'Quicksilver' tradescantia guide
Tradescantia fluminensis 'Quicksilver', also called Quicksilver, silver wandering dude
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine
- Temperature
- 15 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 10°C (50°F).
- Soil
- Well-draining houseplant mix
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. The sap can cause an itchy skin rash.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- Stems trail 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft)
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings in water or soil
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Quicksilver' tradescantia different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the tradescantia care guide.
What it is
‘Quicksilver’ is a tradescantia with small, pointed, bright green leaves striped in white. It trails fast and fills a hanging pot in one season. The ASPCA lists Tradescantia fluminensis, its species, as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses because of skin irritation.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Quicksilver’ | Small, green and white stripes | Green and white only, no purple |
| Inch plant | Silver stripes, purple undersides | Purple undersides |
| ‘Nanouk’ tradescantia | Thick, pink stripes | Pink and chunky |
Care differences
The white stripes need bright indirect light. Cut out any all-green stems. They grow faster and take over.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a stem tip and root it in water or moist soil. Roots form in a week.
Pet safety
The ASPCA lists this species as toxic to cats and dogs. The sap causes skin irritation.
Buying it
‘Quicksilver’ is common at garden centers. Look for crisp white stripes and full pots.