What is Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’?
Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’ is a patented cultivar of Tradescantia albiflora developed in the Netherlands around 2012 and released commercially in 2017. It was bred specifically for its unusually thick, compact leaves and its showstopping candy-stripe colouring — each leaf is banded in pink, white, and green on the topside, with a solid magenta underside that glows when backlit. Unlike the floppy, fast-reverting Tradescantia of the past, Nanouk holds its form and its colour reliably in a bright indoor spot. It grows fast, trails generously, and roots from a cutting dropped in water.
How do you keep Tradescantia Nanouk’s colours vivid?
The pink and white in each leaf are not chlorophyll — they are anthocyanins and the absence of green pigment, both of which require plenty of light to develop. In dim conditions the plant simply makes more chlorophyll and the new leaves come in plain green.
The fix is a brighter window. An east-facing window (soft morning sun) or a bright west or south window with sheer curtain gives Nanouk what it needs. A few hours of direct morning sun are tolerated and actually intensify the pink; harsh midday sun in summer will scorch the paler patches. If you notice a stem reverting fully to green, pinch it off at a colourful node — it won’t re-stripe, and removing it keeps energy going to the patterned stems.
How often should you water Tradescantia Nanouk?
Water every 1–2 weeks, once the top half of the potting mix feels dry. Nanouk’s leaves are noticeably thicker than most Tradescantia — they store water like a mild succulent — so the plant is significantly more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering. Soggy soil leads to mushy stems and root rot quickly, while a slightly dry plant just looks a touch dull and bounces back after a good drink.
Use a well-draining mix (standard potting soil cut with perlite, or a cactus blend) and a pot with a drainage hole. Terra cotta is a good choice because it wicks moisture away from the roots.
How do you propagate Tradescantia Nanouk?
This is Nanouk’s party trick — it propagates almost too easily.
- Cut a stem 3–4 inches long, just below a leaf node.
- Strip the bottom one or two leaves.
- Stand the cutting in a glass of room-temperature water, making sure no leaves are submerged.
- Roots appear in 7–14 days.
- Once roots are 1–2 inches long, pot into a moist mix and keep it in bright indirect light.
Pinch the growing tip after potting to encourage two or three new stems instead of one long one — Nanouk looks much better bushy than as a single trailing strand.
What are Tradescantia Nanouk’s light and humidity needs?
Light is the critical variable — see the colour section above. Beyond colour, more light also means faster growth and thicker stems. Average humidity (40–60 %) is perfectly fine; Nanouk is not a fussy humidity plant. It appreciates the occasional misting to clean the leaves, especially in heated indoor air, but a dedicated humidifier is not necessary.
Temperature-wise it does best between 60 and 85 °F (15–29 °C) and dislikes frost or cold draughts below 50 °F (10 °C).
Is Tradescantia Nanouk toxic to pets?
Yes. The ASPCA lists Tradescantia (inch plant) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The primary concern is dermatitis — the sap can irritate skin and mucous membranes — and ingestion may cause mouth irritation and gastrointestinal upset. If you have cats that chew plants, keep Nanouk on a high shelf or in a hanging basket well out of reach.