Tradescantia zebrina ‘Little Hill’

Seasonally dry habitats from Mexico to Colombia

‘Little Hill’ is a cultivated selection of Tradescantia zebrina. The species is native from Mexico through Central America to Colombia and spreads across the ground in seasonally dry tropical habitats.

The plant experiences warmth, bright filtered light, humid growing periods and drier intervals. The stems root readily at the nodes and form a low mat. Indoors, give them good light, free drainage and a short drying period between waterings.

How to grow Tradescantia zebrina ‘Little Hill’

Filtered light for close-set leaves

Set it in bright filtered light with some mild morning or evening sun. Good light maintains the compact spacing of the small leaves. Abrupt hot exposure can bleach or scorch the silver-banded surface.

Water by surface dryness and pot weight

Water thoroughly after the surface has dried and the pot feels lighter, then drain. Small containers can dry quickly, so check the mix and pot weight before each watering.

An airy mix for fine trailing stems

Use well-drained potting mix in a hanging or shallow container. Keep the node-rooting stems clear of standing water and replant healthy tips if the centre thins.

Light pruning and gentle feeding

Pinch only the longest stems above a node to retain the fine compact habit. Protect from cold draughts and feed weakly during active growth.

Common problems with Tradescantia zebrina ‘Little Hill’

Leaves enlarge and the spacing opens

Low light and excessive feeding can loosen the compact small-leaved habit. Increase filtered brightness, reduce rich feeding and restart sparse sections from tight healthy tips.

The centre of the pot becomes thin

Fine older stems naturally lose density and repeated drying accelerates the change. Pinch healthy ends above a node and root selected tips back into the pot.

Small leaves curl and crisp quickly

The modest root volume can dry faster than expected in warmth or moving air. Water the complete root ball before the stems wilt and keep the pot away from hot glass.

Dark softness spreads along a lower stem

Persistent moisture has started stem or root rot. Remove the affected section, improve drainage and wait for the upper mix to dry before watering.

Pests hide among the close-set leaves

Inspect both leaf surfaces and the short internodes for mites, aphids or mealybugs. Isolate the plant and repeat a gentle treatment until fresh tips remain clean.

Tradescantia zebrina ‘Little Hill’ can irritate skin and the mouth

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs that may chew it.
• Its sap and leaves can irritate sensitive skin, the mouth and the digestive tract.
• Exposure may cause red or itchy skin, mouth irritation, drooling or an upset stomach. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or persist.

What does Tradescantia zebrina mean, and who first published it?

Tradescantia commemorates the father and son John Tradescant. The epithet zebrina means zebra-striped and describes the lengthwise bands on the leaves.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Tradescantia in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 288; Heinrich Bernard Ruppius had proposed the name.

Eduard August von Regel first described Tradescantia zebrina in 1846 in Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Land- und Gartenbau, volume 4, page 14.