How to water Tradescantia zebrina? Treat root rot like this

Tradescantia zebrina is a very easy plant to grow. As long as there is suitable temperature and enough moisture, it can survive. But if it is not watered enough, it will dry out and die, and if it is watered too much, root rot will appear. So how much water is actually appropriate? Today let us properly learn how to water it.

How to water Tradescantia zebrina

1. During the growing period of Tradescantia zebrina, it is recommended to water once a day, and when watering, avoid waterlogging; in addition, you can spray water mist on the leaves with a spray bottle, which can both keep the environment humid and speed up the growth of branches and leaves.

2. Tradescantia zebrina also needs more water in summer. Summer temperatures are higher and water evaporates faster. In order to keep the soil moist, watering frequency should be increased. It is recommended to water at least once a day, and when watering, be careful not to let waterlogging occur.

3. Tradescantia zebrina does not need to be watered every day in other periods. If watering is too frequent, it will cause large areas of the plant's leaves to turn yellow. Watering can be extended to once every 3 to 5 days. Or observe the soil condition: if the soil 2 cm below the surface is on the dry side, then it needs watering.

4. In winter, Tradescantia zebrina is in a dormant state. At this time its demand for water drops a lot, so the amount of watering should be reduced. At this time also pay attention to frost protection, and be careful that the water added freezes into ice.

What to do if Tradescantia zebrina has root rot

Spider plant root rot is caused by too much water. Spider plant is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Liliaceae family, genus Chlorophytum, and is commonly cultivated throughout our country. Common spider plant varieties, besides the all-green leaf type, also include Chlorophytum comosum 'Vittatum', Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum', and Chlorophytum comosum 'Silver Edge', etc.

To grow spider plant well, the main issues to note are:

1. Light

Spider plant is sensitive to light. If it is exposed to direct sunlight in summer and autumn, the leaves will wither and turn yellow, and even the whole plant may die. In winter, because sunlight is not strong, spider plant can be given some direct sunlight appropriately.

2. Temperature

The optimal growing temperature for spider plant is 15—25 degrees Celsius. In Guangdong, the temperatures in spring, summer, and autumn are all suitable for spider plant growth, but if the winter temperature is below 5—7 degrees Celsius, then attention must be paid to cold protection and insulation.

3. Watering

Spider plant likes water, and during the vigorous growth period the potting soil should be kept completely moist. During the winter dormant period, water again only after the surface of the potting soil is dry about 1 cm deep. If the soil is too dry, the leaf cluster may temporarily fade, and it will recover its original color only after watering again, while the leaf tips may permanently turn brown, thus greatly reducing ornamental value.

Spider plant also likes higher air humidity, so when the climate is dry in summer and autumn, measures such as misting should be used to increase the air humidity around the plant, otherwise the leaf tips or edges may also become scorched.

4. Fertilizing

For spider plants that have begun to grow small plantlets, a nitrogen-based topdressing can be applied once every half month.

5. Soil

Spider plant is suitable for loose, fertile sandy loam.

Notes during the winter dormant period

In winter, Tradescantia zebrina enters the dormant period. During dormancy, watering should be reduced. If the original watering frequency is still followed, it will cause the leaves of Tradescantia zebrina to turn yellow in patches or develop root rot. If watering, it is best to do so around 9 a.m. on a sunny day.

1. Overwintering outdoors

If Tradescantia zebrina overwinters outdoors in winter, the whole plant should be carefully wrapped with plastic film. If it is winter in the north, a protective layer should be set up around it. On days with better sunlight, the plastic film can be lifted at noon to let Tradescantia zebrina get some air. 2. Winter fertilizing

When fertilizing Tradescantia zebrina in winter, you can follow the sequence of fertilizing—watering—watering—fertilizing—watering—watering. The interval is about 7 to 10 days, and the specific timing should also be determined according to the actual environment in which Tradescantia zebrina is grown.

3. Air humidity

Winter weather is relatively dry, so you can often spray water on the leaf surfaces and around Tradescantia zebrina to increase air humidity. If it is Tradescantia zebrina after cuttings, water can be sprayed 2 times a day, but do not spray too much each time, because excess will cause the cuttings of Tradescantia zebrina to rot.

4. In winter, it is not recommended to keep Tradescantia zebrina in the bedroom for a long time.

Propagation methods for Tradescantia zebrina

1. Cutting propagation method for Tradescantia zebrina

Cutting propagation is a propagation method that most plants can use, and Tradescantia zebrina is no exception. For Tradescantia zebrina, cutting propagation is the easiest and most basic propagation method, and of course also the most commonly used. It can be done throughout the year, though spring and autumn temperatures are most suitable for cuttings.

Specific method: cut the main stem or side branch of a well-growing Tradescantia zebrina plant as a cutting. The length should not be too long; 8 to 10 cm is best. After simple treatment, it can be inserted directly into prepared potting soil. The soil medium can be garden soil mixed with organic fertilizer or small stones. The length of the stem section buried in the soil can be 2 to 3 nodes. Keep the soil moist, and it will root in about 7 to 10 days.

Generally, 3 to 4 stem nodes are enough for propagation. After inserting, place it in a cool place to let it root. After new small buds grow, it can be moved to a place with light for cultivation. Fertilizing should not be too frequent; once a month with liquid fertilizer water is enough for its growth needs. When the new stems grow to a certain extent, timely pinching should be done to help it branch, which is beneficial to the beauty of the plant shape.

2. Division propagation method for Tradescantia zebrina

Besides cutting propagation, Tradescantia zebrina can also be propagated by division. For potted Tradescantia zebrina, when it has grown mature and its vines cover the whole pot, division propagation can be carried out in spring when it needs repotting, to reduce damage.

Take the vigorously growing mother plant out of the pot, cut off relatively thick rooted suckers, plant them separately in other flower pots, and wait for them to grow new branches. You can also choose to place the mother plant's pot in an empty area with soil, and after the stem nodes root in the ground, cut them off and replant them in pots for cultivation. Tradescantia zebrina has strong growth ability. Whether by cutting propagation or division propagation, it is relatively simple, easy to start with, and easy to keep alive. Besides ordinary potted cultivation, Tradescantia zebrina can also be hung in the air to let its vines hang down, which is very beautiful.

There are many propagation methods for Tradescantia zebrina, but the method everyone commonly uses is cutting propagation. This method is relatively simple and can also root quickly. However, no matter which method is used, it must be cared for well, especially in winter, when there are many points to note. In fact, flowers are like children: only with careful care can they surely grow robustly.