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4.6 out of 5 (393 experiences)


About Tradescantia Zebrina
Tradescantia zebrina is an exceptionally easy plant to care for and rewards growers with delightful white and purple blossoms. Their leaves have characteristic stripes, which is where they get the name Zebrina! They are extremely easy to propagate by stem and one plant can give rise to dozens of new ones, which makes them great for sharing. 🤝 As houseplants they often trail, but will also creep along the ground if grown outdoors. Their succulent leaves make them sensitive to frost, so be sure to bring them indoors if your winter temperatures dip below freezing. ❄️
Taxonomy
Tradescantia zebrina
Tradescantia
Commelinaceae
Commelinales
Also known as
Spiderwort, Inchplant, Tradescantia pendula, Zebrina pendula, Wandering Dude, Quadricolor and discolor

How to care for Tradescantia Zebrina

How often to water your Tradescantia Zebrina

every 9
Tradescantia Zebrina needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Tradescantia Zebrina in your home

a window
Tradescantia Zebrina may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Tradescantia Zebrina in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Tradescantia Zebrina

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Tradescantia Zebrina after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Tradescantia Zebrina is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
Water Needs
Tradescantia Zebrina prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Tradescantia Zebrina may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Tradescantia Zebrina is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Humidity
Tradescantia Zebrina doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Soil
Tradescantia Zebrina does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Tradescantia Zebrina should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Dormancy
It’s common for Tradescantia Zebrina to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Native Region
Tradescantia Zebrina is native to the Americas.
Flowers
Yes, you may see your Tradescantia Zebrina bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.
Growth Pattern
Tradescantia Zebrina has long, trailing foliage which makes them a great addition to a hanging planter. The newest growth will emerge from the tip of the stems.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Tradescantia Zebrina can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a-12b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
Tradescantia Zebrina can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:
- Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
- To get the cutting to root, you can either:
- Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2” long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
- Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Tradescantia Zebrina, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
Care Summary for Tradescantia Zebrina
Tradescantia Zebrina
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 3ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say












I actually hate this plant but it feels rude to give it 5 stars just because it doesn’t spark joy. I’ll probably put it outside soon and just let it vibe out there so I don’t have to look at it anymore. Basically idiot proof though - I’ve been actively trying to kill it for months and it’s still hanging on.

