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Additional Resources for growing a healthy and happy plant
Tradescantia zebrina, commonly known as Inch Plant or Wandering Dude, is a vibrant addition to any home or garden — with its bold colors, rapid growth, and just the right touch of wildness. Its trailing vines are adorned with striped leaves that shimmer in hues of purple, green, and silver, making it a stunning choice for hanging baskets, shelves, or as part of your houseplant accessories when placed in a sunny window. This resilient plant thrives in a bit of chaos and grows quickly, but for the best results, regular shaping is advisable. Pinching back the stems keeps it bushy and prevents leggy growth, plus you can use the cuttings for propagation — they root effortlessly in water or damp soil, adding to your collection of houseplants for sale.
This plant flourishes in bright, indirect light. Too little light can dull its vibrant stripes, while excessive direct sunlight may scorch its leaves. It prefers well-draining soil and should be kept lightly moist; water it when the top inch dries out. If the plant starts to look unhappy or crispy, it’s often a sign of inconsistent watering or dry indoor air, particularly in winter. Increasing humidity (even by clustering it with other plants) can help it thrive throughout the year. During the growing season, fertilize every few weeks with a diluted all-purpose plant food, but hold off during the winter when its growth slows.
Tradescantia is not overly picky about containers, but good drainage is essential — it despises sitting in water. While it can tolerate being slightly root-bound, if it dries out quickly or you notice roots emerging from the drainage holes, it’s time to repot.
Though generally easygoing, be cautious as the sap can irritate sensitive skin, and it’s mildly toxic to pets if consumed — not fatal, but definitely upsetting for their stomachs. Keep it elevated if you have curious chewers around.
If you’re looking for color, drama, and low-stress care, this plant is a true keeper. Once you have one, you’re likely to end up with several — it practically invites sharing!
For more care tips and information, including great ideas for garden accessories, visit the Resources page.
