The Enchanting Bridal Veil Plant: A Guide to Growing and Caring for this Delicate Houseplant

The bridal veil plant is a charming trailing houseplant that adds a touch of elegance to any space. With delicate foliage that cascades like a bride’s veil adorned with tiny white pearls, this unique plant is a true beauty. Its leaves feature a deep green color on top and stunning hues of purple to lavender underneath, creating a dramatic backdrop for the hundreds of tiny white flowers. Whether you’re a fan of lush foliage or a lover of abundant blooms, the bridal veil plant is sure to captivate your heart. In this article, we will explore how to care for this enchanting flowering plant and unleash its full potential.

Also known as Tahitian bridal veil, this delicate-looking indoor plant is easy to grow and prefers bright indirect light.

Meet the Bridal Veil Plant

Originating from the tropical climates of Central and South America, the bridal veil plant thrives in temperatures between 55 to 70°F (12 to 21°C). It is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b through 13b, making it a perfect choice for those living in warm regions. However, don’t fret if you live in a cooler area—the bridal veil plant adapts well to life indoors as a houseplant, bringing its unique charm to any home.

Now, the bridal veil plant has had its fair share of naming confusion. Its scientific name has been a subject of debate, resulting in various misrepresentations online and misprints on plant labels. After rigorous research, experts at North Carolina State University have determined that the correct species name is Gibasis pellucida. So if you encounter names like Tradescantia geniculata, Tradescantia multiflora, or Tripogandra multiflora, know that they are inaccurate.

Bridal veil plants are available at plant shops, garden centers, and online plant suppliers. You can also source a stem cutting from a friend.

Where to Grow the Bridal Veil Plant

In tropical climates like Panama and Costa Rica, the bridal veil plant flourishes as a fast-growing climber. However, for cooler areas, it is best suited for hanging baskets. By keeping them in baskets, you can easily move the plants outdoors to a partially shaded area during warm weather and bring them back inside during colder months. Alternatively, you can choose to grow the bridal veil plant indoors year-round, creating a stunning display of trailing foliage.

The Best Lighting for the Bridal Veil Plant

Bridal veil plants thrive in bright indirect light. During the summer, a partially shaded location such as a screened-in porch or sunroom is ideal, as it provides the perfect amount of bright light without the risk of scorching direct sunlight. With proper lighting, the plant’s leaves will showcase darker shades of green and purple, creating a more compact and vibrant appearance. However, insufficient light can cause the plant to drop its leaves. Finding the right balance is key to its successful growth.

Bridal veil plants thrive in bright indirect light. Avoid full sun and excessive shade to ensure optimal health and flowering.

How Often to Water the Bridal Veil Plant

Watering frequency for bridal veil plants depends on the time of year and the type of soil they are planted in. During winter, the plant enjoys a brief resting period and requires less frequent watering compared to the height of summer. Clay soils retain moisture better than sandy soils or sandy loam soil types, meaning they require less watering. As a general rule, aim to water bridal veil plants every couple of weeks, checking the soil moisture levels regularly. If the top inch or two of soil feels dry, it’s time to water.

The Best Way to Water this Houseplant

One crucial aspect of caring for bridal veil plants is to avoid overwatering, as they are sensitive to “wet feet” and prone to root rot. Using a watering can or a long-handled watering wand with an adjustable sprinkler head, direct water straight to the root zone at the base of the plant. For outdoor plants in deeper soil, water the top six to twelve inches (15-30cm) of the garden area. After watering, the soil should be moist but not soaked. If in doubt, err on the side of keeping the plant slightly on the dry side.

Avoid overwatering the bridal veil plant. It requires more moisture during the active growing season and less in winter when it’s semi-dormant. Aim to keep the soil lightly moist to dry.

How to Make a Bridal Veil Plant Flower

If conditions are ideal, the bridal veil plant can flower from as early as February to September. To encourage new flower growth, periodically trim off any old flowers you come across using sharp garden snips. This helps redirect the plant’s energy toward producing new buds instead of seed production, resulting in a continuous display of beautiful blooms.

Fertilization Tips

Bridal veil plants don’t require excessive fertilization. Monthly application of a well-balanced plant food during the active growing season is sufficient to promote healthy flowering. When choosing a fertilizer, consider opting for slow-release water-soluble fertilizers derived from natural and organic ingredients. These provide the necessary nutrients without the potential drawbacks of chemically derived fertilizers. Always follow the package directions carefully to ensure proper application.

The delicate white flowers of the bridal veil plant make it a unique addition to any indoor plant collection.

How Often to Repot a Bridal Veil Plant

If your bridal veil plant appears root-bound or you simply want it to grow larger, it may be time to repot. When choosing a new container, ensure it has at least one drainage hole (multiple bottom drip holes are even better) to facilitate proper drainage. Use a lightweight tropical plant potting soil that contains perlite to further enhance drainage. During the repotting process, position the plant at the same soil surface depth as it was in its previous container. Fill the new container with fresh soil and gently press down to ensure good contact between the plant’s root ball and the added soil.

+This indoor plant is fairly low maintenance, but it’s essential to remove dead leaves and spent flowers for its overall health.*

Propagation of Bridal Veil Plants

If you enjoy propagating plants, you’re in luck with the bridal veil plant. Its nodes along the stems make it easy to root cuttings. For potted or hanging basket plants, snip healthy sections from the ends of the trailing stems for propagation. Follow these steps for successful propagation:

1. Use sharp and clean scissors to remove two to four inches (5-10cm) of a healthy stem.
2. Carefully pinch off a couple of sets of lower leaves along the stem, exposing the leaf nodes.
3. Place the lower portion of the stem in clean water, ensuring that the remaining leaves are above the water. Change the water weekly until roots appear.
4. Once a robust root system has developed, plant the cutting in potting soil.

Alternatively, you can apply rooting hormone to the clipped stem and plant it directly in moistened potting soil. In more humid conditions, covering the clippings with a plastic bag or cloche can help reduce evaporation during the rooting process.

Making new bridal veil plants is a breeze! Simply take cuttings and place them in water or pots of moist potting mix until roots form.

Potential Problems with Bridal Veil

Bridal veil plants are generally not affected by insect pests such as aphids and mealybugs. They are also known to be unappealing to deer, making them a safe choice for gardens. However, if you do encounter soft-bodied insect infestations, an application of insecticidal soap can help eradicate them.

One aspect worth noting is that bridal veil plants can be toxic to dogs, cats, and other pets. It’s essential to keep them out of reach to ensure the safety of your furry friends.

Additional Care Tips for the Bridal Veil Plant

To promote the best growth and appearance of your bridal veil plant, consider the following tips:

• During warmer weather, take your plant outside to enjoy fresh air and filtered light in a partially shaded area, avoiding direct sun exposure.
• Remove dead stems and dry leaves regularly to enhance the plant’s appearance and improve air circulation. This practice also helps prevent mold and other issues, leading to healthier foliage and abundant flower production.
• Prune trailing stems when they extend beyond your desired size. This will stimulate bushier growth and increase the plant’s density.

To promote healthy growth, fertilize the bridal veil plant monthly during its active growing season. Opt for a tropical plant fertilizer.

Lifting the Veil

The bridal veil plant, known scientifically as Gibasis pellucida, is a petite beauty within the Gibasis genus. Thriving in warm temperatures and bright indirect light, this plant requires consistent care to unleash its full potential. By following the instructions provided in this article, you can cultivate lush curtains of foliage adorned with a profusion of pearl-like blooms. Additionally, you can propagate new bridal veil plants to expand your collection, share with others, or even grow as outdoor annuals in cooler climates.

Watch this video to learn more about bridal veil plants and their care.

For more tips on growing and caring for houseplants, check out these detailed articles:

• Fall in love with the Swiss cheese plant.
• Discover the best hanging succulent plants.
• Begonia Gryphon: An eye-catching indoor (or outdoor) plant.
• A guide to growing flamingo flower.

Pin this article to your Houseplants board for future reference!