Tradescantia fluminensis 'variegata'

Plant name: Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Variegata’

Scientific name: Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Variegata’

Plant description:
Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Variegata’ is a fast-growing, trailing perennial grown for its creamy white and green foliage. This low-growing plant forms a spreading mat of succulent stems that root along the soil surface, creating dense coverage in suitable climates. It is widely used as a groundcover in warm regions and as a cascading houseplant in containers and hanging baskets.

Flower description:
Small, three-petaled white flowers appear intermittently along the stems during the growing season. Blooms are simple and delicate, providing subtle contrast against the variegated foliage.

Leaf description:
Leaves are oval, smooth, and slightly fleshy with bold variegation in shades of white, cream, and soft green. The pattern varies leaf to leaf, creating a bright, layered effect. Foliage grows closely along trailing stems, forming a dense canopy.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen in warm climates; may die back in colder regions and regrow from the base

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 9–11 outdoors; commonly grown indoors in all climates

Mature height and width:
Typically 6–12 inches tall and spreading 12–24 inches or more, depending on growing conditions

Landscape uses:
Suitable for groundcover in frost-free climates, container gardens, hanging baskets, and indoor plant displays. Effective for spilling over retaining walls and softening the edges of planters. Its bright foliage provides contrast in mixed plantings.

Native range:
Species native to South America; ‘Variegata’ is a cultivated selection

Sun exposure:
Bright, indirect light or partial shade. Morning sun is tolerated, but harsh afternoon sun can scorch the pale portions of the leaves. Low light may reduce variegation intensity.

Water requirements:
Moderate water during establishment. Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained. Avoid prolonged drought, which can cause leaf drop, and avoid saturated soil, which can lead to root rot.

Pests and problems:
May occasionally attract aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. In suitable climates, it may spread aggressively if not managed.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Performs well in warm temperatures when protected from intense direct sun. Variegated foliage can scorch under excessive heat and light.

Cold tolerance:
Sensitive to frost. Freezing temperatures can kill top growth and may kill the plant in colder climates.

Growing tips:
Plant in well-drained soil and provide regular trimming to maintain a dense, compact appearance. Pinch back stems to encourage branching and fuller growth. Avoid heavy fertilization, which can reduce variegation and promote overly soft stems. In cooler climates, grow in containers that can be moved indoors before freezing temperatures arrive.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.