Tradescantia zebrina

Tradescantia zebrina is a fast-growing, trailing houseplant with purple and green striped leaves that have a silvery sheen on top and deep purple undersides. Its cascading stems look good in hanging baskets, on shelves and spilling over the edge of a pot.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Tradescantia zebrina
• Common names: Wandering Jew, Inch Plant
• Light: bright, indirect light. The colour is strongest in bright light.
• Water: when the top 2–3 cm of soil has dried out
• Soil: any well-draining potting mix
• Growth: fast, with stems that trail 30 cm or more

Care tips

• Pinch the stem tips regularly to keep the plant bushy instead of leggy.
• Cuttings root easily in water or moist soil, so you can make new plants for free.
• Protect it from frost. In low light the stripes fade and the stems stretch.
• The sap can irritate skin, and the plant is not meant to be eaten, so keep it away from pets and children that chew on plants.

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