The Tradescantia, also known as the Inchplant, is a favored houseplant known for its striking, colorful foliage and vigorous, trailing growth habit. Its leaves are often variegated with shades of purple, silver, and green. Understanding its specific needs allows it to thrive indoors, producing long, lush cascades of colorful vines.
Finding the Right Light and Temperature
Optimal placement for the Tradescantia involves providing bright, indirect light throughout the day. This light is necessary to maintain the plant’s vibrant variegation; insufficient light causes colors to fade and results in a “leggy” appearance. Conversely, prolonged exposure to harsh, direct afternoon sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves, causing brown or bleached patches. A location near an east or west-facing window, or several feet back from a sunny south-facing window, provides the perfect balance.
The ideal temperature range for this plant is generally between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C). Consistent indoor temperatures within this range promote steady growth and health. The plant is sensitive to sudden temperature fluctuations and cold drafts, which can cause stress or leaf drop. Therefore, it should be kept away from exterior doors, air conditioning vents, and heating elements.
Watering and Feeding Requirements
Watering the Inchplant requires maintaining a balance between moisture and drainage, preventing both drying out and oversaturation. Water the plant thoroughly only when the top one to two inches of the soil feel dry to the touch. Allowing the top layer to dry slightly before re-watering is crucial, as this prevents root rot caused by continuously soggy soil.
Allowing the plant to dry out completely can cause the leaves to wilt, shrivel, or develop crispy edges. During the active growing season (spring and summer), the Tradescantia benefits from a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer. This fertilizer should be diluted to half or quarter strength and applied about once a month to support its rapid growth. Application should be suspended during the fall and winter months when the plant enters a period of slower growth.
Essential Maintenance and Propagation
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the Tradescantia looking full and bushy, preventing the fast-growing stems from becoming sparse or “leggy.” Periodically pinching back the growing tips encourages the plant to branch out, creating a denser and more attractive form. When the plant becomes root-bound, typically every one or two years, it should be repotted into a container one size larger using a fresh, well-draining potting mix.
The plant’s segmented stems make it one of the easiest houseplants to propagate, allowing for renewal or sharing. Simple stem cuttings, approximately four to six inches long, can be taken just below a leaf node. These cuttings root rapidly when placed in a glass of water, or they can be inserted directly into moist potting soil. Once new roots have developed to about two inches in length, cuttings rooted in water can be transferred to soil to establish new, full plants.
Diagnosing Common Plant Problems
Light and Water Issues
When leaf color begins to fade or the vibrant variegation diminishes, the issue is insufficient light exposure. Moving the plant to a location with brighter, indirect light will restore the intensity of the purple, silver, or pink hues. A more serious issue is the development of limp, mushy stems or a sour smell from the soil, which indicates root rot resulting from overwatering. In this case, the plant needs to be allowed to dry out significantly, and sometimes requires repotting into fresh, drier soil. Crispy, brown leaf edges are a sign of low humidity or severe underwatering, which can be remedied by increasing the frequency of watering or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water.
Pests
Houseplant pests, such as spider mites and aphids, can infest the foliage, often appearing as tiny webs or small clusters on the undersides of leaves. These pests can be managed by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or treating the plant with a mild horticultural oil, like neem oil.