🌿 Tradescantia Zebrina — Inch Plant

Tradescantia zebrina is a vibrant and fast-growing trailing plant known for its striped purple, silver, and green foliage, making it one of the most eye-catching houseplants for shelves, hanging baskets, and cascading planters. Native to Mexico and Central America, this plant is part of the spiderwort family and is famed for its ease of care, adaptability, and striking colour contrast. The zebra-like stripes on the upper leaf surface give it its botanical name, while the rich purple undersides add depth and drama. Perfect for beginners, Tradescantia zebrina grows quickly and is easy to propagate, making it a rewarding and playful addition to any indoor collection.

☀️ Light Requirements

• Indoors: Prefers bright, indirect light for best colour. Will tolerate some gentle morning sun.

• Too much direct sun: May cause leaf burn or fading.

• Low light: Tolerated but will lead to leggy growth and duller leaf colour.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Ideal temperature: 18–26°C (65–79°F)

• Minimum temperature: Keep above 10°C (50°F); protect from cold draughts.

• Humidity: Tolerant of average household humidity but appreciates slightly higher levels. Occasional misting can help in drier homes.

💧 Watering Needs

• Watering frequency: Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. Keep the soil lightly moist, not soggy.

• Winter: Reduce watering and let the top half of the soil dry between waterings.

• Tip: Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering; crispy tips suggest underwatering or low humidity.

🪴 Soil & Repotting

• Soil type: Well-draining houseplant compost with added perlite or sand.

• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

• Repotting: Every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes rootbound or leggy. Trim and repot to refresh its shape.

🌱 Feeding

• Growing season (spring–summer): Feed every 2–4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser.

• Autumn–winter: Feed monthly or pause feeding if growth slows significantly.

✂️ Pruning & Maintenance

• Pruning: Regular trimming encourages fuller, bushier growth and prevents legginess.

• Leaf care: Remove yellow or damaged leaves as needed.

• Trailing habit: Ideal for hanging planters or shelves where stems can cascade freely.

🌾 Propagation

• Stem cuttings: Easily propagated in water or moist compost. Simply snip below a node and root in days.

• Great for sharing: A fun plant to propagate and gift to friends or use for creating fuller pots.

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Common pests: Aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs — especially in dry or overcrowded areas.

• Symptoms: Sticky leaves, pale or curling foliage, or visible pests.

• Treatment: Wipe down and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

• Common issues:

  • Leggy growth: Usually caused by low light — move to a brighter position and trim back.

  • Colour fading: Caused by too little light or too much fertiliser.

🧤 Toxicity & Safety

• Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets and humans. May cause skin irritation or stomach upset if ingested.

• Precaution: Keep out of reach of small children and pets, especially those prone to nibbling.

🏡 Indoor Care Highlights

• A vibrant, fast-growing trailing plant perfect for shelves, hanging planters, or plant walls.

• One of the easiest houseplants to grow and propagate, ideal for beginners.

• Combines beautifully with green or variegated foliage plants for colour contrast.

• Responds well to frequent trimming and will quickly bounce back into shape.

• Adds bold colour and movement to any plant display — tropical flair with minimal effort.