Tradescantia zebrina 'Variegated'

Tradescantia zebrina 'Variegated' forms a cascading mass of jointed, succulent stems. Each leaf is boat-shaped with two clear bands of metallic silver over deep green; the underside shows a rich purple tone. Foliage develops the strongest contrast in bright, indirect light, and small, three-petalled pink flowers occasionally appear at the tips.

How it grows

This trailing plant suits a hanging basket or a high shelf. Indoors, provide bright, filtered light; gentle morning sun is fine. Keep at normal room temperatures and avoid cold draughts. Water thoroughly from spring to late summer, then allow the top 2 to 3 centimetres of peat-free compost to dry before watering again. Feed monthly with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser during the growing season. No misting is required; typical indoor humidity is adequate.

Pruning and propagation

Pinch the tips to keep growth dense. Remove plain green shoots, which can outgrow the patterned leaves and may indicate light levels are too low. Propagation is simple: take 10 cm cuttings just below a node, root them in water, then pot them into fresh, peat-free compost. Entire stems sometimes drop; treat these as ready-made cuttings.

Moving outside for summer

From late spring until early autumn, place Tradescantia zebrina 'Variegated' outdoors once all frost risk has passed. Choose bright shade and shelter from heavy rain. Check the pot more often, as outdoor growth and breezes can dry containers faster. Bring the plant back inside before the first autumn chill.

Wildlife note

While outside, the small pink blooms offer pollen to hoverflies and other small pollinators, and the dense foliage provides brief cover for tiny insects.