Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude) Tradescantia zebrina
Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude) (Tradescantia zebrina) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Commelinaceae family, native to Mexico to Colombia. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 50 cm–1.5 m (20 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Commelinaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1.5 m (20 in–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 26–52 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mexico to Colombia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
| Invasive in | Australia, South Africa, the Galápagos, Pacific islands: check local rules before planting |
Is Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: sap
The sap causes itchy skin rashes in some people and pets (contact dermatitis).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude)
- How far apart should I plant Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1.5 m (20 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude) flower?
- About 26–52 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The sap causes itchy skin rashes in some people and pets (contact dermatitis).
- What grows well with Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Inch plant (silver inch plant, wandering dude). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- Trailing stems of pointed leaves striped silver and purple-green above and purple below, with small pink three-petalled flowers. Every broken piece roots, which makes it an easy houseplant and a weed that carpets forest floors in warm countries.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Moses-in-the-cradle (oyster plant) Tradescantia spathacea
- Ohio spiderwort Tradescantia ohiensis
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Hosta Hosta spp.
- Lamb's ear Stachys byzantina
- Stonecrop (sedum) Hylotelephium spectabile
- Sweet woodruff Galium odoratum
- Lady's mantle Alchemilla mollis