Silver Inch Plant

Silver Inch Plant Care

Tradescantia zebrina

What is the plant

Leggy weed to some regions, but a prized houseplant for others, Silver Inch Plant can become a cool indoor or garden companion with some easy care.

The Silver Inch Plant or Tradescantia zebrina is one of the coolest houseplants you could get. It has vines that are long and thin, and they're covered in these flashy silver stripes, its main identification feature. The leaves come out in clusters all along the vines, and they're about 2-3 inches long (5-7.5 cm). Its vines can get pretty long, so the plant is a nice choice for hanging baskets or ground covering if you're into that.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

15°C - 22°C

Hardiness zone

9 - 12

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Keep the soil slightly moist, not soaking. Give it a good drink when the top inch (2.5 cm) of the soil feels dry. Easy, right? Just remember, it's all about balance – not too wet, not too dry.
Pruning
Prune those leggy vines if they start getting too wild for your liking. Use clean scissors and snip just above a leaf node. Do it in spring or summer, and your plant will stay looking fresh.
Fertilizer
Feed it every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Any balanced liquid fertilizer is A-OK. Dilute it to half the strength recommended on the label – no need to drown it in nutrients.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Silver Inch Plant is a bright light enthusiast but not a sunbather. Indirect light is its jam – a bit of morning sun or filtered light through a curtain is perfect. Too much direct sun, though, and it might start feeling a bit crispy.
Soil
A basic potting mix does the trick. Go for something well-draining – these plants don't want soggy feet. Mix in a bit of perlite or sand if you're feeling fancy.
Propagation
Propagate this species by snipping a healthy vine, about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) long, and pop it in water or soil. Spring or early summer is when it's feeling the propagation vibes.

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Temperature
Silver Inch Plant isn't a drama queen about temperature. It's cool with the usual indoor range – between 55-75°F (13-24°C). Remember, though, 50°F (10°C) is its minimum – lower than that, and you'll see major problems with growth and leaves.
Container
It likes a pad that's about 6 inches (15 cm) deep and wide enough to give it some elbow room. Go for a pot with drainage holes – soggy roots are a no-go. Plastic, ceramic, or whatever matches your vibe works just fine.
Fun fact
This species is commonly known for its air-purifying qualities. One more reason to add it to your collection – you'll get cleaner air in your space!