Tradescantia Callisia Pink Passion, Pink Lady

Selling sizes: A well rooted plant in a Jiffy Bag

The Tradescantia Callisia Pink Passion, Pink Lady are two closely related cultivars of Callisia repens, often referred to as Turtle Vine or Creeping Inchplant. They are loved for their small, attractive, variegated leaves and trailing growth habit, making them popular choices for indoor hanging baskets, shelves, and terrariums. While their care requirements are quite similar,

Here’s a detailed guide to keep Tradescantia Callisia Pink Passion and Pink Lady thriving:

Light

• Both Pink Passion and Pink Lady thrive in bright, indirect light. This type of light is crucial for maintaining their vibrant pink and white variegation.
• Avoid direct midday sun, as it can be too intense and scorch their delicate leaves. East or west-facing windows, or a spot a few feet back from a south-facing window with a sheer curtain, are ideal.
• Insufficient light can cause the pink coloration to fade, and the plant may become leggy as it stretches towards the light source. If you notice the colors dulling or excessive stem elongation, try moving your plant to a brighter location. Grow lights can also be used to supplement natural light, especially during darker months.

Watering

• Employ the “soak and dry” method. Water thoroughly until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. Then, allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again.
• These plants are somewhat succulent and can tolerate drying out a bit, but prolonged dryness can lead to wilting and crispy leaves.
• Overwatering is a more common problem and can lead to root rot. Ensure your pot has drainage holes and discard any excess water that accumulates in the saucer. Signs of overwatering include yellowing or mushy leaves.
• Water less frequently during the winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

Soil

• Use a well-draining potting mix. A mix with good aeration is essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
• A combination of potting soil, perlite, and/or sand can improve drainage. Some recommend a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0).
• Specialized succulent or cactus mixes can also work well due to their excellent drainage properties.

Temperature

• The ideal temperature range for both Pink Passion and Pink Lady is between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
• Avoid placing them near cold drafts from windows or air conditioning units, as well as extreme temperature fluctuations.

Humidity

• While they can tolerate average household humidity, both varieties appreciate moderate to high humidity (40-60%).
• If the air in your home is dry, especially during winter, you can increase humidity by:
  • Placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot sits above the water line).
  • Using a humidifier.
  • Misting the leaves occasionally, though be cautious as consistently wet leaves can sometimes lead to spotting or fungal issues.

Fertilizing

• Feed your Pink Passion or Pink Lady with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer).
• There is no need to fertilize during the fall and winter when the plant is in a period of slower growth.
• Always ensure the soil is damp before applying fertilizer to avoid burning the roots.

Pruning

• Prune as needed to remove any brown, yellow, or dead leaves to maintain the plant’s health and appearance.
• You can also trim the stems to encourage a bushier growth habit and prevent them from becoming too leggy. Simply cut the stem just above a leaf node.
• Pinching back the tips of the stems can also promote more branching.

Propagation

• Both Pink Passion and Pink Lady are very easy to propagate through stem cuttings.
• Take a healthy stem cutting (a few inches long) and remove the lower leaves, exposing a node or two.
• You can root the cuttings in water or directly in moist potting soil.
• If propagating in water, place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the leaves are above the waterline. Roots should develop within a few weeks. Once the roots are an inch or two long, you can pot the cutting in soil.
• If planting directly in soil, keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light.

Common Pests and Problems

• Mealybugs can sometimes be an issue. Look for small, white, cottony masses on the stems and undersides of leaves. They can be treated by dabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or using insecticidal soap.
• Spider mites can also occur, especially in dry conditions. They create fine webs on the plant. Increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Root rot is a significant concern with overwatering. Ensure proper drainage and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Fading color is usually a sign of insufficient light.
• Leggy growth also indicates a lack of light and can be addressed by moving the plant to a brighter spot and pruning.
• Brown leaf tips can be caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering.

Toxicity

• Tradescantia Callisia Pink Passion and Pink Lady are generally considered mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. They can cause irritation, vomiting, or loss of appetite. It’s best to keep them out of reach of curious children and animals.

By providing the right balance of light, water, and humidity, along with well-draining soil, your Tradescantia Callisia Pink Passion and Pink Lady will reward you with their beautiful, trailing foliage and add a touch of pink to your indoor space.