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Tradescantia Bubblegum / Lilac 'Nanouk'

Ed's Plant Shop  |  SKU: EPS-TRAD-NANOUK-4IN

Size
$14.98 $18.00
Taxes, discounts and shipping calculated at checkout.

Description

Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’ is a patented cultivar bred specifically for its color intensity — and it delivers. Each leaf is striped in vivid pink, white, and green on the top surface, with a solid magenta-purple underside. In bright light, the whole plant glows. It trails quickly, fills a hanging basket fast, and is one of the most photographed houseplants on the market for good reason.

It’s also genuinely easy to keep — forgiving of missed waterings, adaptable to a range of indoor conditions, and fast enough to show visible growth week to week during the growing season.

Toxicity note: Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. The sap can also cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals — wash hands after handling.

What Makes This Plant Special

  • Exceptional color: Striped pink, white, and green leaves with solid magenta-purple undersides — more vivid than most Tradescantia varieties.
  • Patented cultivar: Nanouk was bred in the Netherlands specifically for compact growth and intense color. It’s more robust and colorful than older Tradescantia varieties.
  • Fast trailer: Vines extend quickly, making it ideal for hanging baskets, high shelves, and cascading displays.
  • Easy care: Tolerates imperfect conditions and irregular watering better than most colorful plants.

Ed’s Plant Profile

  • Botanical Name: Tradescantia albiflora ‘Nanouk’
  • Common Names: Tradescantia Nanouk, Bubblegum Tradescantia, Fantasy Venice, Wandering Dude
  • Family: Commelinaceae
  • Native Range: Cultivar bred in the Netherlands; species native to Brazil and Northern Argentina
  • Growth Habit: Trailing/vining; fast-growing
  • Toxicity: Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested; sap may irritate skin

Care Guide

  • Light: Bright indirect light is essential for maintaining the vivid pink and white coloration. In lower light, the leaves revert toward green and the plant becomes leggy. A south or east-facing window is ideal. Can tolerate some direct morning sun.
  • Water: Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Tolerates some drought but not prolonged dryness — leaves will curl and lose color. Avoid waterlogging, which causes stem rot.
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix. Standard indoor potting soil with added perlite works well.
  • Humidity: Average household humidity is fine. No misting required.
  • Temperature: 55–80°F. Keep away from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F.
  • Fertilizer: Monthly at half strength with a balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and summer. Skip in fall and winter.
  • Pruning: Pinch back leggy stems regularly to encourage dense, bushy growth. As the plant matures, older stems can go bare at the base — propagate cuttings and tuck them back into the pot to fill gaps.
  • Propagation: Stem cuttings root easily in water or moist soil within 1–2 weeks. One of the easiest plants to propagate.
  • Pests: Generally resilient. Spider mites can appear in dry conditions — increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap if needed.

Troubleshooting

  • Fading pink color, leaves turning green: Needs more light. Move to a brighter spot — the color intensity is directly tied to light levels.
  • Leggy stems with bare patches at the base: Normal as the plant matures. Propagate cuttings and tuck them back into the pot, or do a hard prune to encourage fresh growth from the base.
  • Curling or crispy leaves: Underwatering or low humidity. Water thoroughly and the plant should recover quickly.
  • Mushy stems: Overwatering or root rot. Remove affected stems, let soil dry, and reduce watering frequency.
  • Skin irritation after handling: The sap can cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. Wash hands after pruning or propagating.

Read our full Tradescantia Care Guide for in-depth advice on pruning, propagation, and keeping the color vivid year-round.

Live Plants – Frequently Asked Questions

Shipping

What will I receive?

You’ll receive one healthy live plant in the nursery-pot or hanging-basket size selected above. The listed size refers to the approximate diameter of the nursery pot, not the plant’s total height or width.

Because every plant is naturally unique, height, fullness, leaf count, coloration, variegation, vine length, maturity, and overall shape may differ from the photographs.

Unless the product listing specifically states otherwise, plants arrive in a standard nursery grow pot. Decorative planters, baskets, saucers, stands, and other accessories are sold separately.

When will my plant ship or be delivered?

Please allow approximately 10–15 business days for processing and preparation. Ten business days is the earliest end of the range, and many orders require most or all of the stated processing window.

Processing time is separate from carrier transit time. Local NYC delivery also requires preparation and does not automatically mean same-day or next-day service.

Orders may occasionally require additional time because of plant availability, order volume, weather, seasonal demand, or courier coordination. We will send an update when confirmed fulfillment, tracking, or delivery information becomes available.

How are live plants packaged?

Each live plant is inspected and packed according to its size, shape, and shipping needs. Soil and foliage may be secured to reduce movement during transit, and protective materials may be added when appropriate.

Temporary drooping, shifted soil, limited leaf loss, or minor cosmetic stress can occur while a plant adjusts after shipping. This does not necessarily mean the plant is unhealthy.

What should I do when my plant arrives?

Unpack the plant promptly and carefully remove all protective packaging. Place it in appropriate light and allow it time to adjust to its new environment.

Check the soil before watering. Do not water automatically upon arrival because the plant may already have adequate moisture. Avoid immediately fertilizing, heavily pruning, or repeatedly moving the plant while it acclimates.

Should I repot my plant immediately?

We generally recommend allowing a newly delivered plant time to acclimate before repotting unless there is an urgent plant-health reason to do so.

Repotting an eligible small plant during the first 15 days may void the Plant Health Guarantee because it can make the cause of decline difficult to determine.

What should I do if my plant arrives damaged?

Report shipping or delivery damage within 48 hours. Keep the plant and all packaging while the concern is being reviewed.

Please provide your order number, a photograph of the entire plant, close-up photographs of the concern, and photographs of the box and packaging when applicable.

Small plants in nursery pots measuring 8 inches and below may also qualify for our 15-Day Plant Health Guarantee. Large plants in nursery pots measuring 10 inches and above have a 48-hour inspection and reporting window.

Review our Refund & Returns Policy for complete eligibility and documentation requirements.

How can I get help with my order or plant?

For the fastest assistance, use the AI chat assistant on our website. It can help with common order-status, delivery, policy, product, and plant-care questions.

Have your order number and the email address used at checkout available when asking about an order. When a concern requires photographs or human review, email support@edsplantshop.com.