Tradescantia zebrina /zɪˈbɹiːnə/
Common name: Inchplant · Wandering dude · Silver inch plant
Tradescantia zebrina is a trailing perennial in the spiderwort family, native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. Its oval leaves are striped with silver bands above and deep purple beneath, giving the plant its zebra-like appearance. It is one of the most popular houseplants in the world because it grows quickly, roots easily from cuttings, and tolerates neglect. In warm climates it is also used as a ground cover, though it can naturalize and become invasive outdoors.
Care summary
Sun
Bright indirect light; tolerates partial shade
Water
Water when top soil dries; avoid soggy soil
Soil
Well-draining, standard potting mix
Hardiness
Zones 9–12
Mature height
About 10–15 cm (4–6 in); trails to 90 cm
Pet safe
No; sap can irritate skin and pets
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
Stem cuttings root very easily in water or moist soil. Take a 8-10 cm cutting below a node, strip the lower leaves, and pot up once roots are a few centimeters long. Pieces can also be laid directly on damp soil, where they root at the nodes.
Fun facts
- The name "inchplant" comes from its rapid growth and the way each node, spaced about an inch apart, can root and start a new plant.
- Its small flowers are pink to purple with three petals, typical of the spiderwort family.
- Leaf color shifts with light: low light produces greener leaves, while bright light intensifies the silver and purple.
- Cuttings root in plain water within days, making it one of the easiest plants to propagate.