Attached is a photo of a plant my neighbor received. No one knows its name.
Could you help? And, does it need sun or shade? How can I start a cutting?
Answer
Your neighbor's plant is Tradescantia pallida, also known as Setcreasea purpurea . It is a tender perennial, grown in our area as an annual or may be grown as a houseplant. The color is best if full sun but it will also grow in partial shade. "Pinch" it regularly to keep its shape and from getting leggy.
You are fortunate that it is quite easy to grow from cuttings, if your neighbor is willing to share. Take a cutting about 6" long, just above where the leaves join the stem. While you can start it to root in a glass of water, it is best if you pot it up in good potting soil in a small container, no bigger than 6". Put a plastic bag over over the pot and secure it. Keep in good light but not direct sun. Check to see if it is rooted by gently tugging on the leaves to see if there is resistance, indicating rooting has occurred. Slowly remove the cover over a period of days to get your baby used to the ambient air and increased light. Fertilize with diluted liquid fertilizer or fish emulsion, but stop over the winter to give it a rest.
Tradescantia cannot tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees, so bring your plant indoors in early fall and enjoy it as houseplant.