Cyanotis somaliensis syn. Tradescantia somaliensis

Pussy Ears

Pussy ears, also called kitten ears, is a delightful, easy-care houseplant. Related to inch plants (and sometimes classified as Tradescantia somaliensis), this unusual houseplant grows well in hanging baskets. Offers fuzzy green leaves. Tradescantia are climbing or trailing plants which will thrive indoors in good light. They are also known by other names: spider-lily, cradle-lily, oyster-plant and flowering inch plant. The stems trail to about 60cm or more.

Contributed by @GaynorH

plant Features

Full sun to partial shade
Very little water
Not Frost hardy
Moist and fertile

plant information

Common name

Pussy Ears

Latin name

Cyanotis somaliensis syn. Tradescantia somaliensis

type

Perennial

family

Commelinaceae

ph

6.0 - 7.5 Acid - Neutral

Light

Full sun to partial shade
Frost

Not Frost hardy

Soil

Moist and fertile
Water

Very little water

Plant & bloom calendar

Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Pussy Ears is 0.60meters x 0.15meters

0.60 M 0.15 M

Cyanotis somaliensis syn. Tradescantia somaliensis

Planting young plants

From Early Spring TO Early Spring

Wandering Jews require full sunlight, especially the variegated types. Keep them above 17C (63F), although they will survive down to a few degrees above freezing in winter. Re-pot small plants annually in spring, but large plants can be fed once a week instead of re-potting. Pinch out regularly to promote bushy growth. House plants are best replaced every two or three years.

Propogation by cuttings

From Early Spring TO Late Winter

Wandering Jews can easily be propagated by taking tip cuttings at any time of the year. Place in a tumbler of water until the cutting has rooted and then re-plant in fresh compost.

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