Tradescantia zebrina
A quick-growing trailing plant with silver, green, and purple striped leaves. Inch Plant roots readily from stem cuttings, fills a pot quickly, and is just as happy spilling from a basket as it is rambling through a summer container.
Bright, indirect light
Let the top inch dry
Loose, well-drained mix
Fast and trailing
Bright, indirect light keeps the silver bands crisp and the purple coloring rich. It can handle some gentle morning sun, but harsh afternoon sun may scorch the leaves. Stems stretch and lose color when the plant is kept too dark.
Water when the top inch of potting mix feels dry, then let extra water drain away. Inch Plant grows quickly in warm weather and may drink more then, but constantly wet roots can rot.
Each cutting needs at least one leaf node. Remove the lowest leaves and place the node in water or directly into moist potting mix. Several cuttings planted together make a fuller pot, and pinching the growing tips encourages branching.
Older vines can become bare near the base, especially in low light. A quick trim keeps the plant bushy and gives you more pieces to root. The sap may irritate sensitive skin, so wash your hands after pruning.
