Inch plant guide
Tradescantia zebrina, also called wandering dude, silver inch plant, Zebrina pendula
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 inch plant different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the tradescantia care guide.
What it is
Inch plant, Tradescantia zebrina, has pointed leaves striped in silver and green or purple on top, with deep purple undersides. Select-A-Plant lists the foliage as purple and silver striped. It trails fast. The leaf nodes sit about an inch apart, which gives it the name. It was a staple in 1970s hanging baskets.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Inch plant | Silver stripes, purple undersides | Two silver stripes on top |
| Purple heart | Solid purple, long and narrow | All purple, no stripes |
| ‘Nanouk’ tradescantia | Thick, pink, cream, and green stripes | Chunky leaves with pink |
Care differences
The silver and purple stay bright in bright indirect light. In low light, it fades to green and the stems stretch.
It grows fast and gets bare at the base. Pinch the tips often, and replant cuttings into the pot to keep it full.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a stem tip and root it in water or moist soil. Roots form in a week.
Pet safety
Tradescantia sap can cause an itchy skin rash in cats, dogs, and people. Keep it out of reach.
Buying it
Inch plant is common at garden centers, often in hanging baskets. Look for bright stripes and full pots.