Houseplantdex
Silver inch plant (Tradescantia zebrina)

Silver inch plant

Tradescantia zebrina Bosse · Commelinaceae

Toxic to pets Also known as Wandering dude, Zebra plant, Inch plant

Pet safety

Toxic to pets. Toxic to cats. Toxic to dogs.

Clinical signs: Excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting; contact dermatitis from sap.

Source: Multiple authorities .

Care

  • LightMedium / part shade – Bright indirect
  • WaterLet the top inch dry
  • HumidityAverage household
  • Temperature13°C – 27°C · 55°F – 81°F
  • DifficultyEasy
  • SoilStandard potting mix
  • FertilizingLightly, growing season only

Size & habit

  • Mature height (indoor) 15–25 cm
  • Habit TrailingVining
  • Growth rateFast

Common problems

  • Root rot
  • Aphids
  • Mealybugs
  • Scale
  • Spider mites

Propagation

  • Stem cutting
  • Water propagation

Sources

  • Taxonomy GBIF #2765359
  • Toxicity Multiple authorities
  • Supporting sources
    • ASPCA — Tradescantia fluminensis (sibling species, same genus): Toxic to dogs, cats, horses — dermatitis (Same Tradescantia genus and same documented mechanism (calcium oxalate / sap dermatitis).)
  • Care references Cross-checked — see methodology.