The Tradescantia ‘Purple Plush’, a cultivar of Tradescantia zebrina, is an appealing houseplant known for its striking purple foliage and trailing growth. Its velvety, deep purple leaves, often with red-brown to grey-purple stripes in strong sunlight, offer a unique visual element. Its cascading form makes it a popular choice for hanging baskets or elevated displays, adding vibrant color to indoor spaces. This plant’s relatively easy care contributes to its widespread appeal.
Caring for Your Tradescantia Purple Plush
Light Requirements
Maintaining the vibrant purple coloration of Tradescantia ‘Purple Plush’ depends significantly on appropriate light exposure. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing it near a window that receives filtered sunlight, such as an east or north-facing window, is ideal.
Insufficient light can cause the plant’s distinctive purple hues to fade, leading to a duller, more greenish appearance, and may also result in leggy growth. Conversely, direct, intense sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves, causing brown spots or crisping. A balanced approach to light ensures the foliage retains its rich coloration and compact growth.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is important for the health of Tradescantia ‘Purple Plush’. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Feeling the soil with a finger helps determine moisture levels accurately.
Overwatering can quickly lead to root rot, evidenced by yellowing leaves and decline. Conversely, prolonged underwatering causes leaves to become crispy and brown. Good drainage prevents water from pooling around the roots.
Soil Preferences
Tradescantia ‘Purple Plush’ thrives in a well-draining, airy potting mix. A standard houseplant mix amended with perlite or coarse sand provides necessary drainage and aeration. This blend prevents waterlogging, which is detrimental to roots.
The soil should allow excess water to escape freely, supporting healthy root development. Good drainage helps mitigate root rot. A pot with drainage holes is also essential.
Temperature and Humidity
Tradescantia ‘Purple Plush’ prefers average room temperatures, ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Protecting the plant from cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations is beneficial to prevent foliage stress. Consistent temperatures contribute to steady growth.
This plant appreciates moderate to high humidity, though it tolerates average household humidity. In drier environments, increasing humidity benefits the plant. Methods include placing the pot on a pebble tray, grouping plants, or using a humidifier. Occasional misting provides a temporary boost.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season, spring and summer, Tradescantia ‘Purple Plush’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, once a month. This provides nutrients for vigorous growth and vibrant foliage.
Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s dormant period in fall and winter to prevent nutrient buildup and root harm. Avoid over-fertilization, which can cause leaf burn. Proper feeding supports the plant’s vitality.
Propagating Tradescantia Purple Plush
Propagating Tradescantia ‘Purple Plush’ is straightforward, allowing you to expand your plant collection. Stem cuttings are effective, as this plant readily roots from nodes. Its ease of propagation makes it simple to share or create fuller displays.
Select a healthy stem a few inches long and cut just below a leaf node with sharp, clean shears. A node is where a leaf or branch emerges, containing cells for root development. Remove bottom leaves to prevent rotting.
Cuttings can root in water or soil. For water, place cuttings in a glass, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Change water every few days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Roots form within one to two weeks.
Once roots are about an inch long, transfer cuttings to a well-draining potting mix. Alternatively, plant cuttings directly into moist soil. Make a small hole, insert the cutting, and gently firm the soil. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until new growth appears.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper care, Tradescantia ‘Purple Plush’ may show signs of distress. Fading vibrant purple coloration often indicates insufficient light; moving the plant to a brighter location restores its rich hues.
Leggy or sparse growth, where stems appear stretched with significant gaps between leaves, also indicates inadequate light. Pruning can encourage bushier growth. Brown or crispy leaves often indicate underwatering or low humidity, requiring more consistent watering or increased moisture.
Yellowing leaves often symptomize overwatering and root rot. Allowing soil to dry more thoroughly between waterings mitigates this problem. Occasionally, yellowing may also signal nutrient deficiency or natural aging.
Though robust, Tradescantia ‘Purple Plush’ can attract common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Wiping affected leaves or using insecticidal soap manages infestations.
Pruning for Fuller Growth
Regular pruning is beneficial for Tradescantia ‘Purple Plush’ to maintain shape and encourage denser, bushier growth. As a trailing plant, it can become leggy with long, sparse stems. Pruning prevents this by promoting new growth from lower nodes.
Use clean, sharp scissors or shears to snip off leggy, discolored, or excess stems. Make cuts just above a leaf node, where new growth emerges. Pruning during the active growing season (spring and summer) allows the plant to recover quickly and produce new foliage.
This practice improves aesthetic appeal and overall health by redirecting energy to new growth. Cuttings can be used for propagation, creating new plants while revitalizing the parent. This cyclical process ensures a continuously lush and vibrant Tradescantia ‘Purple Plush’.