Tradescantia Zebrina Fast Growing Plant [ Lovely Colour ]

Believe it or not, but i planted an unrooted cutting [single stem] of Tradescantia Zebrina about 9 weeks ago, can't believe how fast the plant has grown, and the colour on the leaves is amazing

 

I relegated one of these to the garden during the summer.
Got a few cutting off it now, but this was last month.

 

Ah lovely things, they seem underappreciated as houseplants, we used to have one when I was a kid and so did a few people we knew but I very, very rarely see them nowadays.

Nick

 

@pete That's a beauty Pete

 

They root prolifically quickly as under each leaf there are embryonic roots waiting for contact with a substrate (or water) so that they can start to grow. This can start in as little as a day or two in ideal conditions.
I'm no lover of variegated plants so I've grew Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea' outdoors for a few years overwintered in a cold greenhouse..........
Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea' by longk48, on Flickr

Tradescantia pallida by longk48, on Flickr

I currently grow the close relative Gibasis pellucida which was formerly Tradescantia. Very tough plant indeed.............
Gibasis pellucida by longk48, on Flickr

 

@longk Absolutely stunning plant's, thanks for posting and the info, i've never grew these before, but i'm a big fan now.
Excellent pictures by the way

 

I've a few varieties like pallida, fluminense and that green one that are fairly root hardy and stay out all year here in the sub tropics of the Sussex coast. However, after the first frost, they can look like the aftermath of a dodgy curry from the previous night!

 

I have Tradescantia x andersoniana 'Blushing Bride' ...

(Internet photo as I can't find mine)

 

@Victoria they are beautiful plants, never grew them before, I’ll look out for that one

 

They also seem to enjoy similar conditions to ferns and orchids.... cannot remember if this was a true silver/green one or if it was purple one that lost its purple colour due to the shaded location ?

 

@ricky101 thanks for the info, lovely looking plants you got there

 

Okay, mine has lived outdoors here from day dot for many, many years ... but it is in a not full sun position, morning only.

 

I tend to think they dont really like full sun even in the UK during summer.

 

Tradescantias are not underestimated anymore as a houseplant. People sell and swap cuttings and plants of various varieties on facebook.

 

I have these as well, but I'm going to bring them into a shelter for the winter.

I've also got T. zebrina in a hanging pot, and it has been in the sun , and another one I don't know the name of but no photo, they can root into the next pot if you're not careful.