Scientific Name
Callisia navicularis (Ortgies) D.R.Hunt
Common Name(s)
Chain Plant, Day Flower, Inch Plant, Mexican Chain Plant, Striped Inch Plant, Window's Tears
Synonym(s)
Phyodina navicularis, Tradescantia brachyphylla, Tradescantia navicularis
Scientific Classification
Family: Commelinaceae
Genus: Callisia
Etymology
The specific epithet "navicularis" (pronounced "nav-ik-yoo-LAIR-iss") means "boat-shaped" and refers to the shape of the leaves of this species.
Origin
Callisia navicularis is native to Mexico. It is widespread in Coahuila, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Puebla.
Description
Callisia navicularis, also known as Tradescantia navicularis, is a creeping succulent with short stems hidden by tight, overlapping leaves and sprawling stolons with long internodes from which the short shoots and flowers arise. The leaves are bronze-green above and streaked purple below. They are boat-shaped, measuring up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in length and 0.8 inches (2 cm) in width, and are held in a distichous arrangement on opposite sides of the stem.
The flowers are composed of three ovate, lilac-pink to bright magenta petals. They appear in summer and last only one day, opening at dawn and closing in the afternoon.
How to Grow and Care for Callisia navicularis
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
Growing Tradescantia is easy, and the plants are quite resilient. These plants typically grow in moist, well-drained, and acidic soil (pH 5 to 6). Tradescantias do best in partial shade but will also thrive in sunny areas as long as the soil remains moist.
You can grow Tradescantia indoors as long as suitable conditions are given. Provide the plant with a soilless mix or loam-based potting compost and keep it in bright filtered light. You should also pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth.
Allow it to spend warm spring and summer days outdoors, if feasible. During its active growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every four weeks. Water sparingly in winter.
These plants prefer to be kept moist, so water regularly, especially if you are growing them in containers. Cutting the plants back once flowering has ceased can promote a second bloom and help prevent re-seeding. Cut back the stems about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) from the ground.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Tradescantia.
Links
- Back to genus Callisia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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