Tradescantia zebrina

The Tradescantia zebrina, commonly known as Wandering Jew or Inch Plant, is a fast-growing trailing plant from the Commelinaceae family. Native to Mexico and Central America, this species thrives in humid forest floors where it spreads quickly under the canopy. It's perfect for beginners who want impressive results with minimal effort. Fun fact: the plant can root from almost any stem cutting placed in water, making it one of the easiest plants to propagate and share with friends.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This plant has a trailing growth habit that makes it ideal for hanging baskets or cascading over shelves. The leaves are oval-shaped with a pointed tip, typically 2-3 inches long. Each leaf displays stunning purple undersides with silvery-green stripes on top, creating a two-toned effect. The foliage has a smooth, slightly succulent texture that feels cool to the touch.
FLOWER DETAILS
Small three-petaled flowers appear in shades of pink to light purple, each bloom measuring about half an inch across. The flowers have a delicate papery texture and no noticeable fragrance. While the blooms are charming, they're not the main attraction. The plant flowers sporadically throughout the growing season, usually spring through fall. To encourage more blooms, provide bright indirect light and maintain consistent watering during warmer months.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS

🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for best colour; tolerates lower light but colours fade. Needs 4-6 hours of filtered light daily
💧 Water: Water when top inch of soil feels dry, about once weekly in summer, every 10-14 days in winter. Bottom watering works well to avoid crown rot
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 40-60% humidity but adapts to average home conditions
🪴 Soil: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand added for extra drainage
🏺 Potting: Shallow pots 4-6 inches wide with drainage holes; plastic or ceramic both work fine. Repot every 1-2 years or when roots emerge from drainage holes
🌱 Growth rate: Very fast, growing 6-12 inches in 6 months, up to 24 inches in a year. Mature vines can reach 6 feet long if left unpruned
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Monthly during spring and summer with diluted liquid fertilizer at half strength. Stop feeding in fall and winter
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing vomiting, drooling, and skin irritation from sap contact

WHERE TO PUT IT
This plant shines in hanging planters near east or west-facing windows, on high shelves in living rooms, or bathroom counters where it can trail down. It works well in bedrooms with adequate light and adds colour to home offices. Avoid placing it in dark corners, near heating vents, or in rooms with no natural light, as the vibrant leaf colours will fade and growth will become leggy.