Do you forget to water? The ladybug will forgive you! This houseplant grows almost on its own, all it needs is a little light and occasional attention. A broken stem? No problem. Frost? Some ladybugs are used to that too.
The colorful world of the genus Tradescantia
Ladybug, or water lily, is exactly the plant that brings the joy of living plants into the home. You may remember her from school corridors or from your grandmother’s window. It’s a no-nonsense piece of furniture that looks like it just needs a little light and occasional attention to live.
It’s for those of us who sometimes forget about dressing, but still long for a jungle in the living room. Her Latin name, Tradescantia, may sound noble, but her nature is completely folksy and friendly.
There is no moth like a moth. This genus is incredibly colorful and can surprise you with colors that you would hardly expect from a plant:
- Tradescantia zebrina: A classic with silvery stripes and a purple reverse of the leaves that literally sparkles in the sun.
- Tradescantia Nanouk: Modern beauty with stiff leaves in shades of pink, cream and green. It looks like cotton candy.
- Tradescantia albiflora Albovittata: An elegant white-green version that brightens up every dark corner.
- Pale Tradescantia: A dark purple lady that can bloom with tiny pink flowers.
You can see the beautiful morning glory of the Nanouk variety in a post from the Plants for all Seasons YouTube channel.
It grows almost by itself
The biggest fun with a moth is its zest for life. They get by with just a little and, moreover, they multiply easily. Fragile moth suffers from twigs breaking off in the collar. It might seem that the poor flower has lost a piece, but everything bad is good for something.
Put it in a glass of water and within a few days you will see white roots appear. It’s almost magical to watch that speed. Once the roots have grown, plant it in the soil and you have a new plant for a friend or for the next room.
How to take care of a moth? Give it basic care and it will only decorate.
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Light: She loves him. The more light (not direct midday heat), the more saturated its colors will be. If it starts to fade and the stems start to stretch into the distance, it asks for a brighter place. But be careful, the purple version can handle even the worst heatstroke.
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Water: She likes moisture, but hates “wet feet”. Allow the clay to dry slightly between waterings.
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Rejuvenation: This is important. After a while, the moth loses its leaves at the beginning of the stem and appears bald. The branches are then long and unsightly. Don’t be afraid to take scissors, cut it and replant the healthy ends. The plant will thicken and look like new again.
Do you know a hardy daylily that can grow even in the garden?
Most of us see the morning glory as a purely indoor plant, but did you know that some species, e.g. Tradescantia virginiana or andersoniana, are absolutely frost-resistant perennials? It’s the flower in the opening photo.
They have slightly different leaves, more like grass. The plant is relatively tall and grows up to 60 cm. It is decorated with white, pink, purple or blue flowers with striking yellow anthers, depending on the species.
These mayflies are unmissable in Czech gardens in the summer. They are unassuming flowers that do not need pampering, yet they grow faithfully every year. They will only make you happy.
Don’t look at ladybugs as ordinary flowers, but rather as interesting green companions that don’t need pampering. They will grow, bloom and decorate with little.
