Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora', the small-leaf spiderwort
Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora'
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 9b (-3.9°C ≤ T° < -1.1°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Commelinaceae
- Genus
- Spiderwort Tradescantia
- Species
- Rio dayflower Tradescantia fluminensis
In the misery family, here's Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora'. Like its larger Commelinaceae siblings, the plant comes to us from South America. But this perennial is not cold-tolerant. To take advantage of the variety of its evergreen foliage, it's best to grow it indoors. Fortunately, its size and compact habit allow it to fit into any home.
How to recognize Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora'?
Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora' is just ten centimetres tall. It is a creeping herbaceous plant with smaller vines than those of purple Heart. In pots and indoors, they do not exceed 50 centimetres in length. To accentuate the plant's drooping habit, it is often displayed suspended.
Whereas inch plant has elongated, pointed leaves, Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora' has short, rounded ones. They grow in clumps and wrap around the stem. To the touch, they are leathery and glossy. Foliage color varies according to hybridization. Green blades are variegated with white, silver or pink, as in Tradescantia fluminensis 'Nanouk'.
Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora' has a short-lived flowering period. In summer, two-centimetre white flowers appear. But you have to be there at the right time to admire them. They fade within a day.
Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora' is toxic to pets. It causes allergic skin reactions in dogs and cats that come into contact with it.
Our care tips
The more light your Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora' receives, the more its colors will shine through. Give it a bright spot, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Its favorite spot? Behind a curtained window. On summer mornings and evenings, you can even put it out on your windowsill.
Watering
Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora' require regular watering. But it must be moderate, otherwise the roots will rot. The substrate must remain moist but never soggy.
Water your plant with soft, non-calcareous water at room temperature. Once you've finished, drain off any water that accumulates in the saucer or planter.
Water your plant with soft, non-calcareous water at room temperature. Once you've finished, drain off any water that accumulates in the saucer or planter.
Misting
In the wild, tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora' benefits from high humidity. Spray it regularly with non-calcareous water to bring it closer to its natural environment.
Fogging will also keep red spiders and other pests away.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, repot your Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora' to give it more space.
Obtain a pierced pot one size larger than the previous one. Place a bed of clay balls or non-limestone gravel at the bottom to promote drainage. Then fill with a nutrient-rich potting soil, such as green plant compost, to within three centimetres of the rim. This way, water won't overflow during watering.
To create a close environment that will remind your plant of its natural surroundings, you can place its pot on a saucer filled with wet clay balls. They'll diffuse a much-appreciated humidity!
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora', apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Apply a liquid fertilizer for green plants to stimulate growth.
Prune
When the flowers bloom, remove them with a clean pair of scissors. Their growth is detrimental to that of the foliage.
To maintain the compact habit of your Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora', shorten receding vines.
Pinch
Pinch your Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albiflora' during its growing season.
Pinch stem ends to optimize branching and maintain a compact habit.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Soak your graft in a glass of clear water at room temperature. Remember to change the water when it becomes cloudy. You can also immerse a piece of charcoal to keep it clean.
Place your cutting in a bright spot away from direct sunlight, behind a window with a curtain for example.
Place your cutting in a bright spot away from direct sunlight, behind a window with a curtain for example.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrates
- Clay soilHumus soilSandy soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Categories
- IndoorHerbaceousHanging plants
- Tags
- BeginnerHard to kill
- Origin
- South America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 9b (-3.9°C ≤ T° < -1.1°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenWhiteRoseCreamSilver
- Flower colors
- WhiteRose
Discover plants from the same family
Small-leaf spiderwort
Tradescantia fluminensis
Tradescantia 'Nanouk'
Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Nanouk’
Tradescantia 'Quadricolor'
Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Quadricolor’
Inch Plant
Tradescantia zebrina
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
