Tahitian Bridal Veil Gibasis pellucida
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 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. It is a member of the spiderwort family (Commelinaceae). The species epithet means “translucent or clear,” but the reference is obscure.
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 stress the plant and make it susceptible to 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.
In tropical climates, this plant may be used as a climber or groundcover. Frequently, it is used in hanging baskets or containers.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 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.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
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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:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
