If you’re looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance plant to add to your garden, look no further than Tradescantia Nanouk! This lovely perennial can be easily propagated and will thrive in most climates. Keep reading for information on how to care for Tradescantia Nanouk and tips on propagation!
What is Tradescantia Nanouk?
Tradescantia Nanouk is a type of spiderwort that is known for its vibrant purple leaves. This plant is native to Mexico and can be found in the wild growing on rocks and cliffs. The Nanouk variety of Tradescantia was discovered in 2009 by plant breeder Jody Haynes.
This plant is a perennial and will grow back each year. It can be grown in USDA zones nine through eleven. The leaves of this plant are edible and have a tart, lemony flavor.
The Tradescantia Nanouk has gorgeous, variegated leaves that are purple, green, and white. They grow in clusters and can reach up to 12 inches long. The flowers are also very striking, being a deep pink with a white throat.
It is widespread in cultivation and can be found in gardens, greenhouses, or as a houseplant. Moreover, it is fairly easy to take care of and does not require much attention.
Where can I buy Tradescantia Nanouk?
You can buy Tradescantia Nanouk at most garden stores. However, if you cannot find it locally, you can also purchase it online. Just make sure to do your research and pick a reputable seller.
Also, consider the time of year you are buying; plants may be more expensive in the spring and summer than they are in the fall and winter.
When choosing a Tradescantia Nanouk, make sure to pick one that is healthy and has plenty of leaves. The plant should also be free from pests and diseases.
If you are looking for a more sustainable option, consider propagating your own Tradescantia Nanouk. It is a relatively easy process, and you can find many helpful tutorials. But we will talk about it later.
Whatever route you choose, we hope you enjoy this beautiful plant!
Is Tradescantia Nanouk Rare?
Tradescantia Nanouk, also known as Fantasy Venice or spiderwort, is a beautiful houseplant with variegated leaves. This plant is actually quite easy to find! You can order it online or find it at your local nursery. However, because it’s so new to the market, it may be priced higher than other similar plants.
It is widespread in southeastern Brazil, growing in the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo.
Its natural habitat is on forest floors where it gets dappled sunlight. It can also be found in open fields and near rivers. This plant is not fussy about its soil and will do well in most types.
Tradescantia Nanouk is a beautiful addition to any indoor jungle and makes a great gift for plant lovers. This plant is easy to care for and can be propagated easily. Keep reading to learn all about Tradescantia Nanouk care!
How do you care for a Tradescantia Nanouk?
It is important to know how to care for your Tradescantia Nanouk, as they are not the easiest plants to keep alive. Every plant is different, and each one requires specific care in order to survive and thrive.
If you don’t have a lot of experience with plants, it is important to do your research before you purchase one. Make sure you know what kind of environment the plant needs in order to thrive, and whether or not you can provide that for it.
It means to take into consideration many things such as the temperature, humidity, light, soil, ect.
Light
The very first thing to consider when caring for your Tradescantia Nanouk is the amount of light it will receive. Light is important for the plant to grow and produce blooms. A location that receives bright, indirect light is ideal. If your plant doesn’t receive enough light, it will become leggy and stretched out.
If you are unable to provide a location with adequate natural light, consider using a grow light instead. Make sure to position the light so that it shines on the plant for at least six hours a day.
You can also move your plant outdoors for the summer, but make sure to acclimate it slowly to the change in light. Sudden exposure to direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
One more way to ensure your Tradescantia Nanouk gets enough light is to regularly rotate the plant. This will help it grow evenly and prevent it from leaning towards the light source.
You can buy just a simple bulb with fluorescent light or a full spectrum LED light. Then just set it on a timer for the amount of light your Tradescantia needs! However, if you are using fluorescent light, it should be close to the plant so that it can touch.
If your Tradescantia Nanouk is receiving too much light, it will become sunburnt and the leaves will turn yellow. If this happens, move the plant to a location with less direct light.
So make sure to place your Tradescantia Nanouk in a spot where it will get the right amount of light! The reason why light is so important for this plant is that it will affect its growth.
Watering
Watering is probably the second most important consideration when it comes to caring for your Tradescantia Nanouk. Water is an essential part of photosynthesis, the process by which plants create their food.
The amount of water your Tradescantia Nanouk needs will depend on a few factors, including the size of the pot, the type of potting mix, and the climate.
A good rule of thumb is to water your plant when the top inch or so of the potting mix is dry.
In general, Tradescantia Nanouk is like moist but not wet soil. You can water your plant by submerging the entire pot in water or watering it at the base of the plant. Be sure to let the pot drain thoroughly before returning it to its original location.
The plant does best in soil that is evenly moist, but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure to give your plant a good soak and then allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
If you live in an area with hot, dry summers, it may be necessary to water your Tradescantia Nanouk more often than if you live in a cooler climate. However, avoid letting the plant sit in water, as this can also cause problems. In the winter months, water less frequently; once every two weeks is usually sufficient.
Water sparingly, only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Keep in mind that Tradescantia Nanouk likes their roots moist, but not wet. Overwatering will cause the plant to rot and die.
When it comes to watering, the best way to determine if your plant needs water is to feel the soil. The top of the soil should be dry to the touch before you water it again. If the pot is in a saucer, make sure to dump out any excess water after watering so the roots don’t sit in water.
If you often forget to water your plants, or if you’re going on vacation, consider using a self-watering pot. These pots have a small reservoir at the bottom that slowly wets the soil as it dries out. This is a great option for plants that need to be watered often, such as Tradescantia Nanouk.
One more option for watering is to use a moisture meter. These devices are inserted into the soil and will tell you how moist the soil is. This can be a helpful tool, especially if you’re new to gardening or if you’re not sure how often to water your Tradescantia Nanouk.
If your plant doesn’t get enough water, it will start to wilt. The leaves will droop and the colors will fade. If this happens, water your plant immediately and then continue to water it regularly until it recovers.
Humidity
The next important factor to consider when caring for your Tradescantia Nanouk is humidity. This plant thrives in humid environments and will suffer in dry conditions. Make sure to keep the soil moist at all times, but do not overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
Humidity is an essential part of the care for your plants because it helps the plant to stay hydrated. If the air is too dry, the leaves of your plant will start to turn brown and crispy. You can do a few things:
- First, try grouping your plants together. This will create a microclimate that is more humid than the surrounding air. Plants will also help to increase humidity levels. The water evaporates from their leaves and cools the surrounding air.
- Second, you can place your plant near a water source, like a sink or bathtub. The running water will help to humidify the air around your plant. This is a great option if you live in a dry climate or if your home has air conditioning.
- Third, you can use a humidifier. A humidifier will add moisture to the air and help to keep your plants healthy. If you have several plants, it might be worth investing in a humidifier so that you can create an optimal environment for them to thrive. There are a lot of different humidifiers on the market, so be sure to do your research and find one that’s right for you. If you have a room that is particularly dry, or if you live in a drier climate, using a humidifier can help your plants stay healthy.
Be sure to keep an eye on the humidity levels in your home, and adjust your humidifier as needed.
- The fourth option is to use a pebble tray. Fill a tray with water and rocks, and set your plant on top of the rocks. The water will evaporate. They are a great option if you don’t have access to a sink or bathtub, and they are easy to use.
- Finally, you can mist your plant regularly with a spray bottle filled with water. This is a quick and easy way, but it will only last for a short period of time. Moreover, be careful not to mist the leaves too much, as this can cause them to rot.
Humidity is an important factor to consider when caring for your plants, and there are a few things you can do to increase humidity levels around your plant. If you find that your plant is not doing well due to low humidity, try using one of these methods to increase the humidity levels around it.
All of these options are great ways to increase the humidity around your Tradescantia Nanouk and help it to thrive. Be sure to experiment and find what works best for you and your environment.
Temperature
Another aspect to consider when caring for your Tradescantia Nanouk is the temperature. It is important because this plant is a tropical one.
Try to keep the temperature in your home somewhere between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If it gets too cold, your Tradescantia Nanouk may start to lose its leaves. If you live in a colder climate, you can grow your Tradescantia Nanouk indoors or in a greenhouse.
If it is too hot, the leaves of your Tradescantia Nanouk may start to wilt. If this happens, make sure to provide more water.
Don’t place your plant in front of a drafty window or in an area where there is a lot of heat. You should also avoid placing your Tradescantia Nanouk in direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves.
If you are growing your plant outdoors, make sure to bring it indoors or cover it up if the temperature is going to drop below 60 degrees.
If you live in a warmer climate or want to put your Tradescantia Nanouk outside during the summer, make sure to keep it in a shady spot.
To control the temperature, you can use a standard home thermometer. You can also get a digital thermometer that will be more accurate.
You can also get a soil thermometer to stick in the pot to make sure the roots are not too cold or too hot. It is important to keep the roots at a consistent temperature.
If you are having trouble controlling the temperature, you can use a humidifier or a fan. A humidifier will help to increase the humidity in the air. A fan will help to circulate the air and keep the plant from getting too hot.
Soil
One more thing to consider with Tradescantia is the soil. It is important to choose the right sole for your plant, as it will affect the way it grows. For Tradescantia Nanouk, a potting mix that is well-draining and slightly acidic is ideal.
If you choose the wrong soil, your plant might not grow as it should or could even die. Moreover, the wrong soil can also leach nutrients from the plant, leading to deficiencies.
To make sure you are providing the best possible care for your Tradescantia Nanouk, be sure to read up on the ideal soil type and pH level before planting.
As I briefly mentioned, this plant does not like to stay wet for long. That means that the potting mix you use should drain well but still hold some moisture. A potting mix that is too wet will cause the roots of your Tradescantia Nanouk to rot, and a potting mix that drains too quickly will not provide enough water for the plant to thrive.
You can either purchase a pre-made potting mix or make your own using a combination of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. If you choose to make your own, be sure to mix it well so that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
I like to use a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This mix drains well and still holds some moisture, which is perfect for Tradescantia Nanouk. It also has a slightly acidic pH, which the plant prefers.
Fertilizing
The next step is fertilizing. It is an important part of caring for your Tradescantia Nanouk.
I like to use a balanced fertilizer that has an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium such as a 20-20-20. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season and monthly in the winter.
If you notice your plants are looking yellow, this is a sure sign they need more iron. You can find a good iron supplement at your local nursery. Just be sure to follow the package directions.
Over-fertilizing can be just as harmful as not fertilizing at all, so it is important to stick to the recommended dosage. Too much fertilizer will cause the leaves to burn and turn brown. If you see this happening, cut back on the fertilizer immediately.
Fertilizers come in many forms: liquids, solids, powders, and organic or synthetic. Be sure to use the type that is compatible with your watering system.
For example, I have a drip irrigation system, so I use water-soluble fertilizer that I mix with water and apply directly to the roots.
If you are not sure what type of fertilizer to use, ask your local nursery or garden center for advice.
Propagation
Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. It is usually done for reasons such as increasing the number of a particular plant species or creating new plants with desired traits.
This process can be done by either sexual or asexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction is the process of combining the genetic material of two parents to create a new organism. Asexual reproduction is when a single parent produces an offspring that is genetically identical to itself.
There are many different ways to propagate plants, but the general two are propagation in water and propagation in soil.
Propagation in water
Once the roots are long enough, they can be transplanted into soil. This method is often used for plants that are difficult to root in soil or for those that require a faster rooting time.
To propagate in water, fill a glass or jar with water and place the plant cuttings in it. Change the water every few days to prevent it from becoming stagnant. After a few weeks, roots should start to develop. Once they are long enough, carefully transplant them into the soil.
The downside to water propagation is that it can lead to leggy growth. This means that the plant will grow long, thin stems with fewer leaves. To prevent this, make sure to provide plenty of light and keep the water level low in the container.
Make sure to keep an eye on your water-propagated plants, as they are more prone to root rot.
Propagation in soil
Nanouk can be propagated in soil by rooting a stem cutting taken from the mother plant. Rooting hormone is not necessary, but if you have some on hand, it can’t hurt.
Cut a stem about six inches long and remove any flowers or leaves from the lower two-thirds of the stem. Dip the cut end in water, then in the rooting hormone powder.
Plant the stem in a moist potting mix, making sure that at least two nodes (the point where leaves attach to the stem) are buried. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and provide bright indirect light.
Roots should form within four to six weeks, at which point you can transplant the new plant into a larger pot.
The downside to propagating Tradescantia Nanouk in the soil is that it can be a bit fussy about the pH of its growing medium. The ideal range is from slightly acidic to neutral, so you may need to adjust your soil mix accordingly.
The upside, of course, is that you can keep propagating new plants indefinitely as long as you have a mother plant to take cuttings from.
Propagation should be done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. This is because the plant will be more likely to produce roots, and the roots will be stronger.
It is possible to propagate Tradescantia Nanouk at other times of the year, but you may have less success.
Propagation is a great way to increase your collection of Tradescantia Nanouk plants, and it’s also a fun project for kids. Try it out and see how easy it is!
FAQ
Is Tradescantia Toxic?
No, Tradescantia is not toxic. In fact, it’s a great houseplant for purifying the air in your home.
Can I place my Tradescantia outdoors?
Tradescantia Nanouk can be placed outdoors in summer, but bring it back inside when the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
How often should I fertilize my Tradescantia Nanouk?
Fertilize your Tradescantia Nanouk every two weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Where do I cut my Tradescantia Nanouk?
The best place to cut your Tradescantia Nanouk is just above a node (the point where a leaf meets the stem). This will help encourage new growth.
Can you grow Tradescantia from cuttings?
Yes, you can grow Tradescantia from cuttings. Simply take a cutting from the plant, and place it in water. In a few weeks, you should see roots growing from the cutting.
- If you have any more questions about Tradescantia Nanouk, feel free to leave them in the comments below!
Useful Video: Tradescantia Nanouk care and propagation
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Tradescantia Nanouk is a great plant for beginners. It’s easy to care for and can tolerate a range of growing conditions. If you’re looking to add some color to your home, this plant is a great option.
While propagation can be tricky, it’s definitely worth giving it a try. With a little patience, you can create new plants to share with your friends and family.
Just make sure to keep an eye on your Tradescantia Nanouk, as it can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. If you notice any of these pests, be sure to take action immediately.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below.
Thanks for reading! Happy gardening!