Tradescantia Sillamontana


Tradescantia Sillamontana

This is a perennial xerophytic herbaceous plant belonging to the family Commelinaceae , a genus composed of about 30 species of herbaceous plants spread throughout the American continent and whose origin is transferred to Mexico and with endemic characteristics in dry areas of the region.

The Tradescantia sillamontana is a small plant that does not exceed 40 centimeters in height, with an upright carriage and with very branched hairy stems at the top.

The shape of its leaves is oblong lanceolate and its flowering is contemplated between mid spring and late summer, however in hot climates it could thrive satisfactorily.

They are used as indoor decoration plants for their interesting striking appearance due to the white wool that covers their stems and leaves.

This woolly-looking villi protects the plant from the sun’s rays and the loss of water from its leaves, since it is necessary to avoid that they are burned due to the sun. They can be kept inside the home all year round, not being able to do the same outside, since being a plant friend of the warmth would spoil when the cold days arrive.

Their stems are by nature thick and although it is a plant of origin and erect nature, once they grow they are affected and overcome by the weight of their stems , which transforms it into an exceptional decorative element due to the originality of its woolly leaves and delicacy of its pink flowers, in such a way that they naturally expose their ornamental qualities.

Care of the Tradescantia sillamontana

Its delicate flowers grow alone at the end of the stem and its beautiful color is of an intense pink, the flowering is in essence the typical of the genre which adds originality to the plant but not a great attraction.

As an important part of the care and maintenance of this species, it must proceed to supply the required moisture without exceeding the quantities from spring to autumn, as well as lean on the use of a standard type mineral fertilizer every 15 to 20 days.

It is recommended the use of lower doses than those recommended by the manufacturer and thus avoid an excess of nitrogen for optimal results.

The woolly tradescantia needs simple care, nothing complicated and no problems . You only have to keep the substrate properly moistened   and not expose it to direct sunlight, it does not require pruning, you just have to remove the already weakened stems, we will shorten the too long ones and we can use the cuttings as cuttings and in this way encourage the birth of new buds and more robust specimens.



Tradescantia sillamontana

Culture

They have the advantage and particularity that nature can reproduce the plant in a short period of time through its fragments or cuttings .

The roots begin to be seen in a short period without major inconveniences, rooting easily and simply, inserting it directly into the substrate without the use of external chemical agents such as hormones.

It is a simple plant and very easy to grow as long as its needs are respected, as it has already been pointed out the plagues and diseases are not the enemy, its enemies of care to take into account are the excess of water and the extreme temperatures .

It only requires a well moist soil and seasoned with a sheet of leaves to maintain the required humidity a generous proportion of coarse sand that facilitates drainage , thus avoiding the risk of rotting and keeping the plant almost dry in autumn and winter to its successful evolution and growth.

To finish it is opportune to add the ideal that this species looks at when placing it in tall pots or unevennesses andwhere its decorative hanging stems stand out and its branches slide downwards showing itself in all its splendor, since in it is precisely its beauty and attractiveness.


Tradescantia sillamontana

Don Burke

I am Don Burke, one of the authors at My Garden Guide.  I am a horticulturist that cultivates, grows, and cares for plants, ranging from shrubs and fruits to flowers. I do it in my own garden and in my nursery. I show you how to take care of your garden and how to perform garden landscaping in an easy way, step by step.I am originally from Sydney and I wrote in local magazines. Later on, I have decided, more than two decades ago, to create my own blog. My area of specialization is related to orchid care, succulent care, and the study of the substrate and the soil. Therefore, you will see many articles dedicated to these disciplines. I also provide advice about how to improve the landscape design of your garden.

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