Cyanotis (Tradescantia) somaliensis

kitten ears
Soft, fuzzy leaves make this trailing plant irresistable. Pale, triangular purple flowers sometimes appear in summer on plants in bright light.
height 4–8in
width 8–12in
tolerates Drought, Heat, Pots
water
needs		 Moderate
water
info		 Water this plant regularly, when the top inch or so of soil feels dry. In a pot slowly water the entire surface until water comes out of the bottom of your pot.

If this plant is pushed to totally dry out for extended period of time the older lower leaves will shrivel and eventually the older parts of stems will dry up and die. If this happens the tops of the stems can be rerooted fairly easily.
hardy
to		 30F
exposure Part Sun – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 In or Out
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin Somalia
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 16, 17, 20–24, H2

Sunset Zones Map

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Grows compact and grey in hot direct sun, but loosens up and turns green in more shade.
Great for a hanging pot, or tall pot where it can cascade. Fun too in a shallow bowl, where it can creep along a desk or mantle.
This plant can be pruned back hard and will flush back thick and quick. Often doing this once a year in late spring is a good tactic to keep the plant looking tidy.
Easily grown by cutting, either directly into well drained soil, or by adding to a glass of water (changed weekly) until roots form. This plant can even be grown in only water for long periods of time.
We don’t typically see this cultivar grown in the ground, but if you succeed in grounding it please do let us know!