Zebrina
Family (Latin): Commelinaceae
The Wandering Silver-striped Beauty
A brief introduction
Zebrina (Tradescantia zebrina), also known as Wandering Jew or Inchplant, is a fast-growing, trailing plant admired for its striking foliage. Its leaves display vibrant stripes of green, purple, and silver, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets and decorative planters. Native to Central and South America, it thrives as an indoor plant but can also be grown outdoors in warm climates.
Popular varieties
Tradescantia zebrina ~ The classic variety with purple, green, and silver-striped leaves.
Tradescantia fluminensis ~ Features smaller, solid-green leaves and is ideal for shaded environments.
~ Symbolic meaning ~
The Inchplant symbolizes resilience and versatility due to its ability to grow in various conditions. It is also associated with creativity and vitality.
Plant care
Soil
Inchplants thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich potting soil. Adding a bit of perlite or sand helps improve drainage.
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light to maintain vibrant leaf colors. It can tolerate lower light but may lose its characteristic markings in dim conditions.
Watering
Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can cause root rot. Zebrina prefers moderate to high humidity. Misting or placing near a humidifier can help in dry conditions.
Care
Best kept in temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F). Protect from frost. Pruning: Trim leggy stems to encourage bushy growth and remove dead or discolored leaves. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Air purifying properties: Yes
Toxic to pets: Yes
Care difficulty: Easy
Did you know?
The Inchplant gets its name from its rapid growth—it can grow an "inch" in just a few days under optimal conditions. It's also easy to propagate by cutting and rooting its stems, making it a great plant to share with others.