25 - 40cm Tradescantia Zebrina Violet Hill Houseplant 17cm Hanging Pot

Tradescantia Zebrina ‘Violet Hill,’ also known as Wandering Jew ‘Violet Hill’, is a fast-growing trailing plant with striking purple, green, and silver-striped leaves. This vibrant, easy-care plant is perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or as ground cover. Below is a detailed guide to help your Tradescantia Zebrina ‘Violet Hill’ thrive.

Light Requirements

• Bright Indirect Light:
  This plant flourishes in bright, indirect light. A north- or east-facing window is ideal. Adequate light enhances the plant’s vibrant purple and silver hues.

• Tolerates Some Direct Sunlight:
  A few hours of gentle morning or late afternoon sun can boost its colour, but avoid harsh midday sun, which can cause leaf scorching.

• Low Light Tolerance:
  While Tradescantia Zebrina can survive in low light, it may lose its variegation and appear more green. If growing in a dim area, supplement with a grow light to maintain vibrancy.

Temperature and Humidity

• Ideal Temperature Range:
  Prefers warm temperatures between 15–26°C (60–80°F). It is sensitive to cold and should not be exposed to temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

• Humidity Needs:

  • Thrives in moderate to high humidity (50–70%).
  • Can tolerate normal household humidity but benefits from a humidifier, pebble tray, or occasional misting in dry climates.

• Avoid Cold Drafts & Sudden Temperature Changes:
  Keep away from air conditioning vents, heaters, and open windows in winter, as sudden temperature fluctuations can cause leaf drop.

Watering

• Water When the Top Soil is Dry:
  Tradescantia Zebrina likes even moisture but is sensitive to overwatering. Water when the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil feels dry.

• How to Water:

  • Water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom.
  • Empty the saucer to prevent root rot.
  • Use room-temperature, filtered, or rainwater, as tap water may cause leaf spotting due to mineral build-up.

• Watering Frequency:

  • Spring & Summer (Growing Season): Water once a week or when the topsoil dries.
  • Autumn & Winter: Reduce watering to every 10–14 days.

• Signs of Overwatering:

  • Yellowing leaves
  • Soft, mushy stems
  • Foul-smelling soil

• Signs of Underwatering:

  • Wilting or curling leaves
  • Brittle, dry stems

Soil and Potting

• Well-Draining, Light Soil:
  A well-aerated soil mix helps prevent overwatering. Use:

  • 50% potting soil
  • 30% perlite or pumice (for aeration)
  • 20% coconut coir or orchid bark (to retain light moisture)

• Choosing the Right Pot:

  • Terra cotta pots are ideal for improved drainage.
  • Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.

• Repotting:

  • Repot every 1–2 years, or when roots outgrow the pot.
  • Best done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Fertilising

• Regular Feeding Boosts Growth & Colour:
  Tradescantia Zebrina benefits from a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser (e.g., 10-10-10) applied every 2–4 weeks during the growing season.

• Fertiliser Schedule:

  • Spring & Summer: Fertilise every 2 weeks.
  • Autumn & Winter: Reduce to once a month or stop fertilising.

• Avoid Over-Fertilising:

  • Too much fertiliser can lead to leggy growth and salt build-up in the soil.
  • Flush the soil with clean water every few months to prevent accumulation.

Growth and Maintenance

• Trailing Habit:

  • Tradescantia Zebrina ‘Violet Hill’ is a fast-growing trailing plant that can reach up to 60 cm (24 inches) long.
  • Perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or as ground cover.

• Encouraging Bushy Growth:

  • Pinch off the tips regularly to promote fuller, compact growth.
  • Remove leggy stems to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.

• Leaf Cleaning:

  • Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and enhance photosynthesis.

• Pruning:

  • Trim dead or damaged leaves as needed.
  • If the plant becomes too leggy, cut back stems to stimulate new growth.

Pests and Diseases

• Common Pests:
  Tradescantia Zebrina can be susceptible to:

  • Spider mites – Look for fine webbing and dry leaf edges.
  • Mealybugs – Appear as white, cotton-like clusters on stems.
  • Aphids and thrips – Can cause distorted growth.

  Treatment:

  • Wipe leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
  • For severe infestations, spray with a mild soapy water solution.

• Common Diseases:

  • Root rot (due to overwatering) – Ensure well-draining soil and pot.
  • Leaf spot or fungal infections – Avoid wetting the leaves excessively.

Propagation

Tradescantia Zebrina is one of the easiest plants to propagate through stem cuttings.

How to Propagate via Stem Cuttings:

1. Choose a healthy stem with at least two nodes.
2. Cut just below a node using sterilised scissors.
3. Place the cutting in:
   • Water: Roots will develop in 1–2 weeks. Transfer to soil once roots are 5 cm (2 inches) long.
   • Moist soil: Plant the cutting directly in damp soil, keeping it humid until new growth appears.
4. Once rooted, treat it like a mature plant.

Toxicity

• Mildly Toxic to Pets & Humans:
  • Contains calcium oxalate, which can cause mild skin irritation or stomach discomfort if ingested.
  • Keep away from cats, dogs, and small children.