Inch plant care: watering, light and repotting
Also called tradescantia, wandering dude, silver inch plant · Tradescantia zebrina · Commelinaceae family
9 d in winter
How often to water the inch plant?
Allow about 5 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 9 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Grows fast: pinch the stems to keep it bushy, and root the pieces you cut off.
What light does it need?
The inch plant likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every year, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: Trailing stems 1–2 ft (30–60 cm).
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Long, bare stems
Cause: Not enough light or an old plant. What to do: Trim it and replant the cuttings in the same pot.
Dull colours
Cause: Not enough light. What to do: Give it bright light.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the inch plant?
About every 5 days in spring and summer, and every 9 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the inch plant?
The inch plant likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the inch plant?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the inch plant?
Every year, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the inch plant safe?
The inch plant is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the inch plant forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.