Widely known as Fantasy Venice, Tradescantia Nanouk or Wandering Jew is an impressive plant that originated in Central and South America, and in Mexico. With an upright and compact growth habit and with leaves that are smooth on the top and become furry on the underside, it is no wonder that this plant has gained the interest of lots of people. Taking proper care of this species is vital in order to ensure high flower production and healthy leaves. So, how do you take care of a Tradescantia Nanouk?
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Light, temperature, and watering
This species needs plenty of sunlight in order to survive and bloom. Whether we talk about direct sunlight or indirect bright lighting, it is important to place your plant somewhere brightly, since insufficient light may cause the foliage to fade. When kept indoors, the proper temperature range is 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit. In terms of watering, as with any other species either under or overwatering should be avoided. Ideally, wait until the soil becomes a bit dry before watering your Tradescantia. A weekly watering is a great option for this species.
Grooming and propagating
In order to ensure proper growth of this plant, pinch off any damaged leaves once in a while. If you observe that your Tradescantia appears thin at the top, it may be best to trim off cuttings and then place them into the soil. They will start to take root in about 2-3 weeks afterward. However, always make sure to take off the leaves of the cuttings before you poke them into the soil.
Protection from diseases and pests
No significant cases of diseases or pest infections have been observed with Tradescantia Nanouk. However, overwatering is the greatest issue with this plant, since it can cause fungal infections and root rotting. In the event that your Tradescantia Nanouk is infected with spider mites, you need to give it a thorough watering with fresh water. After that, spray the leaves with a solution containing 50% water and 50% isopropyl alcohol. The misting should be repeated as many times as needed in order to kill all the mites and their eggs.
Necessary ingredients
As with any other indoor plant, offering a variety of necessary ingredients is the only way to guarantee proper growth. Tradescantia Nanouk needs to be fed with a houseplant fertilizer once a month. Before adding fertilizer, the soil needs to be damp. Moreover, in order to avoid burning your plant, it is important to pay close attention to the prescribed amount of fertilizer.
When to repot your plant
Since Tradescantia Nanuk grows relatively quickly, it is a good idea to repot it at least once a year. Purchase a container one size larger than the previous one and fill it with fresh soil. Since Nanuk hates soggy roots, the container should have holes for drainage.
Overall, Tradescantia Nanuk is an easy-growing plant. However, you should look out for specific signs, particularly root rot and loss of leaf color to prevent your plant’s unhealthy growth, Providing the necessary conditions is the only way to ensure that your plant grows healthily and bears those beautiful flowers.
