The Pink Inch Plant (Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Tricolor’) is a popular houseplant known for its distinctive foliage. Its trailing stems display a mix of green, white, and vibrant pink or purple hues, creating an eye-catching display.
Pink Inch Plant Care
Bright, indirect light is ideal for Pink Inch Plants, supporting their striking pink and white variegation. Place the plant near an east- or west-facing window, or a few feet from a south-facing window with filtered light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch leaves and cause the pink colors to fade, while insufficient light leads to a loss of variegation and leggy growth.
Pink Inch Plants prefer the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering leads to root rot. Water thoroughly until excess drains from the pot bottom, then allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry before watering again. Reduce watering frequency during cooler winter months when growth slows.
A well-draining potting mix prevents waterlogging for Pink Inch Plants. Amend a general-purpose indoor potting mix with perlite or sand to improve drainage. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent root issues.
Pink Inch Plants thrive in warm, stable temperatures, ideally 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 24 degrees Celsius). They appreciate average to slightly elevated humidity. Brown leaf tips indicate low humidity, which can be increased by grouping plants or occasional misting.
During spring and summer, fertilize Pink Inch Plants monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Reduce or cease fertilization during cooler, dormant months when growth slows.
Propagating Pink Inch Plant
Propagating Pink Inch Plants is straightforward using stem cuttings. Select healthy stems and cut sections approximately 4 inches (10 cm) long, ensuring each has at least one node. A node is the point on the stem where leaves emerge, and new roots develop from these.
After taking cuttings, remove leaves from the bottom inch or two of each stem, exposing the nodes. This prevents rotting if rooting in water. Place prepared stems in tepid water with submerged nodes. Roots often appear within a week; change water every few days.
Alternatively, root cuttings directly into a well-draining potting mix. Insert the stem’s cut end into the soil, ensuring at least one node is buried. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in bright, indirect light.
Common Pink Inch Plant Problems
Fading pink coloration typically occurs when Pink Inch Plants do not receive enough bright, indirect light. Move the plant to a brighter location to restore variegation. Pruning entirely green stems encourages more colorful growth.
Leggy growth, with long, stretched stems and sparse leaves, indicates insufficient light. Increase light exposure and prune elongated stems for bushier, more compact growth. Regular pinching of growing tips also encourages a denser plant.
Wilting or yellowing leaves often indicate watering issues. Yellow leaves with moist soil suggest overwatering and root rot. Curled, crispy, or yellowing leaves with dry soil suggest underwatering. Adjust the watering schedule to allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Pink Inch Plants can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regularly inspect leaves, especially undersides, to detect infestations early. Treat pests by rinsing the plant with water, using insecticidal soap, or wiping affected areas with rubbing alcohol for mealybugs.