Tradescantia Bubblegum
Discover watering, soil, fertilizing, pests, styling, and troubleshooting tips for Tradescantia Bubblegum from our experience growing and caring for it in our Brooklyn home!
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Tradescantia Bubblegum care guide
lineage and Symbolism
The Tradescantia Bubblegum Plant (aka Tradescantia fluminensis) from the Commelinaceae family is a colorful, and quirky and known for its playful pink-and-green striped leaves that spill over pots and hangers in a cascade of vibrancy. Its small, oval-shaped leaves are a visual delight, perfect for brightening up the windowsills or shelves and stays relatively petite – typically growing up to 12 inches tall, but its trailing vines can stretch up to two feet long.
The Tradescantia Bubblegum Plant symbolizes resilience and adaptability – most apt for nurturing by resourceful and versatile Virgos!
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“I think this plant is absolutely gorgeous and it just means I need a little corner shelf that my kitty can’t get to. :)”
Light and placement
What is the light requirement for Tradescantia Bubblegum plant?
We recommend placing your Tradescantia Bubblegum Plant near a bright, east or west-facing window where it can soak in indirect light for about 4-6 hours a day. It loves bright conditions but doesn’t do well with direct sunlight. If you notice the vibrant colors fading, it might be time to adjust its light exposure.
How to know if Tradescantia Bubblegum is not getting right amount of light?
Too much direct sunlight will cause the leaves to bleach or scorch and turn brown/crispy at the edges. Too little light will cause the vibrant pink and green stripes to fade, and the plant may start to grow leggy, stretching out in search of more light.
Where to place Tradescantia Bubblegum and where to avoid?
We recommend placing your Tradescantia Bubblegum Plant near an east-facing window where it can enjoy soft indirect morning light. A west-facing window works well too but make sure to filter the afternoon sun with sheer curtains to avoid leaf burn. Shelves or hanging baskets near these windows are most ideal. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, like in front of south-facing windows, and steer clear of dimly lit rooms as the plant may lose its vibrant color and become leggy. In the summer, move it slightly away from windows and during winter you might want to place it closer to an east-facing window.
Soil
What soil composition to use for Tradescantia Bubblegum?
For your Tradescantia Bubblegum Plant, we recommend a well-draining potting mix that’s slightly acidic to neutral. A mix of 50% standard potting soil and 50% perlite or coarse sand, or coco coir works well to maintain proper drainage and prevent waterlogging. If you tend to overwater, adding a bit more perlite (up to 60%) helps. Definitely avoid using topsoil as it can compact and hold too much moisture. Loam-based soil with good drainage is also a solid option for balanced watering habits.
Best soil to use for Tradescantia Bubblegum?
This particular mix also has perlite in it and the one we have used for a long time!
Temperature and Humidity
What is the best temperature condition for Tradescantia Bubblegum?
Aim to keep temperatures between 60-75°F. If you’re in a warmer region – make sure it’s not exposed to heat above 85°F as the leaves might start wilting or curling. In colder areas, avoid temps below 50°F, which can cause leaf drop and darkened tips.
If you’re in a drier region, consider boosting humidity to keep it happy. Especially in winter when indoor heating can dry out the air. Signs of too much cold include slow growth and blackened leaves. Too much heat leads to crispy edges and droopy leaves
What is the best humidity condition for Tradescantia Bubblegum?
Your Tradescantia Bubblegum Plant thrives in moderate to high humidity, ideally around 50-60%. In drier climates or during winter with indoor heating – we recommend using a humidifier or placing it on a pebble tray to maintain moisture. In warmer, humid regions, ensure good airflow to prevent fungal issues.
If humidity is too low you’ll notice browning or crispy leaf edges. Too much humidity, can lead to mold or soft, rotting leaves.
Our favorite humidifiers
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fertilizer
What is the best fertilizer composition to use for Tradescantia Bubblegum?
The Tradescantia Bubblegum Plant thrives in nutrient-rich forest floors, so we recommend a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. This will provide nitrogen for leaf growth, phosphorus for root health, and potassium for overall plant strength.
For a simple DIY recipe, mix 1 tablespoon of fish emulsion or liquid seaweed into 1 gallon of water and apply during the growing season. Apply to the soil avoiding leaves though.
How and when to fertilize Tradescantia Bubblegum?
Fertilize your Tradescantia Bubblegum Plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) diluted to half strength. Apply directly to the soil avoiding the leaves to prevent burn. Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.
What are the signs Tradescantia Bubblegum needs food?
If your Tradescantia Bubblegum Plant needs fertilizing, you’ll notice slower growth, pale or yellowing leaves, and less vibrant color. The plant may also look leggy, stretching toward light without producing healthy new leaves.
Best fertilizer to use for Tradescantia Bubblegum?
Pots and planters
What are the best pots to use for Tradescantia Bubblegum?
We recommend using a medium-sized pot (6-8 inches) for your Tradescantia Bubblegum Plant. Choose terracotta or ceramic pots for breathability and moisture control with proper drainage holes to prevent root rot. A lightweight plastic pot works well if you prefer hanging or moving it around. Opt for a shallow and wide shape to accommodate its spreading roots and trailing vines
Our favorite Terracotta and hanging pots
Watering
How and When to water Tradescantia Bubblegum?
Coming from the moist forest floors, your Tradescantia Bubblegum Plant prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, roughly once a week in spring and summer, and every 2-3 weeks in fall and winter. If using a well-draining mix with perlite, water more frequently.
Water thoroughly, soaking the soil until water drains out the bottom. But avoid letting the plant sit in standing water which can lead to root rot. Morning is the best time to water, allowing the soil to dry during the day. Avoid misting the leaves as this can lead to fungal issues.
what are the Signs of over or under watering Tradescantia Bubblegum?
For overwatering, you’ll notice yellowing leaves, soft, mushy stems, and the plant might develop root rot which causes a foul smell. The leaves may also turn black or brown at the base, especially where they meet the stem
If underwatered, the leaves will turn brown and crispy at the tips, and the vibrant color will start to fade. The plant may also become leggy, as it conserves energy, and leaves will wilt.
Our favorite watering cans
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pruning
When to prune Tradescantia Bubblegum and why?
Pruning your Bubblegum Plant helps it stay bushy and prevents legginess – a common issue when the plant grows too long without enough light. It also encourages new growth and keeps the plant looking full. The best time to prune is in spring or summer when it’s actively growing. Signs you need to prune include long, leggy stems with fewer leaves and fading color.
how to prune Tradescantia Bubblegum?
how to care after pruning Tradescantia Bubblegum?
After pruning, water the plant lightly and place it in bright, indirect light to encourage new growth. You’ll soon see new shoots sprouting from the pruned nodes. Dry the nodes completely where its cut.
propagating
When to Propagate Tradescantia Bubblegum?
The easiest way to propagate your Bubblegum Plant is through stem cuttings, which root quickly in water or soil. The best time to propagate is during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
how to Propagate Tradescantia Bubblegum?
Choose a healthy stem: Look for a stem with 3-4 nodes (the bumps where leaves grow) and cut just below a node using clean scissors.
Prepare the cutting: Remove the lower leaves, leaving 2-3 leaves at the top. This helps focus energy on root growth.
Rooting in water: Place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the lower nodes are submerged. Change the water every few days and place it in bright, indirect light. Roots should form in 1-2 weeks.
Rooting in soil: Alternatively, plant the cutting in moist and well-draining soil. Bury the nodes and water gently. Keep it in indirect light and ensure the soil stays consistently moist.
how to care after propagating Tradescantia Bubblegum?
Avoid direct sunlight to prevent stress, and ensure the cutting doesn’t dry out or sit in soggy soil.
Once roots are about 1-2 inches long, transplant the cutting into a small pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist for the first few weeks and then gradually reduce watering as the plant establishes itself.
Troubleshooting common issues
1. Why are the leaves of my Tradescantia Bubblegum drooping?
Cause: Overwatering or underwatering
Solution: Immerse your index fingers 2-3 inches in the soil and check to see if it’s soggy, if so let it dry out before watering again. if it’s too dry, water thoroughly until the water drains out of the drainage holes
2. Why is the color of my Tradescantia Bubblegum fading?
Cause: Not enough light or sometimes overwatering too can cause the fading
Solution: Move the plant to a brighter spot with indirect light and reduce watering if the soil is too wet.
3. Why are the leaves of my Tradescantia Bubblegumyellowing?
Cause: Overwatering, or lack of nutrients mostly commonly, or aging leaves.
Solution: Let the soil dry out and consider fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
4. Why are there Brown tips to the leaves of my Tradescantia Bubblegum?
Cause: Low humidity or inconsistent watering.
Solution: Boost humidity around the plant and make sure you’re watering evenly when the top inch of soil is dry.
5. Why are there spots on leaves of my Tradescantia Bubblegum?
Cause: Fungal infections from too much watering or poor air circulation
Solution: Remove affected leaves, improve ventilation, and ensure you’re watering only when the top inch of soil is dry. Use a fungicide or neem oil to get rid of the infection – Mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of mild dish soap to help the oil stick. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and mist the entire plant and repeat every 7-10 days until the spots clear up.
6. Why are there leggs stems on my Tradescantia Bubblegum?
Cause: low light conditions makes the plant stretch to find more sun.
Solution: Move it to a brighter spot with indirect sunlight and pinch back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth – cut them using the propogation method mentioned above, and repot it in the soil so it becomes bushy..
7. Why is there no new growth on my Tradescantia Bubblegum?
Cause: This is often due to inadequate nutrients, or the plant being root-bound.
Solution: Increase light, fertilize during growing seasons, and repot if the roots are outgrowing the pot – if the ball of root in the bottom is too large and is feeling to cramped, put the plant in a bigger pot.
curated styling tips for tradescantia bubblegum
1. Hanging in a Macrame Holder Near an East Window: A macrame holder suspended near an east-facing window,gives it the right amount of indirect morning light. Its trailing vines can cascade beautifully and create a soft, flowing look. The natural light will enhance the leaf colors while the macrame adds a boho vibe
2. Trailing from a Bathroom Shelf or Windowsill: Bathrooms often have higher humidity, which the Bubblegum Plant loves. Place it on windowsill where it can trail down and soak in the moisture . A simple ceramic or terracotta pot complements the plant’s natural, soft texture.
3. Grouped with Other Small Plants on a Coffee Table: Style the Bubblegum Plant alongside small, complementary houseplants like succulents or ferns. Its pink hues provide a colorful contrast when paired with greenery on a coffee table. Use a low, wide planter to allow its spreading vines to drape over the table’s edge, and pair it with plants that thrive in similar light and humidity
FAQ
Is Tradescantia bubblegum toxic to pets?
Yes, Tradescantia is toxic to pets if ingested, causing mild to moderate digestive upset.
Does Tradescantia bubblegum like to be placed outside in summer?
Yes, we can move it outside in summer as long as it’s kept in a shaded spot. Just avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves. And bring it indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F.
What are advantages and disadvantages of Tradescantia bubblegum?
We love its vibrant colors and fast growth, hence ideal for hanging baskets. However, it can become leggy without enough light and requires regular pruning to keep it bushy.
How to get Tradescantia bubblegum to bloom?
Tradescantia rarely blooms indoors, but we can encourage it with bright, indirect light and consistent care – using fertilizer during spring and summer, and misting during drier months. It will produce beautiful small, white or pink flowers in the right conditions during spring and summer
How to pot Tradescantia bubblegum plant?
Choose a pot with drainage holes, using a well-draining potting mix. We recommend a shallow, wide pot to accommodate its trailing vines, and repot every year or when the plant outgrows its container.
