Tradescantia ‘Red Hill’ is a striking ornamental plant known for its vibrant foliage. It is often called spiderwort or inchplant. Its distinctive oval leaves are typically grey-green on top, developing a bright red stripe or flush in good light, with dark purple-grey, hairy undersides. The plant initially forms a clump, then transitions to a trailing habit, making it a popular choice for various displays.
Caring for Tradescantia ‘Red Hill’
Light
Tradescantia ‘Red Hill’ thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, which is crucial for enhancing its signature red coloration. Insufficient light often causes the vibrant leaf colors to fade and the plant to become leggy as it stretches to find more illumination. Too much direct sun can scorch its leaves, leading to browning or a washed-out appearance. An east or west-facing window typically provides ideal light exposure.
Watering
Tradescantia ‘Red Hill’ prefers consistently moist soil without becoming waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot, indicated by a soggy potting mix, while prolonged dryness can cause wilting and leaf drop. Using a pot with drainage holes helps prevent water accumulation.
Soil
The ideal soil for Tradescantia ‘Red Hill’ is a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture. A good quality indoor potting soil is a suitable base. To enhance drainage and aeration, incorporate amendments like perlite, pumice, or sand. While it tolerates a range of pH levels, it prefers a slightly acidic environment.
Temperature and Humidity
Tradescantia ‘Red Hill’ prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) for optimal growth. It is sensitive to sudden temperature drops and drafts, which can cause leaf loss. While it tolerates average household humidity levels, higher humidity is preferred for lush foliage. To increase humidity, especially in drier environments, place the plant on a wet pebble tray or use a room humidifier.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season (spring through early fall), Tradescantia ‘Red Hill’ benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid houseplant food applied monthly is sufficient. Over-fertilizing can lead to issues like loss of variegation or leaf burn, so it is recommended to dilute the fertilizer to half strength. Reduced growth or pale foliage may indicate a need for nutrients.
Propagating Tradescantia ‘Red Hill’
Propagating Tradescantia ‘Red Hill’ is straightforward, primarily through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section, ideally 4-6 inches long. Carefully remove leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches to expose the nodes, ensuring no leaves will be submerged in water or buried in soil to prevent rot. Cuttings can be rooted in either water or a moist potting mix.
For water propagation, place cuttings in a jar of clean water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Change the water weekly to prevent algae and replenish oxygen. Roots typically develop within 2-4 weeks. Once roots are 2-3 inches long, transfer the new plants to a pot with fresh potting mix.
Alternatively, root stem cuttings directly in a moist, well-draining potting mix. Insert the defoliated end into the soil, ensuring a node is beneath the surface. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Bright, indirect light encourages rooting, which occurs within a few weeks.
Common Issues and Solutions
Tradescantia ‘Red Hill’ may exhibit fading color or leggy growth, often indicating insufficient light. Moving the plant to brighter, indirect sunlight restores vibrant hues and encourages compact growth. Yellow leaves with moist soil often signal overwatering, requiring reduced watering frequency and proper drainage. Browning leaf tips can signal low humidity, remedied by increasing ambient moisture.
The plant is susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and thrips. Signs of infestation include webbing, sticky residue, or visible insects. Early intervention is important; physical removal, horticultural oil, or insecticidal soap are effective treatments. Maintaining appropriate humidity also helps deter spider mites.
Placement and Aesthetic Uses
The trailing habit and vibrant coloration of Tradescantia ‘Red Hill’ make it versatile for various aesthetic applications. It excels in hanging baskets, allowing its lush, red-hued foliage to cascade gracefully, creating a striking visual display. Its adaptability also makes it suitable for tabletops or shelves where its vines can spill over the edges.
Beyond indoor use, Tradescantia ‘Red Hill’ can be used in outdoor summer displays, particularly in shaded patios or as ground cover in suitable climates. Its distinctive coloring adds vibrancy to mixed arrangements, complementing other plants. Its relatively low maintenance requirements contribute to its popularity.