Kitten Tradescantia

Kitten Tradescantia Overview

Cyanotis somaliensis is an evergreen perennial species from the Commelinaceae family. It originates from Somalia and is often grown as a houseplant for the fluffy foliage. Commonly known by the names Kitten Tradescantia or Pussy Ears. It is easily mistaken with plants in the genus Tradescantia. This plant produces soft, succulent, linear foliage with a spreading, ground covering habit, not typically exceeding 12cm in height. Leaves measuring up to 4cm in length are arranged in 2 vertical columns on opposite sides of a stem, a common growth habit for bulbous species. The leaves are very fluffy and soft to touch, from a covering of white hairs. Flowers are photosensitive and only tend to open for a few hours in the morning. They are small and purple in colour with 3 spreading, triangular petals and a fluffy appearance. The flowers measure around half a centimetre in diameter and appear in the summer. This plant has earnt a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.

How to propagate Kitten Tradescantia

Cuttings

Seed

Special features of Kitten Tradescantia

Attractive leaves

Attractive flowers

Pot plant

Indoor plant

Other uses of Kitten Tradescantia

Grown for their foliage.