Plant Passport
Inch Plant
Tradescantia zebrina
LightBright
Water7-10d
PetCheck
PP TRAD ESCA NTIA
Issued 2026 · Valid while cared for
Inch Plant
Vaderplant
Tradescantia zebrina
Also known as Zebrina pendula
“Give me a trim and I come back twice as full.”
trailingcolorful foliagefast growinghanging plantbright indirect
- Light
- Medium light
- Water
- Let dry between waterings
- Pet safety
- Mildly toxic
- This month
- Finish the strongest growth flush with one more light feed. Review support or pruning needs for the trailing shape before tired leaves hide pests Cue: Trailing purple stems with silver-striped leaves and v.
August care tip
Finish the strongest growth flush with one more light feed. Review support or pruning needs for the trailing shape before tired leaves hide pests Cue: Trailing purple stems with silver-striped leaves and v.
Quick Care Summary
- Light
- Medium light
- Water
- Let dry between waterings
- Placement
- Best in bright indirect light that keeps purple striping vivid; outside in the Netherlands, harden it off and protect it from cold nights.
- Temperature
- 12–30°C
- Humidity
- moderate
Free printable Plant Passport card
Print, cut, and place this Inch Plant card in the pot. Add the physical card if you want the finished version.
Printable card preview
Compare the simple formats before you download the free card or add a finished card above.
Plant Passport
Inch Plant
LightBright
Water7-10d
Botanical stake card
- Format
- 150 x 25mm
- Best for
- Slim plant stakes and gift pots
Use the card section above when you are ready to download or add a printed card.
Protect the printed card
Waterproof badge holders keep the free printable card readable through every watering.
View holders →Detailed Care Guide
Watering Method
Water deeply, let the pot drain, then wait until the mix has dried clearly before the next round.
Soil Mix
standard indoor mix with drainage, refreshed often with rooted cuttings
Repotting
Repot or refresh the top layer in spring when roots are active.
Pruning
Prune lightly during active growth and remove damaged leaves promptly.
Pot Preference
Use a pot with drainage; choose weight and size to match the plant's top growth.
Fertilizing
Feed lightly from March to September; skip fertilizer in winter or during cool rest.
Draft Sensitivity
Keep above 12 C and away from sharp cold draughts.
Sources consulted
- powo.science.kew.org
- www.aspca.org
- www.rhs.org.uk
Room Placement
Window Direction
East or west filtered light, or a bright spot set back from south glass.
Best Room
bright indirect light that keeps purple striping vivid
Monthly Care Calendar
Aug (now)
Finish the strongest growth flush with one more light feed. Review support or pruning needs for the trailing shape before tired leaves hide pests Cue: Trailing purple stems with silver-striped leaves and v.
Sep
Start reducing fertilizer and stretch watering as nights cool. Move Inch Plant closer to bright filtered light before autumn light drops Cue: Trailing purple stems with silver-striped leaves and v.
Oct
Stop feeding and prepare for heating season. Keep temperature steady and avoid cold drafts Cue: Trailing purple stems with silver-striped leaves and v.
Nov
Winter risk check: test soil before watering, inspect trailing purple stems with silver-striped leaves and vivid purple unders, and keep the pot draining freely while growth slows Cue: Trailing purple stems with silver-striped leaves and v.
Watering Schedule
- Summer
- Every 8 days
- Winter
- Every 18 days
Feel well into the mix; water only when it has dried clearly.
Common Problems
Propagation
stem cuttings in soileasyspring
Propagate during active growth, keep the material warm and lightly moist, and wait for new growth before potting on.
Pests & Diseases
Spider mites
Early signs
Fine speckling, sticky residue or webbing on stressed new growth.
Treatment
Rinse or wipe leaves, isolate the plant and repeat treatment weekly until clear.
Mealybugs
Early signs
Cottony clusters, scale-like bumps or sour smell near the crown and leaf joints.
Treatment
Remove visible pests, improve airflow and check roots if the problem returns.
Buying Tips
Choose Inch Plant with clean growth, firm stems and no pests in the leaf joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fun Facts
It roots so easily that trimming and replanting tips is the normal way to keep a pot full rather than sparse.
Origin & Natural Habitat
Native from Mexico through Central America, where fast trailing stems root readily at nodes.
Plants with similar care
Want cards for more plants?
Move from one free card to a ready-to-use set.