Tradescantia zebrina

Inch Plant, Wandering Dude, Silver Inch Plant, Zebra Plant

Easy careTerrestrialMildly toxic15–23 cm

A fast-growing trailing vine native to Mexico and Central America. Its leaves carry silver stripes on top with vivid purple undersides. It can tolerate a wide range of conditions and works well in both closed and open terrariums, though colours develop best under bright indirect light. Mildly toxic — the sap can cause skin irritation.

Build a terrarium with this plant
Inch Plant image

Photo by Raffi Kojian·CC BY-SA 3.0

Care

Prefers medium humidity, bright indirect light, with 13–27 °C, and reaches 23 cm at maturity.

Light

Bright indirect(preferred)Indirect light

Humidity

Medium (40–60%)(preferred)High (60–80%)

Temperature

10°C25°C40°C
13°C – 27°C

Soil

Well draining(preferred)Peat moss

Moisture

Moist(preferred)

Soil pH

6 – 7

Propagation

Take 10–15 cm stem cuttings with at least two leaf nodes. They root readily in water or moist potting mix at 21–24 °C under bright indirect light. Roots typically form within one to two weeks.

Native range

Native to Northern South America, Mexico, and Central America.

Appearance

Growth habit

TrailingCreeping

Leaf shape

Oval

Leaf texture

SmoothGlossy

Frequently asked

Can Inch Plant grow in a closed terrarium?

Inch Plant prefers medium (40–60%) humidity, which is below the level a closed terrarium typically maintains. It is better suited to an open terrarium or houseplant setup.

Does Inch Plant need drainage?

Inch Plant prefers a moist substrate. Drainage is helpful but not critical; consistent moisture matters more.

What humidity does Inch Plant need?

Inch Plant does best in medium (40–60%) humidity.

Is Inch Plant pet-safe?

Inch Plant is mildly toxic if ingested — keep out of reach of pets and children.

How tall does Inch Plant grow?

Inch Plant typically reaches 15–23 cm at maturity.

How do you propagate Inch Plant?

Inch Plant can be propagated by stem cuttings.

References

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    Bantam Earth — Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) Care Guide

    https://bantam.earth/wandering-jew-tradescantia-zebrina/
  5. 5

    Terrarium Tribe — Tradescantia zebrina Care Guide

    https://terrariumtribe.com/terrarium-plants/tradescantia-zebrina/