White Velvet Tradescantia (Tradescantia sillamontana)

White Velvet Tradescantia

Tradescantia sillamontana

Fuzzy silver leaves glow like stardust in sun, soft to the touch. Evergreen succulent herbaceous perennial; common name: Cobweb Spiderwort.

Partial sun
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Bright indirect light with 2–3 hours of morning direct sun; avoid intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch
💧
Watering Water thoroughly only when the top 2–3 cm of soil is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
🌡️
Temperature Thrives at 18–25℃; protect from frost and temperatures below 10℃ to prevent leaf damage
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Oval, fleshy leaves covered in dense white trichomes, forming silvery-green rosettes
  • Flower: Small, three-petaled pink to purple blooms in terminal clusters
  • Stem: Succulent, trailing stems that root easily at leaf nodes
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist but not waterlogged

Fertilization

Diluted succulent fertilizer once monthly. Avoid fertilizing in winter when growth slows

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface; avoid direct contact with leaves to prevent trichome damage
Pruning
  • Trim leggy stems to encourage bushier, compact growth
  • Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain plant health and appearance
  • Pinch back stem tips in early spring to promote branching
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing

Humans: Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes mild oral irritation, and prolonged contact may trigger minor skin redness

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental succulent for hanging baskets, terrariums, or ground cover in warm climates