Inch plant, Spiderwort (Tradescantia zebrina)
Inch plant is a versatile houseplant with striped leaves and small, three-petaled pink flowers. It is native to the tropical regions of Mexico and Central and South America. This plant was grown from a cutting taken from a plant in Biosphere 2’s savanna.
LIGHT: Inch plants do well in bright light. Avoid direct sunlight, however, as it may burn the leaves. The leaf coloring may fade if the plant does not get enough light.
WATERING: Water when the top inch or two of the soil begins to dry. This plant does not like soggy roots. Be sure its pot has drain openings in the bottom. You should cut back on the water during winter.
SOIL: Any well-draining potting soil will be suitable for the plant.
FERTILIZING: Inch plants can be fertilized every month during the growing season with a water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength. No fertilizer is needed in the winter.
TEMPERATURE and HUMIDITY: This plant will do well in temperatures from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It does prefer some humidity, so it will do well in a bathroom or kitchen. You may also place a small humidifier near it or mist it regularly with water. Browning leaves may indicate that it is not getting enough humidity.
PRUNING: Little pruning should be necessary. You can cut branches back if they become to sprawling.
REPOTTING: When the plant has filled up the pot with roots and does not appear to be growing anymore, it can be repotted in a slightly larger pot (1-2 inches larger). Just remove it from the old pot and repot it in a new pot with new potting soil.
SIZE AT MATURITY: 6-12 inches tall, 24-36 inches wide.
TOXICITY: Inch plant is mildly toxic to humans and animals, causing stomach and mouth irritation. The leaf sap can cause mild skin irritation, so it should be washed off after contact. The plant can become invasive if allowed to grow outside in warm regions.