Lilac Tradescantia
4.8 out of 5 (8 experiences)
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
About Lilac Tradescantia
Lilac Tradescantia is a popular houseplant 🌿 that needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in abundant sunlight ☀ and should be less than 3 feet from a window.
Plant parents describe this plant as a fast grower and easy to propagate with a whopping 126 being grown with Greg around the world. Check out the reviews below for more details!🌟
Lilac Tradescantia likes soil that is well draining. Your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.
Taxonomy
Tradescantia fluminensis 'Lilac'
Tradescantia
Commelinaceae
Commelinales
Also known as
Lilac Spiderwort
How to care for Lilac Tradescantia
Water
How often to water your Lilac Tradescantia
every 9
Lilac 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
Light
Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.
Select a city to check sunlight intensity
Finding light for Lilac Tradescantia in your home
a window
Lilac 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 Lilac Tradescantia in your home 🏡.
Nutrients
How to fertilize Lilac Tradescantia
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 Lilac Tradescantia after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
FAQs
Lilac 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.
Sunlight Needs
Lilac 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 🏡.
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
Lilac 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.
Soil
Lilac 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!
Fertilizer
Lilac 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!
Dormancy
It’s common for Lilac 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
Lilac Tradescantia is native to the Americas.
Care Summary for Lilac Tradescantia
Lilac Tradescantia
Greg recommends:
Water
0.5 cups every 9 days
Placement
< 3ft from a window
Nutrients
Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
What other plant parents say
Fast grower 7
Easy to propagate 5
Survivor 2
Large, lush leaves 2
Blooms easily 1
Pet friendly 1
09/23/2021
it is super pretty
Fast grower
09/17/2021
This is a succulent. Don’t over water it!
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
Survivor
08/25/2021
Such a beautiful plant. Especially when the sunlight hits and the purple seems to glow through. This one likes to be watered every 3-4 days although it’s been super easy to maintain.
Fast grower
Large, lush leaves
Blooms easily
Easy to propagate
Survivor
Pet friendly
05/04/2021
beautiful variegation, mist often as it loves humidity. When you propagate a stem, you will see roots form in just 2-3 days. Make sure to place in a bright, indirect place so the leaves get enough light so they don’t turn a solid green.
Fast grower
Easy to propagate
