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Overview
Tradescantia zebrina, commonly known as Wandering Jew or Inch Plant, is an ornamental houseplant appreciated for its trailing vines and striking foliage.
The leaves are elongated and lance-shaped, featuring vibrant shades of green, purple, and silver.
Each leaf has parallel stripes or bands, resembling zebra patterns, hence the specific epithet "zebrina."
As a groundcover, it spreads quickly as any node touching the ground will produce roots.
Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter is preferred.
A peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for added drainage is suitable.
Maintenance: Regular pruning to control growth and encourage bushiness is recommended.
Pinch back the growing tips to promote branching.
Additionally, remove any leggy or discolored stems to maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal.
N.B. when it gets out of control the temptation is to just pull it out, but the stems break easily at the nodes, leaving any roots intact for it to sprout again. Best way is to use Glyphosate (Zero).
Diseases: Common pests include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.
Additionally, overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering may cause wilting and leaf drop.
Proper watering practices and regular inspection for pests are essential for maintaining plant health.
Invasiveness: Tradescantia zebrina can become invasive in certain climates, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where it can escape cultivation and spread aggressively. Therefore, it's essential to monitor its growth and prevent it from invading natural habitats.
Toxicity: The plant is considered mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. It may cause gastrointestinal discomfort such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Other Species: The genus Tradescantia includes several other species commonly grown as ornamental plants, such as Tradescantia fluminensis (Inch Plant) and Tradescantia pallida (Purple Heart
Author: Bob Saunders.