Give inch plant bright, indirect light, well-drained soil, and temperatures between 65F to 85F.

Thanks to its trailing growth habit, it makes an excellent planting inhanging baskets.

Here’s how to grow and care for inch plant.

purple and green inch plant in white pot on white background

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Inch Plant Care

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Putting the plant in an east-facing window or several feet from a west-facing or south-facing window can work well.

Avoid putting plants in direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves.

Tradescantia Zebrina with dark purple leaves in a qhite pot on top of a white fireplace.

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

Too little light can cause plants to look dull and leggy and their purple coloration to revert to green.

Soil

Plant tradescantia zebrina in a moist, well-drained potting mix.

Standard houseplant mix works well.

Water less frequently during the winter months.

Overwatering can cause root rot, which can kill the plant.

This plant thrives in high humidity but can handle average indoor temperature and humidity well.

Feed the plant when you first see new growth in spring, then every two months through summer.

Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Snip any vines that are missing leaves, growing too long, or looking leggy.

Take care not to remove more than about 25 percent of the plant’s growth at once.

you might propagate this plant by rooting cuttings in water or potting mix.

Here’s how to propagate inch plant.

double-check the pot has adequate drainage holes.

Tradescantia zebrina is a good candidate for hanging baskets.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Inch plant can fall prey to common houseplant pests likespider mitesandaphids.

Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests.

Treat infestations with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

Overly wet soil can lead to fungal issues likeroot rot.

Leaves Turning Yellow

Yellowing leaves are commonly brought on by overly wet conditions.

Check the soil moisture.

If it’s very wet, allow the plant to dry out fully before watering again.

After that, wait until the top two inches of soil have dried out to water.

Too much sunlight can create dry, brown patches on leaves.

Inch plants can thrive indoors year-round in temperate climates.

Place your inch plant in a spot with bright, indirect light.

Inch plant can grow well in average indoor humidity conditions.