Silver inch plant - Tradescantia zebrina (Care, Characteristics, Invasive, Images)

Silver inch plant

The silver inch plant is a popular trailing plant known for its attractive foliage with zebra-like stripes of green, silver, and purple. Tradescantia zebrina is very easy to care for and can be hung or placed indoors. The plant grows fast; the creeping stems bear roots along the way, making it suitable as ground cover.

Scientific classification

Species

Silver inch plant (Tradescantia zebrina)

Spiderworts and allies

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Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Vine, Herb

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

15 cm to 22 cm

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

Green, Purple, Silver, Gray, Variegated, Red, Bronze

Leaf Color

6 mm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

Purple, Pink, White

Flower Color

Green, Gray, Silver, Purple, Brown, Pink

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Silver inch plant

Distribution of Silver inch plant

Distribution Map

The silver inch plant is native to Central America. It is also a naturalized plant in Australia, Asia, Africa, and South America, growing in disturbed areas, often along forest edges. It is cultivated as a houseplant in the United States.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Thickets in the wetland and rainforest, Lower altitudes

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Silver inch plant is valued by gardeners for the visual interest of its striped foliage, as well as its speed of growth. It is often displayed in hanging pots, as it produces long, trailing, attractive stems. This quick-growing plant can provide excellent groundcover, though vigilance is required to prevent it from becoming invasive. Good companion plants include Calathea, Orchid, and Bird's nest fern.

Symbolism

Simplicity, purity, elegance

Interesting Facts

The silver inch plant is a very common plant. You can keep small pots of it indoors to beautify the environment. Its leaves alternate with purple, green and silver. They are brilliant and unique. The general flowering time is in summer, but it depends on its growing environment, and so different places have different flowering times.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Silver inch plant, including the following common varieties :

Inch Plant Tradescantia Zebrina 'Purpusii'

Toxicity

Silver inch plant is toxic to both cats and dogs. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as an upset stomach or more severe poisoning signs like vomiting and diarrhea. Contact may also cause skin irritation. Prompt veterinary care is crucial if a pet is exposed.

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Quickly Identify Silver inch plant

Variegated ovate leaves with green, white, and gray stripes and purple undersides.

Ascending or trailing stem, purplish-green, rooting at nodes, and branching frequently.

Distinctive white flowers with purple lobes, accompanied by boat-shaped bracts.

Sessile ovate-oblong leaves, acute at tip, with sparkling appearance under bright light.

Prefers moist well-drained soil, filtered sunlight, and occasional pruning for bushy growth.

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Care Guide for Silver inch plant

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Silver inch plant thrives in high humidity and prefers consistent moisture, ideally watered weekly. It adapts well as a houseplant, known for its decorative leaves. Monitor soil moisture closely during the growing season to support its vigorous growth.

Fertilize: For silver inch plant, use a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer bi-weekly in spring and summer, then monthly in fall and winter. Dilute to half strength to prevent root burn. Always water before and after fertilizing, adjusting for seasonal needs to ensure healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Pruning: Silver inch plant features striking purple and green striped leaves and should be pruned in early to late spring. Trim leggy stems and remove dead foliage to promote bushier growth and enhance health. Use sharp, sterile scissors for clean cuts above leaf nodes to ensure vigorous new growth.

Propagation: Silver inch plant is a visually appealing, low-maintenance houseplant known for its leaf coloration. It propagates easily via cuttings; select a healthy stem, cut below a leaf node, and place in water or moist potting mix. Roots form quickly, allowing for transplantation into individual pots.

Repotting: Repot silver inch plant every 2-3 years in spring using a pot only slightly larger to encourage growth. Provide bright indirect light and consistent moisture, avoiding waterlogging, for quick recovery and healthy foliage, as this fast-grower enjoys fresh soil and space.

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Images of Silver inch plant

Distribution of Silver inch plant

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Silver inch plant

Care Guide for Silver inch plant

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