momiroot

Inch plant

Tradescantia zebrina · Family Commelinaceae

Also known as: tradescantia zebrina, wandering dude, silver inch plant

Inch plant
Photo: Ruestz · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Light
Partial shade to bright indirect
Watering
Every 5 days
Difficulty
Easy
Pet-safe
No, keep it away from cats and dogs

Care

Where to put it

A hanging basket or high shelf near a window.

Light

Partial shade to bright indirect light. Low light fades the stripes.

Watering

Water when the top of the compost is dry. Pinch back to keep it bushy.

About the plant

It has leaves striped silver and purple, with purplish undersides. It grows fast and looks lovely in hanging pots. It is very easy to propagate from cuttings.

Origin

Native to Mexico and Central America, in humid woods and along riverbanks.

What it likes

  • Indirect light or partial shade
  • Slightly moist compost
  • Pruning to keep it bushy

What it dislikes

  • Strong afternoon sun
  • Soggy compost
  • Severe cold

Did you know?

The genus Tradescantia honours John Tradescant, gardener to King Charles I of England.

Listed in

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