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TRADESCANDIA. 



TRADESC ANTIA. 



This plant is named in honor of John Tradescant. 

 gardener to Charles I. of England, where it was in- 

 troduced from North America in 1629. It has re- 

 ceived many common names in different localities, 

 as Wandering Jew, Joseph's Coat, Jacob's Ladder, 

 Air-Plant, etc. It is extensively cultivated and 

 valuable for the endurance, rapidity of growth, and 

 brightness of the satiny foliage displayed in some 

 of its varieties. It will live and thrive under treat- 

 ment from which most other plants would die. 



SOIL, TREATMENT AND VARIETIES. 



Tradescantia thrives best in a mixture of loam 

 and leaf-mold. 



It should have plenty of water and is not partic- 

 ular as to temperature, though it does best in a 

 warm location in partial shade. 



It is easily increased by cuttings which root and 

 will grow for months in water. Two or three vari- 

 eties grown in vases make a pleasing ornament. 

 Frequent showerings increase the brightness of its 

 foliage. 



Tradescantia aquatica, very small green leaves for aquariums, 

 hanging baskets, etc. 



T. Crassula, strong growing, with white flowers. 



T. Discolor, a strong growing sort, the leaves home upright, the 

 underside violet-purple, the upper light green, suitable for centre of 

 baskets or vases. 



T. Kerens Vittata, bright green, striped white. 



T. Vulgaris^ drooping, with bright glossy green leaves. 



T. Zebrina, leaves striped with silvery white on a dark ground. 



