Also known as Cockroach Grass · Miseria · Painted Inchplant
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Tradescantia zebrina, commonly known as inchplant, is a trailing houseplant prized for its striking striped foliage in shades of purple, silver, and green.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light.
75% intensity
Can tolerate lower light, but colors may fade. Avoid direct sun.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
50% intensity
Allow top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Well-draining potting mix
50% intensity
Average room temperatures.
50% intensity
Ideal range is 18-24°C. Protect from cold drafts.
Indoor
50% intensity
Moderate feeding during growing season.
50% intensity
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted, every 4-6 weeks in spring/summer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 1/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Mildly toxic if ingested, can cause skin irritation.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Tradescantia zebrina thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly in winter, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings to prevent waterlogged conditions and maintain plant health.
Prune regularly to maintain a bushy shape and prevent legginess. Pinch back stem tips to encourage branching. Remove any leggy or yellowing stems at the base.
Pruning also helps to keep the plant compact and vigorous, and cuttings can be used for propagation.
Tradescantia zebrina is easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take 4-6 inch cuttings and remove the lower leaves. Root them directly in soil or in water.
New roots will form within a few weeks, and the cuttings can then be transplanted into their own pots.
Repot your inchplant every 1-2 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Repotting in spring is ideal, providing fresh nutrients and space for continued growth.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Inchplant (Tradescantia zebrina)
Where Inchplant (Tradescantia zebrina) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Genus | Tradescantia |
| Species | Tradescantia zebrina |
Similar in genus Tradescantia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
