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It was love at first sight for me and my Tradescantia Nanouk, aka Fantasy Venice plant. I absolutely adored the plant’s beautiful rose-striped leaves, deep purple stems and pastel flowers.
One of the prettiest pink houseplants around, Tradescantia Nanouk is a relative newcomer to the houseplant scene, but is already a huge hit on Insta. In this guide, I’ll show you how to treat this photogenic plant right, by sharing exactly what I’ve learned growing one of my own!
Keep reading to discover everything you want to know about caring for your Tradescantia Nanouk. Let’s start by taking a look at where and how Fantasy Venice came about.
About Tradescantia Nanouk
Like Stromanthe Triostar, Tradescantia Nanouk is known for its stunning foliage. It’s a year-round houseplant that really shines in all seasons. Tradescantia Nanouk has dark purple stems topped with deep green leaves with white and pink stripes. The unique patterns make each copy a one-off!
We have the Netherlands to thank for Tradescantia Nanouk, as it were specially created there by using cross pollination. This has produced a hardy, captivating plant that tends to thrive, so it’s not at all difficult to care for.
If you want to know more, read on to find out all the tips and advice that will ensure your Tradescantia Nanouk plant is the best around! From watering and room temperature to problems that may arise or Tradescantia Nanouk propagation, all the necessary know-how is covered here.
Tradescantia Nanouk Facts
Origin
Most Tradescantia plants come from Central or South America, but Tradescantia Nanouk – or Tradescantia Albiflora – is different. It was actually created through intentional cross-pollination in the Netherlands.
Size
The maximum size of the average Tradescantia Nanouk plant is about 3.5 inches tall and wide, so it’s a pretty compact plant.
Flowering
The Tradescantia Nanouk flower grows from the sweetest dark pink buds, and flowers usually have three petals. The flowers are white and pale pink with yellow stamens and usually appear during the growing season between spring and fall.
Tradescantia Nanouk Care
Sunlight
Tradescantia Nanouk can thrive in both full sun or indirect sunlight. If it doesn’t get enough light, it will grow longer stems while trying to reach the sun and become “bony”.
The Fantasy Venice leaves may also fade in color, become smaller or less striped when there is not enough sunshine. We’ve found that about a meter from a sunlit windowsill is an ideal location, and it also encourages flowering. Too close and you might just end up with dry, crunchy leaves.
The ideal distance from a window depends of course on how large and well lit the threshold actually is. Trial and error is the best way to learn what suits your facility and home.
Temperature
During the day, a temperature of 75°F or lower is ideal, while overnight it likes to stay around 55°F or more.
Humidity
Tradescantia Nanouk has lush, thick leaves and because of this it may need a higher humidity than other houseplants. If you don’t want to hide it away in the bathroom, try using a plant humidifier if it seems dry.
You can also try spraying the leaves with a plant mister, but do not overdo this as excess water will collect in the soil. These thick leaves are efficient at retaining moisture, so Tradescantia Nanouk does not require as much humidity as some species of houseplants.
Watering
Like many houseplants, Tradescantia Nanouk can suffer if you overwater it. Only add more water when the top layer of soil feels dry and crumbly to the touch. We’ve found that a week to ten days apart is usually about right, but go by the Earth rather than the calendar.
Overwatering your plant can cause problems like root rot or fungal infections, so don’t water this houseplant until it actually needs more moisture. If possible, filtered water is the best choice to use.
Sometimes it can be tricky to get to the ground on a Tradescantia Nanouk with all the colorful leaves in the way. If this happens, you can water it from below by using a water-filled drip tray. This may also mean that it is time for a larger container.
Feed
Your Tradescantia Nanouk will appreciate a monthly or biweekly feed. When using regular potting compost, dilute this to 50% water and 50% feed. This will avoid burning.
Overfeeding can sometimes cause the edges of the leaves to turn brown, so don’t overdo it! You only need to fertilize it during the growing season, which is normally spring and summer. Do not add fertilizer if you have just repotted your plant, as the potting mix may already contain potting food.
Potting
Always use a container with a hole in the bottom for drainage, and use a specific potting soil. A dish can be placed underneath to collect excess water. Pour this away rather than leaving it there, as fresh water is always best.
Experience has taught me that Tradescantia Nanouk requires frequent repotting; this is simply because it grows very quickly! If the roots are bunched up at the bottom of the pot or even peeking out from the drainage holes, it’s time to find a bigger container.
My plant has had to be repotted three times during the spring and summer growing season, so watch out for the escaping roots! In autumn and winter, however, it can be left alone, as it will be more or less dormant.
Pests
Spider mites or mealy bugs can be a problem for Tradescantia Nanouk, especially if it has been dehydrated. See the common problems section on how to deal with these pesky little critters.
Fungus gnats can also colonize this plant and tend to occur as a result of overwatering and subsequent root rot.
Trimming
Trimming away any rotten, damp or damaged leaves and stems can encourage healthy new growth. However, never remove more than 20% of the plant.
You must use clean, sharp scissors. Cleaning these before and after each use also helps prevent the spread of infections or little bugs!
Soil
The ideal Tradescantia Nanouk soil is not too heavy, so you want a light potting soil that drains well. A mixture containing sand, orchid bark, gravel or perlite is ideal.
Reproduction
If you are wondering how to propagate Tradescantia Nanouk, it is worth knowing that some owners like to put cuttings from their plant in the same pot. This can create a fuller, more rounded screen. Fantasy Venice is also one of those plants that grows in water, so just cut a healthy leaf from the stem and stick it in a water-filled glass bottle or propagation station.
Whether you put the cutting in the pot or want to propagate in water, the good news is that they are relatively easy to propagate. Just be sure to use sparkling, super sharp scissors if you want to try it.
Security
Its sap is poisonous to humans and animals, so keep pets and small children away. Otherwise, munching on the leaves can cause stomach upset or skin problems such as contact dermatitis.
Common problems with Fantasy Venice
A common problem with the Fantasy Venice plant is smaller, duller, less colorful foliage. The stems may also become too long, or the leaf tips may turn brown. There are a few reasons why Tradescantia Nanouk brown leaves, dullness and leggy growth can occur.
Sunlight
When Fantasy Venice grows too long stems, it’s usually because it’s trying to get more sunlight. To make it look better, you need to give it what it wants, which is more sunshine – but not too much. Unless you really like the crunchy-leafy look!
Try placing it closer to a windowsill that gets a lot of sun during the day. Insufficient sunlight can also mean that the foliage becomes simpler and smaller, with less colorful stripes. Flowering can also be inhibited when there is not enough sunlight for the plant.
Water
If your Tradescantia Nanouk looks rather dull, it may be due to overwatering. Once a week or every ten days should be about right, so judge by the soil. It is ready for more water when the top layer looks and feels dry.
Wet soil is not the only no-no. Like many houseplants, the Tradescantia Nanouk is more likely to thrive when given filtered water, as it is not so fond of the additives and impurities in tap water.
If the worst happens and you find your Fantasy Venice sitting in damp soil, don’t despair! This can normally be remedied by allowing the soil to dry completely before watering. Soil that is left too dry for too long can also attract spider mites, so don’t forget to water again when your plant has dried out.
Temperature
The ideal maximum daytime temperature for Tradescantia Nanouk is 75°F. At night, above 55°F is spot-on.
The growth cycle
Like many houseplants, Fantasy Venice grows in the spring and summer and tends to remain dormant in the fall and winter.
This houseplant sure grows quickly in the warmer months, so keep an eye on the roots to see if it needs repotting. This may be required several times per season!
Pests in the house
Mealy bugs or spider mites can be common with Tradescantia Nanouk, especially if you let it get too dry. Again, this problem is quite easy to treat.
Be careful not to damage it, shower the plant down to wash off the critters – and any eggs they may have laid. Then use a mister to spray the plant with a mixture of 50% water and 50% isopropyl alcohol. This will pay for any lingering bugs or eggs!
Frequently asked questions about Tradescantia Nanouk
How much light do you need for Tradescantia Nanouk?
The Fantasy Venice plant needs enough sunlight so that the beautiful colorful leaves can look their best. It can also flower indoors if it gets enough of those rays. A sunny location is ideal, and the average plant thrives when kept about a meter away from a sunlit threshold.
This will vary depending on the size of the window and how much light it gets, so experiment to see what works best for your specimen!
Should I mist my Tradescantia Nanouk?
You can mist a Tradescantia Nanouk if it requires more humidity – it all depends on the conditions in your home. If the plant thrives after misting, a plant humidifier is a convenient long-term solution.
Why is my Tradescantia Nanouk dying?
If your Fantasy Venice plant has dull or brown-colored leaves and appears to be dying, several factors may be to blame. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry and check for pest infestation. Make sure it gets enough sunlight and the temperature range is about right.
Your pot plant may also require better draining soil or a larger pot, or may also benefit from receiving pot plant food diluted 50% with water.
Final thoughts on Fantasy Venice Care
Factors such as humidity, water type and sunlight depend on exactly where you live and place your plant. So much of the Tradescantia Nanouk care advice is about observing how your particular plant behaves and responding to its simple needs.
Despite its colorful, exotic appearance, it’s a fairly easy plant to care for – and it’s definitely very easy on the eye! Check out more of our plant care guides below:
