Contents
Description
Tinantia is a genus of flowering plants that are native to Central and South America. This plant is commonly known as wandering jew or inch plant due to its trailing habit. The plant has delicate, purple flowers that bloom from spring to fall. Tinantia is a beautiful plant that can add color and interest to any garden or indoor space.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Genus | Tinantia |
Appearance
Tinantia has long, trailing stems that can reach up to 2 feet in length. The leaves are oval-shaped and can be either green or variegated. The plant produces small, delicate flowers that are typically purple, pink, or white. The flowers bloom from spring to fall and are held above the foliage on thin stems. Tinantia is a beautiful plant that is perfect for hanging baskets or as a ground cover in a garden.
Care Guide
Tinantia is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your Tinantia healthy and happy:- Water: Tinantia prefers to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Feed Tinantia with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.- Soil: Tinantia prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix that is designed for African violets works well for Tinantia.- Sunlight: Tinantia prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.- Hardiness Zones: Tinantia is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. In colder climates, it can be grown as an indoor plant.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tinantia is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. If you notice these pests on your plant, wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and treat the plant with an insecticidal soap. Tinantia can also be prone to root rot if it is overwatered or planted in soil that does not drain well.
Habitat
Tinantia is native to Central and South America, where it grows in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is often found growing along riverbanks and in moist, shaded areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Tinantia be grown outdoors?
A: Yes, Tinantia can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9-11. It prefers a shady, moist environment.
Q: Can Tinantia be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Tinantia can be propagated from stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting with a few leaves and place it in a pot with moist soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until the cutting has rooted.
Q: How often should Tinantia be fertilized?
A: Tinantia should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Q: How tall can Tinantia grow?
A: Tinantia can grow up to 2 feet in length.
Related Plants
– Tradescantia zebrina- Tradescantia pallida- Tradescantia fluminensis
References
– “Tinantia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280025.- “Tinantia.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:10155-1.
