY MONTE PORADO.

        1.    Monica Sanchez said

          Hi Rossiel.

          Do you have a study that talks about the medicinal uses of this plant?

          We do not recommend starting any treatment without first consulting with an expert.

          Greetings.

      2.    Flower Toloza Cid said

        Excellent advice I collect, because sometimes its leaves burn?

  2.   nilsa ivette said

    How to plant it. Hook or should I plant it with roots? There is a lot near my house and I would like to have it in my garden.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Nilsa.

      You can multiply it with stems taken out with a little root. Anyway, it is a plant that is sold in nurseries and garden stores at affordable prices.

      Greetings.

      1.    jacqueline said

        Hello, I am happy with the information I have this beautiful plant, and I will take care of it much more, thank you?

        1.    Monica Sanchez said

          Hi Jacqueline.

          We are glad to know that you have been interested 🙂

          regards

          1.    Ximena Carranza said

            Hello. Is it toxic? I have young children and I want to know if it can be indoors. Thanks!


          2.    Monica Sanchez said

            Hello, ximena.

            No, it is not toxic to humans.

            Regards!


    2.    Gloria said

      It can be planted by cuttings, without roots, they sprout the same.

  3.   Patricia said

    Thanks for the information, I have this beautiful plant but I did not know its name, now I know how to take better care of it, ????

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Patricia.

      Great, we are glad it was useful to you 🙂

      Regards!

  4.   Mariana said

    Hello, I have planted it in my garden with little direct sun and snails have eaten it on several occasions. I like it a lot but I already gave up

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Mariana.

      If I understand you. Snails become a major pest ...

      I recommend you put these into practice Home Remedies to keep them away 🙂

      Regards!

  5.   M.Angeles said

    Very good information I have a plants

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello M. Angeles.

      Thank you for your words. We are glad you liked it.

      Greetings.

  6.   Olivia said

    Very good presentation of the subject.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Thank you, Olivia 🙂

  7.   Vicky said

    Thank you very much for your information .. it has helped me a lot

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hi Vicky.

      Thank you very much for reading and commenting on us.

      Regards!

  8.   Gloria said

    Hello, they gave me a plant and when I ask for it, he planted many cuttings, I give away. Thank you for showing us your care, really, each cut twig sprouts very quickly. I love this little purple plant.

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello, Gloria.

      Without a doubt, it is a very grateful plant, which does not need much care 🙂

  9.   Luz said

    I have a glitter for a month or two. they look like flowers like the description, but they close in a day or hours ... is that normal?

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      Hello, Luz.

      Yes it's normal. The flowers of this plant remain open for a short time.

      Greetings.