Tradescantia Zerbina in Vase and in Basket

The tradescantia zebrina nanouk in the pendula variety is a particularly decorative species due to its drooping or drooping posture, the numerous oval-shaped leaves but above all for the very particular and unusual coloring. Native to the southern United States and Mexico, this plant in its zebrina variant has bright leaves that show different shades of green and purple-violet.

Tradescantia, also known in common parlance as misery herb, can give the first impression of being a difficult plant to grow. But it is enough to know only a few essential elements and follow a few tips, to be able to take care of her. With little attention you can have a perfect plant for the office, home but also for the garden.

It can be considered as a perennial, evergreen plant. Its foliage is usually fleshy, it can take on variegations with multiple shades: from green, to yellow, to white, to red, to pink. Its flowers are usually small, ranging in color from white to pale or deep pink, made up of three petals.

Available in pots and baskets due to its characteristic of falling and drooping growth, it is well suited to vertical walls or to be hung.

Care:

Tradescantia loves well-lit locations, but not direct exposure to the sun's rays.

Watering must be abundant during the vegetative period (from March to October) so that the soil remains sufficiently humid. In the summer it is recommended to water twice a week and, if exposed to the sun, it will also be necessary to increase the frequency of watering. When temperatures are particularly high, periodically immerse the pot in a basin of water. In other periods, wait for the soil to dry before watering again, and avoid water stagnation in the saucer. Tradescantia survives even in extreme conditions, for example in drought or always humid areas, or in full sun or shade, but the plant will surely suffer and you will notice it as it will lose its leaves.

Myths and legends

Due to its vulgar name of misery weed, Tradescantia Nanouk was once thought to bring bad luck. Tradition has it that this plant must never be given away or stolen and must be placed outside the front door and potted with a thorny Aloe plant. In this way it will be possible to keep away the bad guys who will get entangled in the coils of the Aloe plant. According to other beliefs, moreover, the Tradescantia should be placed on the roofs of houses to imprison evil spirits.