Tradescantia 'brightness'

An easy-care plant for more chilled plant parents, Tradescantia ‘Brightness’ is a fast grower that will cascade over your pot or planter in no time. If it’s getting out of control or the gaps between the leaves are getting too large, don’t be afraid to give it a good haircut. You can even propagate new plants from some of the cuttings. Just strip off some of the lower leaves and pop the exposed stems in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill. You’ll get to watch the magic happen as new fine white roots grow, and you’ll get more plants. This plant grows so well from stem cuttings that it’s considered a weed in some parts of the world. 

Careful when handling the plant as it produces a sticky, mucilaginous sap that can be a mild skin irritant. Because of this, tradescantia plants are known as Saint Lucy’s flower, or flor de Santa Lucía in Spanish. As the patron saint of sight, Lucy was said to use the sap of the plant as eye drops, helping to relieve congestion. You do you Santa Lucia! 

Did you know?

Some species of tradescantia have been used in scientific research as indicators of high levels of industrial gases, their cells mutating and even changing colour when exposed to pollutants.