Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
8 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun
Zones
9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Central America
Toxicity
Toxic to pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Tradescantia zebrina, commonly known as Zebrina or Wandering Jew, is a perennial plant with distinct trailing stems and vibrant green leaves adorned with silver stripes and purple undersides. Notable for its striking foliage, it is often used as a ground cover or in hanging baskets, providing year-round interest with its colorful leaves.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck cuttings into moist soil in spring for root development.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during propagation.
- Plant in well-draining soil with partial sun for best growth.
- Water consistently but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
- Fertilize monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season.
- Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth and remove dead leaves.
Pro Tip
Use stem cuttings for quick propagation; keep soil moist and provide bright indirect light.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch 🌱
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight for vibrant foliage
- Pinch back stems to promote bushiness
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not place in direct harsh sunlight, which can scorch leaves
- Refrain from neglecting pruning to maintain plant shape
- Avoid poor drainage soils that retain excess moisture
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Inch Plant questions
What zones can Inch Plant grow in?
Inch Plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Inch Plant deer resistant?
Yes — Inch Plant is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Inch Plant bloom?
Inch Plant typically blooms in varies through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Inch Plant need full sun?
Inch Plant does best in part shade.
More Tradescantia to compare
Sweet Kate Spiderwort
Tradescantia occidentalis 'Sweet Kate'
Virginia Spiderwort
Tradescantia virginiana
Variegated Wandering Jew
Tradescantia pallida 'Variegata'
Carmine Glow Spiderwort
Tradescantia x andersoniana 'Karminglut'
Leonora Spiderwort
Tradescantia x andersoniana 'Leonora'
Concord Grape Spiderwort
Tradescantia x andersoniana 'Concord Grape'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Inch Plant with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
