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Rainbow Tradescantia

Reviewed by: Kiersten Rankel | Last Updated: 11/05/2021

About Rainbow Tradescantia

This cultivar of Tradescantia fluminensis is an exceptionally easy plant to care for and might surprise you with some of their delightful white blossoms. They are extremely easy to propagate by stem and one plant can give rise to dozens of new ones, which makes them great for sharing. 🤝 As houseplants they often trail, but will also creep along the ground if grown outdoors. Their succulent leaves make them sensitive to frost, so be sure to bring them indoors if your winter temperatures dip below freezing. ❄️

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Tradescantia fluminensis 'Laekenensis Rainbow'

Genus

Tradescantia

Family

Commelinaceae

Order

Commelinales

Also known as

Small-leaf Spiderwort

How to care for Rainbow Tradescantia

💦 Water

How often to water your Rainbow Tradescantia

Rainbow Tradescantia needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Rainbow Tradescantia in your home

Rainbow Tradescantia may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Rainbow Tradescantia in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Rainbow Tradescantia

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Rainbow Tradescantia: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Rainbow Tradescantia after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #RainbowTradescantia

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Rainbow Tradescantia prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Rainbow Tradescantia Water Frequency →

Rainbow Tradescantia Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Rainbow Tradescantia may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Rainbow Tradescantia Light Requirements →

Rainbow Tradescantia Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

💨 Humidity

Rainbow Tradescantia doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.

Rainbow Tradescantia Humidity Needs →

🪴 Soil

Rainbow Tradescantia does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Rainbow Tradescantia →

When and How to Successfully Repot Rainbow Tradescantia →

💩 Fertilizer

Rainbow Tradescantia should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Rainbow Tradescantia →

❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Rainbow Tradescantia to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.

🌎 Native Region

Rainbow Tradescantia is native to the Americas.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.