Learn about the family
The Commelinaceae family contains between 600 and 800 species, classified in about forty different genera.
Tradescantia is the most commonly cultivated genus in the family, and contains about 85 different species.
Tropical Commelinaceae plants are often grown indoors as houseplants in temperate, cold-winter climates like the UK – you can find some care tips here.
Cultivar research
Tradescantia Hub is the International Cultivar Registration Authority (ICRA) for the Tradescantia genus.
The most important part of the job is to make a checklist of every single Tradescantia cultivar in the world! You can also read this guide to help you understand the checklist and the individual cultivar pages.
If you have a new cultivar, you can register a new name for free to get it published and stored permanently with the official checklist.
Articles
There are lots of articles to read in the archive!
You can find in-depth analysis of certain cultivars, to learn about the research that goes into making the checklist.
If you’re interested in how plants are named, you can read detailed explanations of the rules and the systems behind them.
There are also fact-checking articles about myths that circulate among tradescantia fans and in the wider houseplant world.
About
I’m Avery, I’m an independent researcher and Commelinaceae grower in the UK. You can read about my National Collection of tender Tradescantia cultivars, as well as the other tropical Commelinaceae I grow – and the plants I’m still trying to get hold of.
You can support me by checking out the shop, or donating directly via PayPal.
Keep in touch
I love talking to other plant nerds!
The best way to contact me is at hello@tradescantia.uk. You can also join the discussion in the facebook group.
I post updates on the facebook page, mastodon, instagram, and the mailing list:
