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Illustration of vibrant Tradescantia Nanouk with striped leaves with purple stems, depicting a lively and colorful plant against a muted beige background.

Tradescantia Nanouk

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Tradescantia albiflora 'Nanouk'

KNOWN AS: Spiderwort, Inch Plant, Fantasy Venice, Wandering Dude

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Caribbean, Central & South America | Tropical

DESCRIPTION: This plant is striking because of its colorful and patterned leaves. The leaves are pretty and they stack up on an upright stem. This stem will eventually cascade over the planter. The plant's bright, almost neon, magenta on the underside of each leaf is amazing!

Moderate difficulty & pet toxic

Tradescantia Nanouk Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Tradescantia Nanouk plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause their leaves to burn. A bright, east-facing window is an excellent spot for these plants, as it provides morning sunlight without the harsh afternoon sun. If you don't have access to an east-facing window, you can use artificial lighting. LED grow lights are an excellent option, providing full-spectrum light that mimics natural sunlight. As with any plant, monitor its response to the light and adjust accordingly. If the leaves start to curl or turn brown, it may be an indication that the lighting is too intense. On the other hand, if the leaves are pale and small, it may be a sign that the lighting is not bright enough.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

Tradescantia Nanouk plants prefer to be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. The best time to water them is when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This may be done by frequently checking the soil moisture level. While watering, completely soak the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes, then dump the surplus water. It's crucial not to allow the plant to stand in water that is still because this can cause root rot. In addition to watering, other methods for maintaining plant health include spraying the leaves or setting the plant on a pebble tray with water.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 65º - 80º

Tradescantia Nanouk plants are prized for their vibrant foliage and ease of care. The ideal indoor temperature for these plants is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 27 degrees Celsius), and they flourish in this range. Although they can tolerate temperature changes to some extent, they should be protected against cold breezes and sharp dips in temperature. Lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) temperatures can harm the leaves and have an adverse effect on the plant's growth. The Tradescantia Nanouk plant will flourish and keep its vivid variegation if you give it a warm, constant temperature that falls within the suggested range.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 50 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

Tradescantia Nanouk likes it when it's humid. Aim to keep the humidity between 60 and 80% for the best growth and health. You can do this with a humidifier, a tray of water next to the plant, or by misting the leaves often. Tradescantia Nanouk needs a lot of humidity, but too much water can cause root rot and other problems. Make sure you only water the plant when the top soil feels dry. Mold and other dangerous organisms can grow in places where air doesn't move. To stop this from happening, make sure there is enough airflow by opening windows, using fans or putting the plant in a well-ventilated room. Even though Tradescantia Nanouk likes bright light, direct sunlight can dry out and burn the leaves. To stop this from happening, put the plant where it can get bright, indirect light. A pebble tray is an easy and effective way to make the air around the plant more humid. Put pebbles and water in a tray, and set the pot on top of the pebbles. The water will evaporate, which will make the air around the plant more humid.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Stem cuttings can be used to make more Tradescantia Nanouk plants. Cut just below a node on a healthy stem with several leaves, be sure to use clean shears. Take off the cutting's lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Plant the cut end in a pot of moist potting mix after dipping it in a rooting hormone. Keep the soil damp and give the cutting bright, indirect light until it grows roots and new leaves. Once the plant has roots, you can move it to a bigger pot and treat it like a full-grown plant.
Toxicity
Tradescantia Nanouk is considered toxic to humans and pets. Tradescantia plants contain compounds such as insoluble oxalates, which, if ingested, can cause irritation and a burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and digestive system. This can lead to symptoms like drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect ingestion or if someone exhibits unusual symptoms after contact with Tradescantia Nanouk, it's best to seek medical advice or consult with a veterinarian for appropriate guidance.
Repotting
To repot Tradescantia Nanouk, choose a pot that is one size bigger than the one it is in now and has holes in the bottom for drainage. Fill the bottom of the pot with potting soil that drains well. Gently take the plant out of its pot and loosen any roots that are tangled. Place the plant in the middle of the new pot and fill in the empty spaces with new potting soil, making sure to cover the roots well. Lightly press the soil down, and give the plant a lot of water. Let the extra water drain out and put the plant in a place with bright but not direct light. When the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, water the plant.
Pruning
Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut back any long or unruly stems just above a leaf node. This is the best way to prune Tradescantia Nanouk plants. This will help the plant grow new leaves and keep its shape and size. Tradescantia Nanouk plants will also do better if you take off any leaves or stems that are yellow or broken. It's important to make clean cuts and not tear or hurt the tissue around them. You should prune the plant when it's growing, which is usually from spring to early fall. Don't prune it in the winter, when it's not growing. Tradescantia Nanouk plants can also get bushy, so it's important to cut back the stems to keep them in a compact shape. Regular pruning can help Tradescantia Nanouk plants grow well and keep them looking lush and full.
Fertilizing
Choose a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to feed a Tricolor hoya plant. Before you put the fertilizer on the plant, you should water it well and dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant's base with a watering can or spray bottle. Be careful not to get any on the leaves or stems, as it can burn them. During the growing season, which usually lasts from spring to early fall, do this every four to six weeks. Don't give the plant fertilizer when it's sleeping in the winter. Too much fertilizer can hurt the plant, so it's important to follow the directions on the package and not use too much. If the leaves start to turn brown or black, cut back on how often you fertilize or make the solution less strong. You can also follow the instructions on the package and use a slow-release fertilizer once every three to four months. Tricolor hoya plants can grow well and have bright leaves if they are fertilized regularly. Hoyas are also plants that grow on other plants. Sometimes, you can help them out by misting them with a diluted fertilizer solution. You can also add organic matter like compost or worm castings to the soil to improve it and give the plant more nutrients.
Soil
Tradescantia Nanouk plants grow best in soil that drains well and has a lot of organic matter. Peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite should be mixed in the right amounts for this plant to grow well. Peat moss helps keep water in the soil, and perlite and vermiculite help water drain away. It's also important to make sure the soil isn't too hard, because that can cause water to stay in the soil and cause the roots to rot. So, adding some orchid bark or coarse sand can help change the texture of the soil and keep it from getting too hard. Overall, the Tradescantia Nanouk plant will do well if the soil is loose and has a lot of airflow.

Hanging Heights

Tradescantia Nanouk Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light); Low Light Tolerant

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Tradescantia Nanouk

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 36"

-

VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Tradescantia Nanouk

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 36"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 24"

-

VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Tradescantia Nanouk

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 30"

-

VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Tradescantia Nanouk

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 1" to 24"

-

VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Tradescantia Nanouk

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 8" to 18"

-

VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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