Gibasis pellucida
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Tradescantia lundellii
- Tradescantia pellucida
- Tradescantia schiedeana
- Tripogandra lundellii
- Phonetic Spelling
- gib-AY-sis pel-LOO-sid-ah
- Description
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Tahitian Bridal Veil plant is a flowering houseplant with trailing dark green leaves, thin purple stems, and delicate white flowers, that resemble a bridal veil. This species comes from the tropical zones of Central and South America. In tropical climates, this plant may be used as a climber or groundcover. Frequently, it is used in hanging baskets or containers.
It is a member of the Commelinaceae or Spiderwort family. The genus name, Gibasis, is Latin for gibbus, meaning "swollen" and Greek, basis, meaning base. The sepals have a gibbous base. The species name, pellucida, is Latin, meaning band or layer. The genus, Callisia, is derived from the Greek word "kallos," meaning beauty. The species name, procumbens, means procumbent, lying flat on the ground, or creeping forward.
The plant prefers partial or filtered sunlight and does not tolerate direct sun. The excessive sun may cause the tops of the leaves to turn brown. Preferably, temperatures should not fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Excessive heat and dryness can attract aphids. The soil should be moist and well-drained. Pruning of the plant may be done in late winter. Pinching the plant encourages flower production and increases denseness.
They may be propagated easily via cuttings placed in water or moist soil. To accommodate the roots of the plant, it is recommended that they be transplanted in early spring.
This plant is toxic to cats and dogs. It may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms if ingested. The animals' direct contact with the plant may result in dermatitis.
Be aware that Bridal Veil plants may also be sold under another genus. Tahitian Bridal Veil has also been assigned to Tradescantia and Tripogandra. Please refer to an article written by Professors Paul R. Fantz and Paul Nelson of the Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University entitled, "Nomenclature of Tahitian Bridal Veil.
https://journals.ashs.org/horttech/view/journals/horttech/5/2/article-p144.pdf
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Gibasis
- Species:
- pellucida
- Family:
- Commelinaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Reportedly, it has been used for the treatment of unspecified medical disorders.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Root Cutting
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Portions of Central and South America
- Distribution:
- Native to Argentina Northwest, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Panama, Peru, Trinidad-Tobago, and Venezuela. Introduced into the Azores.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 8 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Habit/Form:
- Cascading
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Solitary
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Petals:
- 2-3 rays/petals
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The small, showy flowers are white, and the bloom is less than 1-inch in diameter. They have 3 sepals and 3 petals with 6 stamens.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Purple/Lavender
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are dark green on the upper surface and purple on the lower surface. They are oval and pointed at the tip of the leaf.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Purple/Lavender
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- The thin purple stems are straight, climb, or hang downward.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Humidity
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs