Tradescantia zebrina is also called zebra herb because of its striped leaves. The houseplant is very easy to care for and therefore suitable for beginners. Since Tradescantia zebrina is not poisonous, you can care for this ornamental plant safely, even if there are children and animals living in the house. Care tips.
How do you properly care for a Tradescantia Zebrina?
Tradescantia Zebrina care includes moderate watering, fertilizing every 14 days from April to September, occasional cutting of the shoot tips and a bright location without direct sunlight. Keep it cooler in winter and avoid frost, otherwise it will become sickly.
How do you water Tradescantia zebrina correctly?
The leaf colors become particularly strong if you don't keep Tradescantia zebrina too moist. Water moderately during the main growing season so that the substrate is always slightly moist. Avoid waterlogging.
After watering, wait until the top of the soil has dried thoroughly. Only then will it be time to water again.
In winter the plant needs even less water, especially if it is cooler during this time.
What should you pay attention to when fertilizing?
Zebra herb is not very demanding. It is enough if you supply it with a little liquid fertilizer (€14.00 on Amazon) every 14 days during the main growing season from April to September.
Do you need to cut zebra weed?
Cutting is not absolutely necessary. Tradescantia zebrina branches better if you cut off the shoot tips regularly.
You can also take cuttings in spring to propagate the plant.
When is it time to repot?
Since Tradescantia zebrina grows quite quickly, it often needs a larger pot. Repot them into fresh substrate in spring. As a rule, several specimens are placed in one pot because the plant then appears more compact.
What diseases and pests can occur?
Tradescantia zebrina loses the lower leaves over time. This is normal and not a sign of illness. If rot occurs on roots or shoots, you have kept the plant too moist.
Pests are very rare. Occasionally an infestation by aphids can occur.
How to care for Tradescantia zebrina in winter?
Zebra herb does not tolerate frost temperatures. It should never get colder than twelve degrees at the location. You can care for the plant indoors all year round, then you just have to water it more often. In winter you can also get a slightly cooler place at 15 to 18 degrees.
Tip
Tradescantia zebrina needs a very bright location without direct sunlight. If the plant is too dark, the colors of the leaves fade. In addition, it then develops very long, sickly shoots.
