About Tradescantia sillamontana Matuda
Tradescantia sillamontana Matuda has a distinct, recognizable appearance. Its leaves are arranged in a precise geometric shape, and almost all parts of the plant—including leaves, shoots, and buds—are covered in white hairs. These hairs protect the plant from direct sunlight and prevent excessive water evaporation. Shoots and stems grow 30 to 40 cm tall; they are initially erect, then become prostrate and root when they touch the soil surface. The leaves are fleshy and ovate, 3–7 cm long, and covered with short grayish-white hairs. In summer, flowers grow at apical growth points or in bract axils, and they match the typical flower form of the Tradescantia genus. The corolla is made up of three bright purplish-pink to purple petals and three small sepals.
Cultivation of Tradescantia sillamontana is almost as simple as growing other species in the Tradescantia genus. Unlike most Tradescantia species, this plant is nearly succulent and almost xerophytic. It should be grown in a well-lit location, but direct summer sunlight can cause leaf burn, so gradual acclimatization to full sun is required. Though it is native to arid regions of Mexico, it grows best with around 750 mm (30 in) of water per year. It goes dormant during cool desert winters. When well cultivated, it produces abundant flowers throughout summer. Excessive watering, overly shaded growing sites, and too much nitrogen will quickly make the plant lose its desired appearance. Leaf spraying is not recommended at all. Its growing soil needs good drainage, with at least one-third to one-half of the soil mixture made up of coarse sand and gravel. Moderate watering is needed during the growing season, and the plant should be kept almost completely dry over winter during dormancy. The minimum safe temperature during its dormant period is 10 °C. Clumps can be divided in spring, and any overly long shoots can be trimmed at this time.
In subtropical regions, it is one of the most popular garden plants. In Europe, it is sometimes grown in gardens and rock gardens, but it must be moved into a cool greenhouse over winter, or protected from cold and moisture with temporary shelter. It reproduces easily from 5–8 cm long cuttings rooted in sandy soil, or through division and transplanting of existing clumps. Tradescantia sillamontana has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
