Callisia repens (Turtle Vine)

Scientific Name

Callisia repens (Jacq.) L.

Common Name(s)

Turtle Vine, Inch Plant, Creeping Inch Plant, Creeping Basket Plant, Bolivian Jew

Synonym(s)

Hapalanthus repens, Commelina hexandra, Spironema robbinsii, Tradescantia callisia

Scientific Classification

Family: Commelinaceae
Genus: Callisia

Description

Callisia repens is a low-growing succulent with stems that root at the joints and leaves covered with fine, soft hair. It grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall with a spread of p to 4 feet (1.2 m). Leaves are dark green above, rich purple below, and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The flowers are small, white, and appear in late spring or early summer.

Callisia repens (Turtle Vine) — *Photo via plantasflores.com*

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 8a to 11b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Growing Tradescantia is easy, and you will find the plants to be quite resilient. These plants typically grow in moist, well-drained, and acidic (pH 5 to 6) soil. Tradescantias do best in partial shade but will do equally well in sunny areas as long as the soil is moist.

You can grow Tradescantia indoors too as long as suitable conditions are given. Provide the plant with either 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 summers 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 like to be kept fairly moist, so water regularly, especially when growing them in containers. Cutting the plants back once flowering has ceased can often promote a second bloom and help prevent re-seeding. Cut the stems back about 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) from the ground.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Tradescantia.