Colorful Mexican hanging plant with purplish-pink and pink striped leaves, extremely easy to care for

Tradescantia pallida 'Pink Stripe' is a beautiful cultivar with foliage that combines deep purplish-pink tones with distinct pink stripes. The contrast makes it a real splash of color, especially when the vines are allowed to hang freely from a hanging basket or shelf.

The species is native to Mexico's Gulf Coast region, with a distribution range from Tamaulipas down to Yucatán. There, it grows in tropical deciduous forests, among limestone rocks by roadsides and on limestone cliffs. The species epithet pallida means "pale" and refers to the plant's original leaf color.

The plants reach about 30 centimeters in height but spread considerably wider. In tropical and subtropical areas, it is a popular ground cover, while in temperate climates like ours, it is traditionally grown as a houseplant.

The plant is remarkable for tolerating drought as easily as frequent watering, and it rarely suffers from pests or diseases. This makes it one of the most forgiving and easy-to-care-for houseplants available.

Care

Thrives best in bright light; the more light, the more intense the leaf color. With too little light, the pink and purple tones will fade. Tolerates some direct sun.

Water when the soil has dried out slightly. The plant is extremely adaptable and can handle both neglect and regular watering. Use ordinary well-drained potting soil.

Ideal temperature 18-26 degrees Celsius. The species is hardy down to about -12 to -18 degrees Celsius, which corresponds to approximately plant hardiness zone 1 in Sweden, meaning the southernmost part of Skåne, and then with protection. In practice, it is best grown as an indoor houseplant that can be placed outdoors in the summer.

Feel free to pinch off shoots regularly to get a denser and bushier plant. Propagates very easily through cuttings in water or soil. Buy Tradescantia pallida 'pink stripe' online!