Inch Plant

Tradescantia fluminensisAlso known as: Wandering Dude, Small-Leaf Spiderwort, River Spiderwort

The Inch Plant is a vigorous trailing plant with small, oval, glossy green leaves that grows about an inch per week. Native to South America, it's available in solid green and variegated forms with white or pink stripes. This fast-growing, forgiving plant is perfect for beginners and creates lush cascading displays in hanging baskets or as groundcover.

Easy Care

Medium Light

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Medium Light

Temperature Range
50-85°F (10-29°C)

Ideal Temp
70°F (21°C)

Toxic to Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets, or consider pet-safe alternatives. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 5-7 days, keep soil lightly moist
Summer	Every 4-5 days
Fall	Every 7 days
Winter	Every 7-10 days

Tolerates inconsistent watering but prefers even moisture. More forgiving than some Tradescantia species.

Misting Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Weekly
Summer	1-2 times per week
Fall	Weekly
Winter	Weekly

Appreciates humidity but tolerates average home humidity well.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 2-3 weeks with balanced liquid fertilizer
Summer	Every 2-3 weeks
Fall	Monthly
Winter	No fertilizing

Half-strength fertilizer works well. Variegated forms need regular feeding for best colors.

Pruning

Frequency: Regularly to maintain fullness

Best Season: Any time

Pinch back regularly for bushy growth. Cut back hard if plant becomes sparse. Root cuttings to refresh plant.

Repotting

Frequency: Annually or when rootbound

Best Season: Spring

Use standard potting mix. Often easier to take cuttings and start fresh than to maintain old plant.

Flowering

Season
Spring and summer

Color
Small white three-petaled flowers

Dainty white flowers appear occasionally. Primarily grown for its attractive trailing foliage.

Propagation Methods

Stem cuttings in water - root within a week
Direct planting in moist soil
Tip cuttings root easily

Common Problems

Leggy growth: Normal with age - pinch back or start fresh with cuttings
Pale or fading variegation: Insufficient light
Brown leaf tips: Low humidity or underwatering
Sparse growth: Too little light or old age

Pro Tips

Extremely easy to propagate - share with friends
Perfect for hanging baskets or trailing from shelves
Refresh leggy plants by rooting cuttings
Can become invasive outdoors in mild climates

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