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The Teddy Bear Tradescantia, also known as Tradescantia pallida ‘Teddy Bear,’ is a charming and easy-to-care-for houseplant prized for its soft, fuzzy texture and attractive, deep purple foliage. A member of the Tradescantia genus, this plant is often referred to as a “wandering jew” due to its rapid growth and spreading habit. Its bright, velvety leaves and graceful trailing stems make it a wonderful addition to both indoor and outdoor gardens.

Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your Teddy Bear Tradescantia:

1. Understanding the Teddy Bear Tradescantia​

T. pallida ‘Teddy Bear’ is a cultivar of the Tradescantia species known for its soft, velvety foliage, which is often a mix of deep purple, green, and pink shades. The plant typically grows as a trailing or cascading vine, making it a great choice for hanging baskets, pots, or as ground cover in outdoor gardens. The leaves feel almost like soft teddy bear fur, hence the name. Though it is typically grown indoors in many regions, the plant can also be cultivated outdoors in warmer climates.

2. Choosing the Right Location​

Teddy Bear Tradescantia is relatively flexible when it comes to light conditions, though it thrives best in bright, indirect light.

• Light Requirements: Place your plant in a location where it can get bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn brown or crispy. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, its growth may slow down, and the vibrant purple colors may fade. Ideal light would be near a window with sheer curtains or in a spot where the sunlight isn’t too harsh.
• Temperature: This plant enjoys warmth, and the ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 85°F (15°C – 29°C). It does not tolerate cold temperatures well, so avoid placing it in areas that drop below 50°F (10°C). Be sure to protect it from drafts and sudden temperature changes.

3. Watering the Teddy Bear Tradescantia​

Teddy Bear Tradescantia is not particularly fussy when it comes to watering, but overwatering or underwatering can cause issues. It’s important to find the right balance.

• Watering Schedule: Water the plant when the top inch or so of the soil feels dry. During the growing season (spring and summer), this might be once a week or so, while during the fall and winter months, you may need to water less frequently. Always check the moisture level of the soil before watering to avoid root rot.
• Watering Tips: Make sure the pot has proper drainage to allow excess water to escape. This helps prevent the roots from sitting in water, which can lead to rot. Teddy Bear Tradescantia prefers slightly moist soil, but it should never be waterlogged.
• Signs of Overwatering: Yellowing leaves, mushy stems, or a musty smell from the soil can indicate overwatering and potential root rot. If this happens, let the soil dry out before resuming your regular watering schedule.

4. Soil Requirements​

The Teddy Bear Tradescantia prefers well-draining, moderately rich soil that holds moisture but doesn’t stay soggy.

• Soil Composition: A general-purpose houseplant potting mix works well for Tradescantia, but you can also mix in some perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. The goal is to have a soil mixture that allows water to drain quickly but still retains enough moisture for the plant’s needs.
• Repotting: The plant doesn’t need frequent repotting, but you should consider it if the roots have outgrown the pot or the plant is becoming too leggy. Repotting once every 1-2 years is usually sufficient. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one and ensure it has drainage holes.

5. Fertilizing the Teddy Bear Tradescantia​

To encourage healthy growth and vibrant color, feeding your Teddy Bear Tradescantia is important, but not overdone.

• Fertilizing Schedule: During the growing season (spring and summer), you can fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid fertilizing in the winter months when the plant is not actively growing.
• Fertilizer Type: A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., 10-10-10) works well. Over-fertilizing can lead to leggy growth, so it’s best to stick to the recommended amount.

6. Pruning and Maintenance​

Teddy Bear Tradescantia is a fast-growing plant that can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth.

• Pruning: If your plant becomes too leggy or overgrown, simply trim back the long stems to encourage more compact growth. Use clean scissors or pruning shears, cutting just above a leaf node. You can also remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking tidy.
• Propagation: Tradescantia is very easy to propagate through stem cuttings. To propagate, snip a healthy stem with at least one or two leaves, place the cutting in water, and wait for roots to form, which usually takes 1-2 weeks. Once the roots have grown, you can transplant the cutting into soil.
• Handling the Plant: While the plant’s texture might seem inviting, be cautious when handling it, as it can get quite messy if the stems break or are pruned too roughly. The leaves can also be a bit sticky, so take care when working with the plant.

7. Pests and Problems​

Teddy Bear Tradescantia is generally a healthy plant but can occasionally be affected by pests or diseases. Being a soft-leafed plant, it’s susceptible to certain issues.

• Common Pests: Spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs can sometimes infest Tradescantia. If you notice tiny webs or white, cotton-like clumps on your plant, it’s best to treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or a mixture of water and a small amount of rubbing alcohol to get rid of these pests. Regularly wipe down the leaves to prevent pests from settling in.
• Diseases: Overwatering can lead to fungal infections or root rot. To avoid this, make sure you don’t let the plant sit in water, and ensure the soil is well-draining. If you suspect rot, remove the affected parts and allow the plant to dry out before replanting.
• Leaf Drop: If the plant is shedding leaves or looking leggy, it might be a sign that it’s not getting enough light. Move the plant to a brighter spot to encourage healthy growth.

8. Decorative Uses and Display​

Teddy Bear Tradescantia is versatile and can be used in various decorative settings, whether hanging, trailing, or cascading.

• Hanging Baskets: The trailing nature of this plant makes it perfect for hanging baskets. Place it in a spot where it can cascade down and show off its beautiful foliage.
• Container Plants: It can also be grown as a potted plant on shelves, mantels, or tables where its colorful foliage can be seen spreading down the sides of the pot.
• Outdoor Use: In frost-free climates, this plant can be used as ground cover or as part of a mixed planting in a container garden. It thrives in warm conditions and can add vibrant color to a garden bed or border.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid​

• Too Much Direct Sunlight: While Teddy Bear Tradescantia loves bright light, too much direct sunlight can cause its leaves to burn and lose their beautiful color.
• Overwatering: This is one of the most common mistakes, leading to root rot. Always ensure that the soil is drying out before you water again.
• Lack of Pruning: The plant can become leggy and sparse if not regularly pruned. Trim back long stems to encourage bushier growth.

Conclusion​

The Teddy Bear Tradescantia is an easy-to-grow, stunning plant that can add a touch of elegance to your indoor or outdoor spaces. By providing the right amount of light, water, and care, your Tradescantia can thrive, offering its beautiful purple foliage and trailing vines for years to come. Just remember to keep an eye on its light and water needs, prune regularly, and keep pests at bay to enjoy this lovely plant to its fullest potential.

The post Care Guide for Teddy Bear Tradescantia (Tradescantia pallida ‘Teddy Bear’) first appeared on mygardenchannel.