Houseplants
Inch Plant
Tradescantia zebrina
Purple-striped vines that grow almost embarrassingly fast and root from any snipped stem.
- Typical watering
- Every ~7 days
- Light
- bright indirect
- Difficulty
- easy
- Safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
Care tips
- Water when the top 2-3 cm dries; crispy stems mean you waited too long
- Bright light keeps the purple saturated
- Pinch often and poke cuttings back into the pot for fullness
- Replace leggy plants yearly from cuttings - they age fast
Common questions
How often should I water an inch plant? +
A healthy indoor inch plant typically wants water every 7 days or so. Treat that as a starting cadence, not a rule — pot size, light, and season all shift it, so check the soil before you pour.
How much light does an inch plant need? +
An inch plant does best in bright indirect light. If it stretches, fades, or stalls, adjust its spot before changing anything else.
Is an inch plant toxic to cats or dogs? +
Yes — the inch plant is considered toxic to cats and dogs (per the ASPCA plant lists). Keep it out of reach, and call your vet if you suspect a pet has chewed it.
Typical guidance for a healthy inch plant — your own conditions (and your vet, for animals) come first.
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