Tradescantia Sillamontana: Grow & Care for White Velvet Plant

Tradescantia Sillamontana (White Velvet Plant) is a low-growing perennial groundcover native to the arid regions of Mexico. This easy-to-grow plant likes partial shade, but can tolerate plenty of sun and good soil moisture. The leaves burn when they are located in a sunny area during the hot day. The following are details on how to grow and care for Tradescantia Sillamontana.
 

Botanical/Scientific Names	Tradescantia Sillamontana
Common Names	Cobweb Spiderwort, White Gossamer Plant, White Velvet
Native Area	Mexico
Plant Type	Perennial fleshy herb
Mature Size	15cm - 30cm tall; 30cm - 60 cm wide
Bloom Time	Summer
Flower Color	Lavender-pink
Lighting Requirements	Sun or partial shade
Soil Care	Well-drained Soil
Propagation	Cutting propagation
Poisonous	non-toxic smell but slightly toxic if eaten

How to Grow Tradescantia Sillamontana (White Velvet Plant)

Tradescantia Sillamontana is one of the types of plants that can be propagated from pinched-off leaf cuttings, producing full-blown, trailing houseplants for a whole host of people. Propagation is also an easy and effective way to “refresh” your tradescantia sillamontana when it begins to show its age.

There are a few ways to propagate your Tradescantia Sillamontana from cuttings. You may simply pinch of a branch or a few branches and submerge the cuttings in fresh soil. With regular watering, you’ll begin to see new growth shortly. You can also root your cuttings in water if you prefer. Alternately, you can lay a longer stem of an inch plant across the soil and it will root where the nodes touch the soil.

How to Care for Tradescantia Sillamontana (White Velvet Plant)

Light for Tradescantia Sillamontana

Tradescantia Sillamontana loves bright light and will thrive in front of a sunny window, though they like some protection from direct sun in the afternoon. The brighter the light, the deeper and richer the leaf color, and too little light can cause the plant's purple hue to disappear completely. If your leaves start to show symptoms of scorching, then provide less full sunlight.

Soil for Tradescantia Sillamontana

Tradescantia Sillamontana is not picky about the soil and will grow just fine in all-purpose soil. However, because they like to stay moist, you might consider mixing a moisture retainer such as vermiculite or peat moss in with the soil.

Water Tradescantia Sillamontana

Tradescantia Sillamontana love moisture. Don't ever let your plant get too dry, especially in winter. To keep soil evenly moist, a regular watering schedule is best. Water until water drains through the bottom of the pot, taking care that your plant won't sit in water. Tradescantia Sillamontana thrives in humidity and they love a regular misting. Leaf tips will turn brown without adequate humidity. Placing the plant on a tray of pebbles in water is one way to ensure ambient moisture.

Tradescantia Sillamontana Temperature & Humidity Care

In line with its native environment, the Tradescantia Sillamontana prefers warm and humid conditions. Its ideal growing temperatures range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can live in any average home humidity condition and are fairly hardy.

Fertilizer for Tradescantia Sillamontana

Fertilizing your Tradescantia Sillamontana (White Velvet Plant) isn't absolutely necessary, but they will reward you with better growth if you do feed them. Fertilize only in the spring and summer with a half-strength liquid fertilizer monthly or a controlled-release fertilizer.

Pruning Tradescantia Sillamontana

Due to the vining nature they're named for, Tradescantia need regular pruning to maintain a pleasing, bushy appearance. Recommend pinching back about a fourth of the plant to encourage branching and increase fullness.
 No matter how well you care for your Tradescantia Sillamontana, they tend to get dry and leggy after about a year or so. But the Tradescantia Sillamontana plants are so easy to propagate that keeping your plant “going” is just a matter of planting cuttings.

Tradescantia Sillamontana Pests & Diseases Care

Tradescantia Sillamontana can fall prey to all the usual suspects when you're growing houseplants, aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and more. Monitor your plant regularly, checking the underside of leaves to ensure there are no insects there. Spider mites may leave webs between leaves and stems. If this happens, place your Tradescantia Sillamontana plant in a sink and wash the leaves thoroughly. You can also use neem oil to eliminate insect pests.

White Velvet Plant is prone to root rot brought about by over watering. The roots are delicate and it’s hard to detect rot until it's too late. Keep an eye out for brown patches on the leaves or curled leaves. One way to handle over watering is to unpot the plant, wash off the roots, and allow it to dry out for a day. Repot in new soil and take care that you water lightly in the future.

Tradescantia Sillamontana (White Velvet Plant) FAQ

Is Tradescantia Sillamontana poisonous to dogs?

Poisonous, Tradescantia Sillamontana (White Velvet Plant) contains a certain amount of toxin. If you accidentally eat it, it can cause discomfort and other symptoms, but as long as you do not eat it, it will not affect your health. It has a non-toxic smell and can be grown indoors with other plants for high ornamental value.

Is Tradescantia Sillamontana houseplant?

It is easily grown as a houseplant. It is noted for its ease of culture and tolerance for wide range of growing conditions.