This easy-care plant showcases variegated foliage, with each green leaf sporting stripes of cream and pink.
As an added pop of color, the undersides of the leaves are purple.
Learn how to grow and care for Tradescantia Nanouk as a houseplant.
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But, as with other tradescantias, Nanouk does not need lots of pampering.
Light
Nanouk does best with six to eight hours ofbright, indirect sunlight.
Lower light levels also reduce the number of the short-lived flowers.
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If your potting soil is dense, add some coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage.
To get the most vibrant foliage, soil should be slightly acidic.
Water
Tradescantias have shallow roots that prefer moist soil.
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These plants are drought-tolerant and overwatering can be an issue.
If the plant looks droopy, stop watering until the soil dries out.
Temperature and Humidity
This is a semi-tropical plant that is sensitive to cold weather and dry winds.
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The houseplant’s ideal temperature range is between 55-75F.
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Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem.
Pruning
Tradescantias can become leggy over time especially if they are grown in low light.
Never remove more than 25% of the plant’s growth at one time.
These plants prefer to be slightly root-bound, so repotting does not need to happen regularly.
The container does not need to be deep but does need adequate drainage holes.
Be sure that the indoor light levels are comparable to the outdoor conditions to keep the foliage healthy.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Spider mites are the most common pest for tradescantia.
Thefirst indication of miteswill be tiny holes in the leaves or small yellowish spots on the foliage.
If the infestation is more serious,use insecticidal soap.
Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases to develop in the soil.
Begin again with fresh soil and better watering habits.
