Purple Calico Kitten (Tradescantia) is a stunning variety of Tradescantia, known for its striking foliage and vibrant colors. This low-maintenance, trailing plant has become a popular choice for indoor gardeners, hanging baskets, or container gardens due to its unique appearance and ease of care.

Here’s a detailed guide to growing and caring for Purple Calico Kitten:

Overview

• Botanical Name: Tradescantia sp.
• Common Name: Purple Calico Kitten, Wandering Jew
• Color: Purple, green, and white variegated leaves (with purple undersides)
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial (usually grown as an annual indoors in colder climates)
• Height: Typically 6 to 12 inches tall
• Spread: Can spread up to 12–18 inches
• Hardiness Zones: USDA 9–11 (often grown as an indoor plant in cooler climates)
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix
• Watering: Moderate (prefers to dry out slightly between waterings)
• Bloom Time: Summer, though it may bloom sporadically indoors
• Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets if ingested

Planting Purple Calico Kitten

When to Plant

• Indoors: Plant anytime during the growing season, as long as the temperature is warm enough.
• Outdoors: If you’re in a warmer climate (zones 9–11), you can plant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Where to Plant

• Light: Purple Calico Kitten thrives in bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, too much can scorch the delicate leaves, especially the purple ones.
• Soil: A well-draining potting mix is crucial to prevent root rot. A mix designed for houseplants or a blend with perlite and peat works well.
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 80°F (27°C). It is not frost-tolerant, so it should be brought inside before any frost hits in cooler regions.

Spacing

• If planting in containers, give the plant enough space to trail or cascade. If using it as a groundcover, space plants 8–12 inches apart to allow them to spread.

Caring for Purple Calico Kitten

Watering

• Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Calico Kitten doesn’t like sitting in waterlogged soil.
• Water when the top 1–2 inches of the soil feel dry.
• Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure the container has adequate drainage holes.
• In winter, reduce watering as the plant’s growth slows down.

Fertilizing

• During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed your Purple Calico Kitten once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.
• Avoid fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.
• Too much fertilizer can lead to lush foliage with fewer colors and can make the plant leggy.

Pruning

• Purple Calico Kitten benefits from regular pruning to maintain a compact and bushy shape.
• Trim back leggy growth to encourage the plant to fill out and become fuller.
• You can also pinch back the tips of the plant to promote side shoots and increase the bushiness.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Propagating Purple Calico Kitten

Purple Calico Kitten is relatively easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Here’s how you can do it:

Trending

Tradescantia Nanouk Care | Houseplant of the Year!

1. Take a cutting: Cut a healthy, non-flowering stem about 4–6 inches long just below a leaf node.
2. Remove lower leaves: Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to expose the stem.
3. Place in water or soil: You can either place the cutting in a jar of water (changing the water every few days) or directly plant it in a well-draining potting mix.
4. Wait for roots: If rooting in water, you’ll notice roots forming within a week or two. If rooting in soil, keep the soil moist until the cutting is well-established.
5. Transplant: Once the roots are about 1–2 inches long, you can transplant the cutting into its own pot with a similar well-draining potting mix.

Pests and Diseases

While the Purple Calico Kitten is generally pest-resistant, it can occasionally be affected by common houseplant pests:

• Mealybugs: These small, cotton-like pests can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or treated with insecticidal soap.
• Spider mites: Often found on the undersides of leaves, these tiny pests can be managed by spraying the plant with water or neem oil.
• Aphids: Small green, yellow, or black insects that suck plant sap can be washed off with a strong stream of water or treated with insecticidal soap.

Winter Care

• Indoor plants: Keep the plant in a warm room with bright, indirect light.
• Watering: Reduce watering in winter, but don’t let the plant dry out completely.
• Humidity: Purple Calico Kitten enjoys higher humidity, especially during the winter when indoor air can be dry. You can increase humidity by misting the plant, using a humidity tray, or placing a humidifier nearby.

Uses for Purple Calico Kitten

• Hanging Baskets: The cascading growth habit of the Purple Calico Kitten makes it an ideal plant for hanging baskets. It will produce a beautiful trailing effect with its variegated purple and green leaves.
• Containers: Perfect for containers on patios, balconies, or windowsills. The plant’s trailing nature works well in window boxes or mixed containers.
• Indoor Houseplant: Purple Calico Kitten is often grown indoors for its striking foliage and ease of care.
• Groundcover (in warm climates): In warm zones, it can be used as an attractive ground cover or trailing plant in gardens.

Summary Care Table

Final Thoughts

Purple Calico Kitten is an excellent plant for anyone looking to add a splash of color and easy care to their home or garden. Whether grown indoors or outdoors, its unique variegated foliage and trailing growth make it a perfect choice for hanging baskets, containers, or as a groundcover in warm climates. By following the care guidelines outlined here, you can enjoy this stunning plant year-round with minimal effort.