How to take care inch plant is a question many beginners ask because this plant looks beautiful and grows very fast. Inch plant, also called Tradescantia zebrina, is loved for its purple and green striped leaves that look amazing in hanging pots or balconies. With little care in water, sunlight, and soil, this plant becomes healthy and full of life.
I have been growing plants for many years, and inch plant is one of the easiest plants I ever kept. I still remember when a friend gave me a small cutting. At first, I thought it would not grow, but within a few weeks, it started spreading. Today, my balcony corner is full of purple-green inch plants in hanging baskets. In this post, I will share my full experience and all the steps I follow to take care of inch plant.
IN THIS ARTICLE
About Inch Plant
The inch plant is a fast-growing trailing plant. It belongs to the spiderwort family and is mainly grown for its colorful leaves. The upper part of the leaves has green and silver stripes, while the bottom is dark purple. This contrast makes the plant stand out.
In my experience, this is a perfect plant for beginners. Even if you forget to water for a few days, it adjusts and grows back quickly.
| Plant Name | Inch Plant / Tradescantia zebrina |
| Type | Trailing ornamental plant |
| Best For | Hanging baskets, balconies, garden edges |
| Growth Speed | Fast |
| Special Feature | Purple and green striped leaves |
Quick Care Tips – How to Take Care Inch Plant
- Keep the soil slightly moist, never waterlogged.
- Best place is bright indirect sunlight.
- Use loose soil with compost and sand/perlite.
- Plant grows best in warm, humid weather.
- Trim regularly to make it look bushy.
- Fertilize once in 3–4 weeks during growing season.
- Very easy to propagate from cuttings in soil or water.
Watering the Inch Plant
When I first got this plant, I made the mistake of watering it daily. Within a week, the leaves started turning yellow, and I realized the roots were rotting. From that time, I learned that inch plant does not like too much water.
Now my simple rule is:
- Water only when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry.
- In summer, I water 2 times a week.
- In winter, I water once a week.
- Always keep the pot with proper drainage holes.
This method has worked perfectly for me, and my inch plant stays healthy.
Best Soil for Inch Plant
Good soil is the key to a healthy inch plant. At first, I tried planting in normal garden soil, but the plant did not grow much. Later, I prepared a mix myself, and the result was amazing.
My personal soil mix:
- 40% garden soil
- 40% compost or coco peat
- 20% sand or perlite
This mix keeps the soil airy, drains extra water, and gives enough nutrition for growth.
Sunlight Requirement
Light plays a very big role in inch plant care. Once, I kept my plant in a corner with very low light. The leaves lost their bright colors and became thin and leggy. After shifting the pot to a balcony with morning sunlight, the colors returned, and the plant started growing thick.
- Best light: Bright, indirect sunlight.
- Indoors: Keep near an east or north-facing window.
- Avoid too much harsh sunlight, as it burns the leaves.
- In low light, the plant will survive but look dull.
Humidity and Temperature
In my city, this plant grows fastest during monsoon, because of the natural humidity. During winter, the air becomes dry, and the plant slows down.
- Ideal temperature: 18°C – 28°C
- Cannot tolerate very cold weather (below 10°C)
- Mist the leaves once in a while if the air is too dry
- Keep away from strong AC or heater air
With little humidity care, this plant will remain fresh and colorful.
Fertilizing the Inch Plant
I do not use chemical fertilizers for my inch plant. Instead, I use homemade compost tea or vermicompost, and the plant responds beautifully.
- Fertilize once every 3–4 weeks in spring and summer.
- Avoid overfertilizing, as it may damage the roots.
- In winter, stop fertilizing because the plant grows slowly.
This routine gives my plant shiny purple leaves and thick growth.
How I Propagate Inch Plant
Propagation of inch plant is the most fun part for me. With just one small cutting, I have grown 4–5 new pots.
Steps I follow:
- Cut a 4–6 inch healthy stem.
- Remove the lower leaves.
- Put the cutting in a glass of water or directly in soil.
- Roots appear in 7–14 days.
- Transfer to a pot when roots are strong.
I personally prefer starting in water, because I enjoy watching the roots grow.
Common Problems I Faced
Like all plants, inch plant also has some problems. But all are easy to fix. Here are some I faced:
| Problem | Reason | My Solution |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering | Reduced watering and improved drainage |
| Leggy growth | Low sunlight | Shifted plant to brighter spot and pruned it |
| Dull leaf color | Lack of nutrition | Added compost tea, color improved in 2 weeks |
| Root rot | Soil too wet | Repotted in fresh, well-draining soil |
Conclusion
From my personal experience, inch plant care is very simple. If you give it proper soil, light, and little water, it grows very fast and looks beautiful. It is a perfect plant for beginners and for anyone who wants quick results. Every time I look at its purple-green shiny leaves in my balcony, it makes me feel fresh and happy. Start with a small cutting, and soon you will have a big, healthy inch plant of your own.
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