Tradescantia zebrina

Common name: zebrina pendula, chickweed, Panamanian.

Description:

The hanging Zebrina ( Tradescantia zebrina ) is a very striking perennial plant due to its purple coloration. This hanging plant of 0.5 m in diameter, does not exceed 30 cm in height due to its weak stems, unless it is supported directly on a wall or some structure.

The tricolor leaves are lanceolate and sit at the base surrounding the neck of the stem. About 3-5 cm long and about 2-3 cm wide.

On the upper side it has two white bands on both sides of the blade, the central area and the edges of the leaves being dark green, while on the underside they are purple.

The small flowers of 1 cm in diameter, pink with three petals grouped in a terminal structure of the stems blooming one at a time, appearing in the spring and summer months.

There are varieties derived from this plant, such as: Tradescantia zebrina var. flocculosa, Tradescantia zebrina var. mollipila, Tradescantia zebrina var. zebrina. In the GuÃaVerde Plant Guide you can consult the records of the Tradescantia Genus that are available.

In the GuÃaVerde Plant Guide you can consult the records of the Tradescantia Genus that are available.

Crop:

It is a plant adapted to dry climates, with which it can withstand drought, although it needs regular watering.

The automation of the irrigation system is one of the best techniques to guarantee water to our plants. Depending on the type of space you have, you will need one type of automatic irrigation or another. Find your ideal automatic watering system and forget about your plants drying out due to lack of watering.

This plant needs light places to acquire the purple coloration that is due, if it is planted in shady or dark places the plant will have a green appearance. Despite this, it is a strong plant that adapts to well-lit sites as well as in shade.

It is a plant that supports some cold 5ºC although it does not die until -3ºC. It is convenient after spending a hard winter to prune it so that it regrows strongly in spring.

Multiplication:

It reproduces easily by cuttings throughout the year. It is advisable to eliminate the lower leaves so that it grips more easily.

Applications:

Plant widely used in potted patios, as an indoor plant and as a ground cover plant in shaded areas.