Tradescantia Blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’: Ultimate Care Guide

As a dedicated houseplant enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for unique varieties to add to my indoor garden. When I first stumbled across the Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’, I knew I had to get my hands on one of these beauties for my collection. If you haven’t yet heard about this spectacular Tradescantia, let me introduce you! In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know to grow the vivid Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ successfully indoors.

What is Tradescantia Blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’?

The Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ is a stunning variety that will add a major pop of color to your houseplant collection. Also marketed under the names Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’ or Tradescantia ‘Lilac’, this plant features vividly variegated foliage in enchanting shades of green, pink, and purple.

I like to think of the Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ as Mother Nature’s take on tie-dye for the plant world! No two leaves seem to have the same swirl of colors and patterns, making each one unique. When actively growing, the hot pink and purple tones tend to dominate, giving the plant its signature colorful splash.

So where did this groovy Tradescantia variety come from? The Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ is actually a cultivated hybrid bred from several South American Tradescantia species. Through selective breeding programs, growers were able to develop this sensational variety and its one-of-a-kind foliage. And I certainly can’t blame them – who wouldn’t want a plant that looks it’s straight out of a lava lamp!

Key Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ Facts

Now that you know what makes the Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ so special, let’s get into the nitty gritty details about growing this plant. Here are the key facts you’ll want to know:

Scientific Name and Family

• Scientific Name: Tradescantia blossfeldiana cerinthoides variegata ‘Bubble Gum’
• Family: Commelinaceae

Native Region and Description

• Native Region: Cultivated hybrid
• Description: Variegated leaves with dark green, olive green, and bright lilac-pink shades

Unique Traits and Characteristics

• Colorful foliage with pink, purple, and green variegation
• Trailing/cascading growth habit
• Vigorous grower
• Small light pink triangular flowers when blooming

I don’t know about you, but after getting the scoop on this delightful plant, I’m hook line and sinker for getting my hands on some Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’. The blend of colors and textures in the foliage seems utterly magical to me. And the trailing habit just adds to its enchanting look.

I can already picture those hot pink vines happily growing in my brightest window, practically glowing like neon against all my other green leafy pals. Something tells me this Tradescantia would also look phenomenal in a hanging basket, with those rainbow stems dangling down.

Stay tuned…next I’ll share everything you need to know to grow Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ successfully right at home. I’ll cover details on proper care, troubleshooting problems, propagation tips, and more. Finally, that striking splash of color can be yours to enjoy!

Growing Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’

Now that we’ve got all the basics covered about this dazzling Tradescantia, let’s talk about how to grow it successfully right in your own home. While the Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ is known for being relatively easy to care for, it does have some specific needs to truly thrive.

Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned a care regimen tailored just for this color-changing beauty. Follow my tips below and you’ll have glowing, vibrant Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ in no time. Let’s start with its light and temperature preferences first.

Sunlight, Temperature, and Humidity Needs

When it comes to lighting conditions, Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ has one non-negotiable requirement – lots of bright, indirect light. We’re talking a minimum of 6 hours daily. The great news is it doesn’t have to be direct sun, which can often scorch more delicate houseplants.

So what exactly constitutes “bright indirect light” you ask? Near a brightly lit northern or eastern window is ideal. If all you’ve got is a western exposure, try diffusing the light with a sheer curtain. Light from a southern window can work too if gently filtered. The key is plenty of luminosity without any harsh afternoon sun beams directly hitting those colorful leaves.

You’ll quickly learn if your Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ isn’t getting enough bright light. How? The fabulous fuchsia and purple tones start fading, leaving behind a less remarkable murky green plant. But have no fear – simply move it to a brighter location and those fabulous colors will return in full force once again.

When it comes to home temperatures, the Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ is pretty flexible and does well in the standard indoor range. I keep mine comfortable at 65-75°F during the day and around 65°F at night. As with most houseplants, cooler temperatures in fall and winter will slow growth. Meanwhile warmer temps kick things into high gear.

Finally, I get asked about humidity requirements for this plant more than any other care factor. The good news is Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ actually doesn’t need very high humidity, despite its tropical origins. Average room humidity is perfectly fine. With that said, higher moisture does inspire lush growth and vivid colors. I personally aim to keep things around 50-60% humidity near my plant.

Watering and Soil Needs

Alright, time to tackle the ever-important yet often-feared topic for houseplant growers – proper watering! I totally get the anxiety here. It took killing a few lovely plants from overzealous watering before I found my groove.

The key with Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ is sticking to a consistent watering rhythm while allowing the soil to dry out adequately between waterings. Here’s my schedule:

• Spring & Summer: Water whenever the top 50% of soil is dry. For me, this ends up being about every 7-10 days on average.
• Fall & Winter: Allow to dry more between waterings, but don’t let it get bone dry. I tend to water around every 14 days during cooler months.

Make sense? The takeaway is water thoroughly whenever the soil is drying out, but don’t allow it to desiccate completely. I prefer bottom-watering my Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ or using self-watering pots to avoid wetting the foliage. Those color-changing leaves don’t appreciate moisture sitting on them!

Speaking of soil, I highly recommend a chunky, fast-draining mix amended with extra perlite or orchid bark. Something like an African violet blend works beautifully. I actually make my own mix combining 2 parts peat-based potting soil with 1 part perlite and 1 part orchid bark. The added air pockets prevent soggy roots while still retaining some moisture.

Fertilizer and Propagation

To keep my Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ growing strong, I fertilize it with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during spring through fall. I skip the feeding in winter when light and growth naturally slow down. If you decide to fertilize, I suggest doing so at 1/2 or 1/4 strength recommendations to avoid burning the roots with excess nutrients.

If you’re looking to make more plants (and trust me you WILL be!), Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ propagates readily from stem cuttings. Simply snip off a healthy stem section with at least 2 leaf nodes, remove the lower leaves, and stick directly into moist propagating mix.

Tips for Caring for Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’

Alright folks, we’ve covered all the basics of growing Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’. Now I want to share my best pro tips and troubleshooting advice for keeping your plant happy and healthy for years to come. From creative display ideas to managing pests, this is the insider info you need to master life with this spectacular houseplant!

Creative Display Ideas

One of my favorite things about the Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ is its fabulous trailing habit. Those lengthy, flexible stems lend themselves perfectly to cascading displays that really show off the colorful variegated foliage.

I’m obsessed with arranging my own Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ in hanging baskets. Seeing that hot pink fountain of foliage suspended in the air looks almost otherworldly to me. Definitely makes a statement! For a more low profile look, hanging planters also keep those wandering stems from taking over your whole window sill.

If hanging plans aren’t your thing, I have another hot tip – try training your Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ up a small obelisk or trellis. Doing so keeps growth tidy and upright while allowing the neon stems to climb. The final effect reminds me of a magical colorful beanstalk in the best possible way!

Pruning Like a Pro

To keep your Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ full and lush, strategic pruning is a must. This fast grower can get wild and out of control quickly without a little discipline! I like to think of pruning as preventative medicine for houseplants.

Here’s my pruning regimen for Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’:

• Deadhead spent blooms – Snip off dying flower clusters to encourage more.
• Shape growth – Pinch back long, leggy stems to promote fullness.
• Maintain size – Trim trailing stems as needed to keep plant tidy.
• Propagate – Clip stem cuttings to make new baby plants!

See, pruning doesn’t need to be scary or confusing at all. Approach it systematically like I do and you’ll have a flawless Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ that flowers and grows like crazy!

Oh, one last pruning tip – never toss those pinched off plant bits in the trash! Many of the stems can be stuck directly into soil or water to root and allow you to multiply your plant. Share the love!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best care, houseplants can sometimes run into issues. Don’t panic though! Most problems that crop up with Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ have pretty simple fixes. Here are my best solutions:

• Faded leaf color – This is usually from insufficient light. Move plant to a brighter location.
• Leaf drop – Overwatering is a common culprit. Allow soil to fully dry before watering again.
• Crispy brown leaves/stem rot – Another sign of too much moisture. Cut back on watering frequency.
• Leggy growth – Needs more light exposure. Prune back stems and position in brighter spot.
• Pests – Mealybugs and spider mites occasionally attack. Wipe leaves down with insecticidal soap spray or neem oil solution.

See, I told you nothing some adjustments to care and TLC couldn’t solve! With the right balance of light, water and attention, you and your Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ are destined for houseplant happiness.

Final Thoughts

Whelp, there ya have it folks – everything I know about growing the sensational Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’! I hope all my little tips and tricks help you have the same success with this plant that I do. When cared for properly, this purple people pleaser will reward you for years to come with ever-changing, glowing foliage.

If there’s one main takeaway I’d love you to have, it’s this: don’t fear failure with houseplants! Part of the adventure with any new plant friend is figuring out what it specifically needs to thrive under your individual growing conditions. Observe the signals from your Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’ and adapt your care accordingly. That’s the mark of a great plant parent!

So what are you waiting for? Go snag one of these electric beauties for your own home jungle! Add a pop of fuchsia foliage to your windowsill and let the plant adventures begin…