Identification: White, Green, & Purple variegated leaf houseplant

Discussion in 'Indoor and Greenhouse Plants' started by Diva Donna, Apr 17, 2012.

  1. Diva Donna

    Diva Donna Member

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    Anyone know what this houseplant is? It's not a spider or any type of wandering jew. When I got this plant, it didn't have a name plate or care directions on it. It used to have more purple & was once a full plant that filled the pot with sprouts like this coming out from everywhere & packed tightly. I don't know what happened! It's never been moved, but it all but died except for this 1 section & it's not spreading at all like it once did. The leaves don't get any longer then they are here.
    I'd like to improve it's health or get another but don't know what its called.
     

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  2. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    Might be Tradescantia spathacea 'Hawaiian Dwarf'.
     
  3. Diva Donna

    Diva Donna Member

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    I think I found it on another site right after I posted here.
    According to them, it's a Tricolor Oyster Plant (Tradescantia Rhoeo Spathacea). Also known by several common names. Moses In A Basket, Moses In A Boat and Boat Lily are a few of the most common names this plant is known by. It is in the same family as Wandering Jew.
    This is the photo that was attached, & the woman who identified it said it looked like it was too close to the window & it froze.

    I think my plant sitter overwatered it when I was on vacation.
    The poster said to let the 1st couple inches of dirt dry out before watering.
    I've been overwatering too.
     

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  4. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    Rhoeo spathacea is a synonym of Tradescantia spathacea.
     
  5. Diva Donna

    Diva Donna Member

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    Thanks everyone for all the help.
    Now I just have to find somewhere to get another one, especially one nice & dark like the one above!
     
  6. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    Try giving your plant more light. Variegated plants tend to become greener in low light conditions.
     
  7. Diva Donna

    Diva Donna Member

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    It used to look like the other picture, & it hasn't been moved, so I'm not sure what happened.
    It's in my bay window that's on the west side of the house.
    It's that darn Mayan calender & end of earth as we know it thing! ;-)
     

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