Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Feeling Flirty’ is a visually appealing houseplant, known for its vibrant foliage and easy-care nature. This cultivar adds color and charm to indoor spaces, making it a popular choice.
Getting to Know Tradescantia ‘Feeling Flirty’
This Tradescantia cultivar, often called “Inch Plant” or “Spiderwort,” displays distinctive characteristics. Its leaves are intricately colored with shades of pink and green, featuring thick green stripes over a soft pink background. The undersides often exhibit a lilac purple hue.
The plant typically matures to a height of 2 to 4 inches but boasts a significant trailing habit, extending up to 24 to 36 inches. This vining growth makes ‘Feeling Flirty’ an excellent choice for hanging baskets or as a “spiller” element in mixed container arrangements.
Caring for Your Tradescantia ‘Feeling Flirty’
Light Requirements
Tradescantia ‘Feeling Flirty’ thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing the plant near a window that receives ample light without direct, harsh sun exposure is beneficial. Insufficient light can cause the plant to become leggy and spindly, leading to less full growth and a dulling of its vibrant leaf colors. Conversely, too much direct sun, especially intense midday light, may result in leaf burn.
Watering Practices
Maintaining appropriate soil moisture is key for ‘Feeling Flirty’ tradescantia. The plant prefers average moisture levels and well-drained soil. Water thoroughly, allowing water to drain from the bottom of the pot. Checking the top inch or two of soil for dryness is a reliable indicator of when to water. Overwatering or soggy soil can lead to root rot.
Soil and Potting Needs
A well-draining and airy potting mix is suitable for Tradescantia ‘Feeling Flirty’. A standard indoor potting mix with added perlite, pumice, or orchid bark can improve drainage and aeration, which is beneficial for root health. When repotting, choose a container that is no more than one size larger than its current pot. Repotting is generally indicated when the plant becomes root-bound or appears snug in its container.
Ideal Temperature and Humidity
Tradescantia ‘Feeling Flirty’ grows most actively in temperatures ranging from 60 to 85°F (15-29°C). It is sensitive to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), so protection from cold drafts is recommended. This plant also benefits from medium to high humidity levels. To increase humidity indoors, options include running a humidifier, placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or grouping houseplants together.
Fertilizing Your Plant
During its active growing season, typically from March through October, Tradescantia ‘Feeling Flirty’ can benefit from regular fertilization. Applying a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month, diluted to half strength, is a common practice. Fertilizing should be reduced or stopped entirely during the winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows, as feeding during this period can potentially lead to root issues.
Propagating Tradescantia ‘Feeling Flirty’
Propagating Tradescantia ‘Feeling Flirty’ is straightforward, primarily using stem cuttings. Select healthy stems and use clean, sharp scissors or shears to make cuts. Each cutting should have a few sets of leaves, with lower leaves removed to expose the nodes.
These stem cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in soil. For water propagation, place the prepared cuttings in a glass of water, ensuring no leaves are submerged, and change the water regularly. Roots typically develop within a few days. For direct soil propagation, insert the cuttings into moist, well-draining potting mix, with at least one node buried below the soil line. Maintain consistent moisture in the soil until roots establish.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common issues with Tradescantia ‘Feeling Flirty’ often indicate a need for care adjustments. Leggy growth with sparse leaves signals insufficient light, as the plant stretches for brightness. Moving it to a brighter location and pinching back long stems encourages bushier growth.
Fading variegation, where the vibrant pink and green colors become less pronounced, is typically a sign of inadequate light exposure. Increasing the intensity of indirect light can help restore the leaf coloration. Browning leaves may stem from various factors, including low humidity or over-fertilization. Wilting can suggest either underwatering, where the plant lacks sufficient moisture, or overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Examining the soil moisture levels and adjusting watering practices accordingly can help address these concerns.