How to Care for Tricolor Oyster Plants

Outdoor Care

• 1

  Plant Tricolor oyster plant in a well-drained soil that is enriched with organic matter. A sandy or crumbly loam soil is ideal. Although tolerant of shade, the best growth and leaf coloration occurs where plants receive between four and eight hours of direct sunlight daily. In hot climates, shade in the heat of the afternoon is best.

• 2

  Water this variegated plant freely during the warmth of the spring to early fall. Heat increases the growth rate, and this time of year is when any flowers or plantlets arise from the bases of plants. Avoid creating a soggy soil when watering, as it leads to root rot. In fall and winter, stop supplemental irrigation so the soil remains slightly dry. Infrequent natural rainfall this time of year is fine. Oyster plant is remarkably drought-tolerant; water is stored in the fleshy but thin leaves and underground roots.

• 3

  Scatter 1 to 2 inches of fresh compost or slow-release granular fertilizer — a 10-10-10 formulation is good — around the base of the Tricolor oyster plant in early spring and again in early summer. Alternatively, apply a balanced formula of water-soluble fertilizer from spring to early fall every three to four weeks.

• 4

  Hand-pull or brush out any dead leaf debris from the leaf rosettes of the variegated oyster plant across the year. Pull out any mushy or dead leaves or plantlets any time you see them. Cleaning the bed in very late winter improves airflow and light penetration among plants in the bed just before new growth increases heading into spring.

Indoor Care

• 5

  Plant Tricolor oyster plant in a container filled with sterile, peat-based or soil-based potting mix. The container must have drainage holes in the bottom. Do not use topsoil, as it contains microorganisms and possible worms, bugs and fungal spores or diseases.

• 6

  Place the oyster plant near a window. Bright, indirect light is best, but the plants may bask in one to three hours of direct sun, ideally in the morning or early evening. Rotate the container 90 to 180 degrees every month to prevent the plant from leaning toward the light source.

• 7

  Water the soil when it feels dry to the touch, adding room-temperature water until it begins draining from the container's bottom holes. From spring to fall, maintain an evenly moist soil, but never soggy. During the winter, water less frequently so the soil is slightly dry for most of the time.

• 8

  Apply a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer in tandem with a regular watering once per month from midspring to early fall. Don't fertilize in the winter; you don't want to encourage new growth when the light is less intense and temperatures are cooler.

• 9

  Pinch off any dead leaves with your fingers, or pull out any dead flowers or debris from among the Tricolor oyster plant leaf rosettes any time of year. Scissors easily cut the leaf bases of any unattractive leaves without slicing into nearby healthy leaves, unlike bulky hand pruners.