Callisia navicularis growing subshrub succulent of the genus Callisia also known as Tradescantia navicularis or Chain Plant, Callisia navicularis perennial evergreen or as annual plant, used as ornamental plant for the leaves that can be colorful and as groundcover plant, can grow in mediterranean, desert, subtropical, temperate, tropic climate or as houseplant and growing in hardiness zone 10b+ as perennial or 4-10a as annual also possible to keep overwinter indoor.
Leaves color green and can be variegata with purple, red, pink or more than one color in triangle shape.
In the past was categorize in other genus Phyodina navicularis and Tradescantia navicularis
How to grow Callisia navicularis growing and care:
Well-drained soil, mulch, humidity, rich soil, moist soil, organic matter, when grown as annual need to take indoor new cutting for next year
What is the best way to start growing? Plant / Seed / Vegetative reproduction – start by cutting for stems put the stem in moist soil, better peat soil but possible other soil, consider to use greenhouse or plastic box to keep high humidity, possible to put in water and switch the water every few days but might not work and other option layering – bending a branch over and covering it with soil.
Is it necessary to use vegetative reproduction? No, but in order to get specific leaf color recommend
Difficulties or problems when growing: Can cause skin irritation
Planting season: Spring as annual in hardiness zone 4-10a, as perennial in spring to autumn 10b-11 and all year in hardiness zone 12+
Pests and diseases: ?
Pruning season: Autumn / Winter
How to prune: Dead bloom stems and leaves
Size of the plant: 5-10cm (2-4 inches)
Growth speed in optimal condition: Fast growing / Medium growing
Water requirement: Small amount of water / Average amount of water
Light conditions in optimal condition for growing: Full sun / Half shade / Full shade (with light)
Is it possible to grow indoor as houseplant? Yes (with a lot of light better next to window)
Growing is also possible in a planter /flowerpot / containers: Yes, when grow in container need to choose the right soil, can be sand soil or potting mix or even peat soil with perlite, care not to put too much water, switch the soil every few years and cut the roots, the container need to be bigger than the root ball 50% or the desirable size if the roots too much big prune the roots and the leaves.
Blooming information
Bloom season? Spring / Summer
General information about the flower: Triangle flower in purple color with 3 petals
Sowing requirement: Location with light and better sandy or well ventilated soil and also good drainage is important
Saving seeds and care until sowing: Dry and dark place in room temperature
Sowing season: As annual better in spring or indoor late winter and possible from the autumn, in hardiness zone 10-11 spring to autumn, hardiness zone 12+ all year, better in hot summer location of full shade in order to sow in the summer
Planting spacing: 20-30cm, (8-12 inches)
Depth of Sowing: 0.5cm, (0.25inches)
Conditions for seeds germinate: Moist soil, humidity but do not over water and don’t let it dry
Watering requires for Seeds: Small amount of water / Average amount of water
Germination time: 2-4 weeks
Condition of seedling: Light with moist soil and well ventilated soil
Scientific name:
Callisia navicularis
Alternative names: Roselings, Tradescantia navicularis, Chain Plant, Phyodina navicularis
