Nanouk Tradescantia (Tradescantia fluminensis 'Nanouk')

Nanouk Tradescantia Plant Features

Nanouk Tradescantia is one of our favorite houseplants. This little beauty brings big color to your home or office thanks to its fantastically variegated foliage. Each mid-green leaf is striped with shades of cream and pink. The bottoms of the foliage are a contrasting magenta-purple color. 

An eye-catcher anywhere you grow it, Nanouk is ideal for bright desks and tabletops. With relatively low care needs and bright color, it's a perfect office mate for your work desk. Also consider hanging Nanouk so you can look at it from below to enjoy the colorful backsides of the leaves. 

Like other varieties of inch plant, it's easy to grow in a wide range of conditions. It stands out from many of its more common relatives thanks to its larger leaves and more abundant variegation. For a fun combination, pair it with Tricolor oyster plant, which features similar variegation, but with a contrasting plant shape. 

Nanouk Tradescantia was bred in Europe in 2012 and patented (USPP29711P2) by the breeder in 2018. Learn more about plant patents. 

Note: Nanouk was discontinued in the Trending Tropicals® collection in 2021.

Nanouk Tradescantia Growing Instructions

Light
Nanouk Tradescantia does best in medium to bright indirect light. Unsure about how much light the place you're thinking about growing Nanouk has? As a guideline, in low light you can read a book or magazine without having to supplement it. In a medium light spot, the plant will cast a soft or light shadow. In bright light, the plant will have a strong shadow.

Water
This plant has average water needs. It's best to water as the top inch or two of the potting mix dries to the touch. How much/often that is depends on growing conditions such as light, temperature, and pot size. Take care not to let Nanouk dry out. If it does, you'll find its fabulously variegated leaves develop dry, crispy edges. Likewise, ensure the potting mix doesn't stay wet, soggy, and saturated. If it does, the roots will die and rot. 

Humidity
Nanouk is forgiving when  prefers above-average relative humidity, but thrives in average conditions. If your home's air is particularly dry, boost ambient moisture by grouping it with your other houseplants. Or place a small humidifier nearby. Alternatively, you can also grow it on a pebble tray.

Fertilizer
Feed Nanouk in spring and summer, if you wish, with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer. It doesn't need any special fertilizers, but do ensure the fertilizer you use is labeled for houseplants. Follow the recommended application rates on the product packaging.

Pruning
No pruning is necessary except to remove any old or damaged leaves. If your Nanouk's stems start to get long and lanky, you can pinch them back. Doing so will cause it to develop sideshoots and grow thicker and more bushy. 

Note: Nanouk Tradescantia is not intended for human or animal consumption. 

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

    Indoors: Medium light

  • Colors

    Green

    Pink

    Variegated

  • Special Features

    Purifies the air