Scientific Name Tradescantia zebrina (Tradescant's zebra-like plant) 'Violet Hill'
Common Name Purple Inch Plant, Purple Wandering Jew, Spiderwort 'Violet Hill'
Origin Forests of Central America
Description Tradescantia originate from the Central American jungle, where they survive by creeping along the forest floor or climbing over tree trunks; as a houseplant they will grow in long, trailing vines and are perfect as a hanging or dangling plant. This variety's leaves are striped with deep purple and bright silver-green, an eye-catching colouring which gives it the name 'violet hill'. Recreate the forest floor's light conditions and this plant will repay your care by growing and spreading its gorgeous foliage wherever you let it!
Light Thrives in bright, indirect light; too little light will leave it leggy and damp, and too much bleached and dried-out. Water Water once the pot begins to feel light when lifted; these plants like to be moist, and prefer to be bottom-watered (using a dish underneath rather than pouring onto the soil) to prevent their leaves accumulating damp!
Humidity Average humidity is fine, but your plant will benefit form an occasional misting or humidity tray. Soil Use a moisture-retentive, well-draining mix to keep this thirsty plant happy but not too soggy. Repot every three years if absolutely necessary; this plant is better potbound than drowning in soil.
Food Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Temperature Temperature should ideally be between 16-30°C- make sure it doesn't drop below 10°C in winter.
Pet-safe No; while this plant is not toxic, it can cause some bad reactions when eaten by pets, including itchy skin and upset stomachs.
Sprouts Top Tips To keep tradescantia bushy rather than leggy, you can pinch off or trim longer stems, which can then themselves be propagated, making more plants to spread around your home or share with others!
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.