How to Grow and Care Tradescantia Nanouk for a Colorful New Spring Houseplant

If you love the trailing habits of spiderworts and other tradescantias, but long for a touch of pink then Tradescantia Nanouk is the houseplant you've been waiting for. This easy-care plant showcases variegated foliage, with each green leaf sporting stripes of cream and pink. As an added pop of color, the undersides of the leaves are purple.

Learn how to grow and care for Tradescantia Nanouk as a houseplant.

Tradescantia Nanouk Care

One might think that such a beautiful houseplant requires lots of care. But, as with other tradescantias, Nanouk does not need lots of pampering. Provide bright light, moist well-draining soil, and nutrients and the plant will thrive as a hanging plant or more upright, rounded shape.

Light

Nanouk does best with six to eight hours of bright, indirect sunlight. Lower light levels will cause the leaves will revert to solid green instead of the pink, purple, and white variegated foliage you desire. Lower light levels also reduce the number of the short-lived flowers.

Soil

These plants don't like wet feet, and root rot can occur if the soil isn't well-draining. If your potting soil is dense, add some coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. To get the most vibrant foliage, soil should be slightly acidic.

Water

Tradescantias have shallow roots that prefer moist soil. Water the plants so that the soil is moist at least one inch deep and drains freely from the bottom of the container. While they like moist soil, they don't like wet leaves; water the base of the plant using a watering can with a long spout to help keep the foliage dry.

These plants are drought-tolerant and overwatering can be an issue. If the plant looks droopy, stop watering until the soil dries out. However, brown leaf tips indicate underwatering so it's important to find the right balance in your home's environment.

Temperature and Humidity

This is a semi-tropical plant that is sensitive to cold weather and dry winds. The houseplant's ideal temperature range is between 55-75°F. To keep humidity levels high, group tradesantias with other plants or place Nanouk on a tray filled with small pebbles and water.

Fertilizer

To encourage faster lush growth, use a water-soluble balanced NPK fertilizer diluted to half-strength once or twice a month.

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How to Propagate Tradescantia Nanouk

Tradescantia Nanouk can be easily propagated using stem cuttings in water or potting mix.

Using sterilized sharp shears or scissors, snip off a 4-inch portion of a healthy stem just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem.

• If rooting in water, place the stem in a small, clear glass jar and put the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light. Maintain the water level and replace the water if it looks cloudy. You should see roots within 10 days or so. Wait until the roots are at least one inch long before potting them in soil.
• If rooting in soil, fill a 4-inch pot with potting mix and moisten it well. Use your finger or a pencil to make a hole in the soil about two inches deep. Place the cutting in the hole and gently pat the soil around it to hold it in place. Place in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. You should see new leaves forming in a few weeks.
  

Pruning

Tradescantias can become leggy over time especially if they are grown in low light. Regular trimming to remove vines that are missing leaves will keep the plant looking healthy and provide a supply of cuttings to root or share.

To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the tips of the vines at a leaf node so multiple stems will grow. Never remove more than 25% of the plant's growth at one time.

Potting and Repotting

A tradescantia will signal that it has outgrown its container when roots begin growing out of the drainage holes or it stops growing. These plants prefer to be slightly root-bound, so repotting does not need to happen regularly.

When potting or repotting, use fresh potting mix and a container that's only two inches in diameter larger than the previous pot. The container does not need to be deep but does need adequate drainage holes.

Overwintering

If you have taken your Tradescantia Nanouk outside for the summer, bring it inside when nighttime temperatures fall below 60°F; the plant will not survive cold temperatures. Be sure that the indoor light levels are comparable to the outdoor conditions to keep the foliage healthy.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Spider mitesare the most common pest for tradescantia. The first indication of mites will be tiny holes in the leaves or small yellowish spots on the foliage. If there is minimal damage to the plant, take it to the bathroom and use the spray of water from the shower head to remove the pests. If the infestation is more serious, use insecticidal soap.

Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases to develop in the soil. Once this happens, it's best to take cuttings to root and dispose of the rest of the plant. Begin again with fresh soil and better watering habits.

From: thespruce