Inch Plant Tradescantia zebrina 'Quadricolor' (v)

Water

The Inch Plant should be watered regularly, enough to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Generally, this equates to approximately once a week, but this can vary based on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. It's best to water the plant thoroughly until excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot—this might be around 8-16 ounces for smaller pots or up to a gallon for larger pots, depending on the size of the pot and the plant. Always adjust the frequency and amount based on the plant's response and the dampness of the soil.

Light

Inch Plants thrive in bright, indirect light. The perfect spot would be near a window with a sheer curtain providing a buffer against direct sunlight, especially during the harsh midday sun which can bleach the leaves. They can tolerate some direct sun, especially in the morning or late afternoon, but excessive exposure can damage the foliage.

Temperature

Inch Plants prefer warm temperatures between 65°F to 80°F for ideal growth. They can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F but shouldn't be exposed to temperatures below this as it can cause cold damage to the plant. It's important to keep the plant away from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations for it to thrive.

Pruning

Pruning Inch Plants is beneficial for maintaining a bushy and full appearance and should be done as needed to remove any leggy or dead growth. The best time to prune is in the spring or early summer, which encourages new growth and allows the plant to recover quickly. Pinching back the tips can also help to stimulate more lush growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Wandering Jew 'Quadricolor' thrives in a well-draining, peaty soil mixture with an addition of perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration. A pH ranging between 6.0 and 7.0 is suitable for this plant. It's important to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.

Repotting

Wandering Jew 'Quadricolor' should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a container that is slightly larger than the current one with adequate drainage to accommodate growth.

Humidity & Misting

Wandering Jew 'Quadricolor' prefers high humidity levels, ideally around 40-60%. If indoor air is dry, consider using a humidifier or placing a water tray near the plant to maintain optimal humidity conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade; protect from intense afternoon sun.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Tradescantia zebrina 'Quadricolor', commonly referred to as Wandering Jew or Inch Plant, begins with seed germination, where warmth, light, and moisture trigger the emergence of new seedlings. As they grow, these seedlings develop into juvenile plants showcasing variegated leaves with stripes of green, silver, white, and pink, depending on light exposure. In the vegetative stage, Wandering Jew plants spread quickly, sending out long, trailing stems that can easily root when they come into contact with soil. These plants may produce small, inconspicuous, three-petaled flowers, marking the reproductive stage, although flowering is infrequent in indoor conditions. If allowed to naturally propagate, stem fragments or cuttings will root and grow into new plants, exhibiting vegetative reproduction which is common for this species. The life cycle is completed when the plant eventually ages and dies back, which can take many years as long as environmental conditions are favorable and the plant is well-cared for.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Tradescantia zebrina 'Quadricolor', commonly known as Inch Plant or Wandering Jew, is through stem cuttings. Typically, the best time to propagate is during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To do this, cut a 4 to 6 inch (about 10 to 15 centimeters) section of stem from a healthy plant, making sure it has at least one node (the point on the stem where leaves are attached). Remove the leaves from the bottom inch (2.54 centimeters) of the cutting. Then, place the cutting in a glass of water or directly into moist soil. If using water, once roots develop to a length of about an inch (2.54 centimeters), the cutting can be transplanted into soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and in a matter of weeks, the cutting will establish a root system and begin to grow as a new plant.