Can Tradescantia zebrina be grown in water? A detailed guide to home hydroponic cultivation

The original habitat of Tradescantia zebrina is not in our country; it was later introduced to our country and then widely cultivated. It is now a relatively common household flower in our country, and many people generally grow it in soil, but in fact, hydroponic Tradescantia zebrina is also possible. Let's take a look together at how Tradescantia zebrina should be grown in water!

Can Tradescantia zebrina be grown in water?

Tradescantia zebrina, like calla lily, can also be grown in water. Water-growing small Tradescantia zebrina plants can shorten the rooting time, and the rooting rate of Tradescantia zebrina grown in water from seed can reach almost 100 percent.

Home hydroponic cultivation method for Tradescantia zebrina

1. Changing the water for Tradescantia zebrina. In the early stage of hydroponic Tradescantia zebrina, changing the water about once every three days is enough. Because the stems of Tradescantia zebrina are slender and weak and very easily broken, extra care is needed when changing the water. To avoid breaking the stems, when changing the water you do not need to take out the stems; simply turn the vase upside down to drain the water, gently support the inverted stems with your hand, and then add clean water. After it has rooted, changing the water once every ten days is enough.

2. Light for Tradescantia zebrina. Hydroponic Tradescantia zebrina must never be placed directly under the scorching sun to bake, as this will cause the stems to wilt quickly. It should be placed in a cool place with sufficient light, which helps the leaves grow more densely. If the light is insufficient, the stems will grow thin and messy, and the leaves will not be plump enough, affecting its appearance.

3. Humidity for Tradescantia zebrina. Tradescantia zebrina is relatively drought-tolerant, but during the growing period, water should be sprayed on the leaves as needed to maintain moisture and keep it in good growing condition.

4. Temperature for Tradescantia zebrina. When growing Tradescantia zebrina in water, it is best for the temperature where Tradescantia zebrina is located to be 10 degrees to 25°C. When the winter temperature is below 10 degrees, good insulation work should be done.

What to do if the leaves of Tradescantia zebrina turn green

1. If the leaves of Tradescantia zebrina turn green, although it is not especially ugly, it still changes the unique ornamental value of Tradescantia zebrina. Therefore, generally when the leaves of Tradescantia zebrina turn green, the Tradescantia zebrina will be pruned, cutting the overly long stems shorter.

2. In addition, if you want the leaves of Tradescantia zebrina to be more vivid in color, you can apply more phosphorus fertilizer and potassium fertilizer.

3. When cultivating Tradescantia zebrina, there must be sufficient bright light, because sufficient light can make Tradescantia zebrina grow dense and vividly colored leaves. If Tradescantia zebrina is placed for a long time in a place where the light is not bright enough, or even in a dark place, for care, then the leaves of Tradescantia zebrina will fade and turn green.

Causes of soft leaves in Tradescantia zebrina and solutions

1. Too little watering; after the leaves become soft, increase the amount of watering. Tradescantia zebrina comes from the wetlands of Mexico, so when cultivating Tradescantia zebrina a large amount of water is needed. If the soil is allowed to become too dry, it can easily cause the plant's leaves to become soft and yellow, and even the whole plant may wither. Especially during its growing period, water is needed almost every day, and the requirement for the moisture level of the potting soil is higher. At the same time, water should also be sprayed frequently on the plant to maintain humidity, but Tradescantia zebrina also has a dormant period, and during the dormant period watering should be reduced.

2. Too little sunlight; if softening is noticed, increase the time of sunlight exposure. Tradescantia zebrina likes to be exposed to sunlight, but if it is kept in a dark environment for a long time, it can easily cause the plant to grow leggy and the leaves to soften. A semi-shaded state is also acceptable. It should even be placed in a place where it can receive sunlight for care in winter. If it cannot be in the sun all day, then it is necessary to ensure that it grows in the sun for a period of time every day. But note that in the hot summer, it should not be exposed to the scorching sun.

3. In fact, when the air is too dry, it can also cause the leaves to soften and turn yellow, and finally fall off. Therefore, when cultivating it, a moderate amount of moisture must always be maintained.

The hydroponic technique for Tradescantia zebrina mainly starts from several aspects such as water, light, and temperature. The water quality must be kept clean, so changing the water generally uses three days as one time period. During the hydroponic cultivation process, leaves may become soft and turn green. The specific treatment methods have been introduced above, and I hope they can be helpful to everyone.