Tradescantia Nanouk, a pink-leaved misery

Unlike its ancestor, rio Ephemera (Tradescantia fluminensis), Tradescantia 'Nanouk' was not born in the tropical forests of South America. It was born in a laboratory in the Netherlands. In fact, this member of the Comeliaceae family is a cultivar.

How to recognize Tradescantia 'Nanouk'?

Tradescantia Nanouk is an upright, spreading perennial. It can reach a meter in height.

The green or red stems measure up to seven millimeters in diameter. They initially grow upwards. They then fall back and the plant is grown in suspension.

The oval leaves are five to seven centimetres long and two to five centimetres wide. The upper surface of the leaf blades is pale pink or mauve. Green stripes run across the upper surface. The underside is mauve or fuchsia. The intensity of the colors varies according to the light. In some specimens, even silver shades can be seen!

From spring to autumn, white or pale pink flowers with three petals enhance the foliage. As with tradescantia 'Quadricolor, they last just one day.

Tradescantia Nanouk is non-toxic. You can adopt it even if you live with pets or young children. However, its sap can cause skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin, wear gloves when handling your plant.

Our maintenance tips

The more light your Tradescantia 'Nanouk' 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 'Nanouk 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.

Spray

In the wild, tradescantia 'Nanouk 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 spring, repot your Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Nanouk’ 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 ‘Nanouk’, 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 ‘Nanouk’, shorten receding vines.

Pinch

Pinch your Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Nanouk’ during its growing season.

Pinch stem ends to optimize branching and maintain a compact habit.

Cutting

Cutting 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.

Diseases / Threats

Information

Family	Commelinaceae - Commelinaceae
Type	Misery - Tradescantia
Species	Rio mayfly - Tradescantia fluminensis
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Clay soil Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Interior Herbaceous Hanging plants
Tags	Beginner Increvable
Origin	South America
Hardiness (USDA)	9b
Leaf color
Flower colors