Tradescantia Pallida 'Pink Stripe' (Setcreasea pallida 'Pink Stripe) 3pp

Setcreasea pallida 'Pink Stripes', also known by the common name Tradescantia pallida or "Purple Plant," is a succulent ornamental plant highly valued for its long leaves colored in shades of pink, green, and purple. This plant is easy to grow both indoors and outdoors due to its hardiness and minimal care requirements.

Description

• Leaves: The leaves are long and slender, about 15-20 cm, with an attractive mix of colors – light pink, purple, and green. This variety of Tradescantia is famous for its pink stripes, which give it a distinctive decorative look.
• Stems: The stems are thick, fleshy, and have a deep purple hue. The plant has a trailing growth habit, making it ideal for hanging pots.
• Flowers: The flowers are small, pink or violet in color, and occasionally appear at the tips of the stems, although the plant is mainly appreciated for its decorative foliage.

Care

1. Light:

   • Setcreasea pallida 'Pink Stripes' prefers bright indirect light to keep its colors vivid. Exposure to direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon is beneficial, but strong midday sun can scorch the leaves.
   • In lower light conditions, the leaf colors may fade, and the plant may take on a greener appearance.

2. Watering:

   • The plant prefers regular watering but should be allowed to dry out partially between waterings. Ideally, the soil should be kept slightly moist but not waterlogged.
   • During colder periods, watering should be reduced to prevent root rot.

3. Soil:

   • Well-drained soil is essential for this plant. A mix of general houseplant soil combined with perlite or sand to improve drainage is ideal.
   • Setcreasea pallida 'Pink Stripes' tolerates nutrient-poor soils but grows better in moderately fertile soil.

4. Temperature:

   • This plant prefers moderate temperatures between 18°C and 24°C. It is sensitive to low temperatures and does not tolerate frost. In areas with cold winters, it is recommended to grow it in a pot and bring it indoors during the cold season.

5. Humidity:

   • Setcreasea pallida is not very demanding regarding humidity but grows better in a moderately humid environment. Indoors, if the air is too dry, the leaf edges may start to dry out.

6. Fertilizing:

   • The plant does not require frequent fertilizing. However, for vigorous growth, you can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer for houseplants once every two months during the growing season (spring and summer).

7. Propagation:

   • Setcreasea pallida 'Pink Stripes' is very easy to propagate by stem cuttings. Cut a stem about 10-15 cm long and plant it in moist soil or place it in water until roots develop. Cuttings root quickly and can be replanted in individual pots or in the garden.

8. Pruning and aesthetic care:

   • The plant can become quite long and trailing, so regular pruning may be necessary to maintain a compact appearance. Pruning also encourages branching and denser growth.

9. Common problems:

   • Yellowing leaves: This can be caused by overwatering or insufficient light. Adjust watering and provide more light.
   • Wilted leaves or dry edges: Too dry air or lack of water can cause leaf drying. Check watering frequency and, if needed, use a humidifier.
   • Pale or stretched plants: If the plant receives too little light, it may become pale and stretch in search of light. Move the plant to a brighter spot.

Height with pot included approx. 15 cm