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Tradescantia /ˌtɹædɪˈskæntiə/

Common name: Spiderwort · Inch plant · Wandering dude

Tradescantia is a genus of fast-growing, trailing herbaceous plants native to the Americas. Many species have striped or purple-tinged foliage and snap easily at the stem joints, rooting wherever a piece touches soil. They are among the easiest houseplants to propagate from cuttings.

Fun facts

  • Cuttings root in water in just a few days.
  • The common name 'inch plant' refers to the inch-long gaps between leaf nodes.
  • Purple, silver-striped, and pink cultivars are common houseplants.
  • Flowers typically have three petals and open one at a time along the stems.

Care summary

Sun Bright indirect light for best color
Water Keep evenly moist; don't waterlog
Soil Standard, well-draining potting mix
Hardiness Zones 9–12
Mature height Trailing stems up to 60 cm (2 ft)
Pet safe Mildly toxic; sap may irritate skin

Common problems

    • Pinch stem tips regularly to branch
    • Move plant to brighter light
    • Cut back hard and restart cuttings
    • Let top inch of soil dry
    • Repot into free-draining mix
    • Use pots with drainage holes
    • Rinse aphids off with water
    • Spray with diluted insecticidal soap
    • Isolate infested plants immediately
    • Relocate to brighter indirect light
    • Remove fully green reverted stems