Hi! I bought this plant at ikea, but it didn't have a name or directions? The top of the leaves are shimmery and the bottom is purple. It's about 5" tall right now. Do you know what it is or have any idea how to take care of it? Thanks!
it's one of the wandering jews. this is a fast grower and will become a vine eventually. if you want to trim it back (which will cause it to bush out a little) you can easily root the cuttings in water and then, once they've rooted, add them to the main pot to make it more full. a decent well-draining soil and a good soak every week and some sun (an east-facing window seems to be the here - you might do better with it in a south-facing window) and it'll grow well for you. it will bloom. i'd never known that in all the years i've had it...then i moved into my house and my sunny windows are limited. that's when i ended up with it in an east-facing window...i was amazed when i saw all these tiny white blooms all over it!!
Tradescantia zebrina is the actual name I think, however there are several species & many varieties in cultivation. An easy going houseplant given some bright indirect light, as long as the air is not too dry. Very popular in the 60s 70s. Some living rooms looked like jungles with Trads, Boston Ferns & Philodendrons (thank goodness I grew out of that phase). You can grow it as an annual too in a fairly shady bed in SW BC. glass brain
I bought that exact same plant at Ikea, and have been wondering what it is! Isn't it pretty? I bought mine at Thanksgiving and it has grown at least 3 inches since then. Will I eventually need a stake to support it, if it gets viney, or will it drape over the edge of the pot? It is really upright right now, but only about 6 inches tall.
i've always let it drape over - this one is really good for hanging baskets. i suppose you could put some type of trellis in to support it. it doesn't put out suckers to hold on to things, so you'd need to gently wind it around whatever support you decide to add. once it's wrapped around nicely, you can let the ends trail. would like nice!! post pics later if you do that!
