Tradescantia zebrina / Inch Plant (4 inch)

About Tradescantia zebrina (Inch Plant)

The Tradescantia zebrina is a visual standout, featuring oval leaves with a unique iridescent, zebra-like pattern. The upper surface of each leaf is decorated with two broad shimmering silver stripes against a deep green-to-purple background, while the undersides are a striking, uniform magenta-purple.

In bright light, these leaves appear to sparkle with a metallic sheen. Its common name, "Inch Plant," refers to the speed at which it grows—often appearing to grow an inch or more in a very short time—and the way its succulent stems root easily at every node. This 4-inch pot version is the perfect size for a desk, a shelf, or to be repotted into a hanging basket where its vines can gracefully trail.

How to Care for Tradescantia zebrina

Sun/Location: This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. High light levels are essential to maintain the vivid purple and silver coloration; in low light, the colors will fade to a dull green and the stems will become "leggy." It can handle some direct morning sun, but avoid harsh afternoon rays which can scorch the delicate foliage.

Soil/Pot: Use a well-draining, fertile potting mix. A blend of standard potting soil with a bit of perlite or coarse sand works perfectly to ensure the roots stay aerated. Since this is a trailing plant, it looks its best in hanging baskets or elevated containers where the vines have room to cascade downward.

Watering: The Inch Plant prefers to stay consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It is more tolerant of moist soil than most succulents, but it is still susceptible to root rot if left in standing water. During the dry winter months, it appreciates an occasional misting to boost humidity levels around its leaves.

Propagation: One of the most rewarding parts of owning an Inch Plant is how easily it propagates. Simply snip a 3-4 inch stem cutting just below a leaf node (the bump where a leaf grows). You can place the cutting directly into a glass of water or moist soil. Within 1–2 weeks, you will see new roots forming, allowing you to easily fill out your pot or share with friends!

More Information

Primary Colors: Silver and Deep Green
Underside Color: Rich Magenta / Purple
Growth Habit: Trailing / Vining (Cascades up to 2 feet)
Light Needs: Bright, Indirect Light (Fuller color in better light)
Hardiness: Zones 9–11 (Grown as a houseplant elsewhere)
Special Care: Pinch back the tips regularly to encourage a bushier, fuller shape.
Product format: 4" pot
Safety Note: The sap can be a skin irritant for some; it is toxic if ingested by pets or humans.

We pack all shipments by hand. 

We have many years of experience shipping live succulents and cactus plants. We pay close attention to packing and have developed an expert shipping method. All succulents are packed and protected with polypropylene cotton (this is a stuffing used for dolls). We find this is the most effective material for protecting live plants while in transit. It is important to us that you are able to Keep going and Keep growing without any stress about the quality of the product or packaging.

Shipping Speed

In general, it takes 3 to 10 days for plants to arrive after you place your order. All orders will be shipped out 48 hours after you place them. We ship the orders on work days(from Monday to Saturday) and all year round. In normal conditions, it will take 3-10 days for you to receive the package. Estimated shipping times are offered as needed.

HOLIDAYS: During weeks in which a holiday occurs - Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, etc. - shipping may be delayed until the following week.

EXTREME WEATHER NOTICE: The Next Gardener reserves the right to hold shipments during storms or periods of extreme heat or cold. This is to ensure your plant does not suffer while it is in transit.

Winter shipping

We insist on shipping succulents to our customers all year round. However due to the extreme winter weather, although we pack succulents with as much protective material as possible, plants are still at increased risk of frost on their way to colder areas. We highly recommend adding one 72-hour heat pack to your order or you can request a hold on the package until it warms up.

Please note that The Next Gardener is not responsible for packages that suffer cold damage without a heat pack. We cannot control the weather. Order at your own risk.

Hawaii, Alaska, and Other US Territories

Fortunately, shipping is available to Alaska, Guam, and other U.S. Territories. However, due to numerous factors beyond our control, including customs checks and shipping delays, free shipping to Hawaii and Puerto Rico is not an option. And we can not provide the 14-day quality guarantee for orders going to Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The buyer will assume all risk of damage when a delivery is delayed. We appreciate your understanding.

Sorry. No International Shipping for now!!!