Plant Profile: Tradescantia spathacea

This tropical herbaceous perennial is a striking sculptural plant that thrives in containers but needs to be brought indoors during colder winter months. It also makes an excellent houseplant, prized for its unique flower clusters and appealing leaves. To differentiate it from bromeliads, look for the purple undersides of its leaves and the distinctive flowers encased in bracts.

For optimal growth, plant it in peat-based potting soil and ensure it receives ample bright light. If you place it outside during the summer, provide some afternoon shade. Water the plant only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, and reduce watering in the winter.

**Quick Identification**
In USDA zones 9 and above, this plant can develop into a dense groundcover over time, has been known to escape cultivated areas, and may exhibit invasive characteristics.