Tradescantia zebrina
Tradescantia zebrina
Wandering Dude
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Taxonomy
Family Commelinaceae · Genus Tradescantia
Description
A lively trailing houseplant with purple-and-silver striped leaves, Tradescantia zebrina grows fast, shines in bright light, and forgives the occasional care slip.
Common Names
Wandering DudeInch PlantWandering JewZebra Plant (Tradescantia)Striped Spiderwort
Context
nativeRegion
Mexico to Central America (southern Mexico through Guatemala and Belize).
usdaZones
9–12
companionPlants
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), Philodendron hederaceum, Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), Peperomia, Coleus, Ferns
culturalUses
Widely grown as an ornamental for hanging baskets and mixed planters; colorful groundcover in frost-free areas (can be weedy or invasive in some regions).
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light for best color; tolerates medium light but variegation fades. Gentle morning sun is fine; avoid harsh midday sun.
WateringWater when the top 1 in (2–3 cm) of soil is dry. Keep evenly moist in spring-summer; reduce in winter. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
SoilLoose, airy, well-draining mix (e.g., 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite, 1 part bark or coco coir). Slightly acidic to neutral pH.
FertilizerFeed every 2–4 weeks in spring-summer with a balanced liquid (e.g., 10-10-10) at 1/4–1/2 strength; reduce or pause in fall-winter.
HumidityPrefers 40–60%+. Use a pebble tray or humidifier if leaf tips brown; occasional misting is optional.
TemperatureIdeal 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates down to ~60°F (16°C). Protect from drafts; avoid below 50°F (10°C).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitTrailing, creeping herbaceous perennial.
Mature Size6–12 in (15–30 cm) tall; trailing stems 2–4 ft (60–120 cm) or more.
Growth RateFast
BloomingSmall pink-purple, three-petaled flowers sporadically, mainly in bright conditions spring to summer.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in winter or low light.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings in water, Stem cuttings in soil, Division, Tip layering
DifficultyVery easy
Best SeasonSpring to early summer; indoors any time with warmth and bright light.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPinch or trim tips regularly to keep bushy; cut back hard to rejuvenate leggy stems; replant cuttings to fill bare spots.
RepottingRepot every 12–18 months or when rootbound; refresh soil and upsize 1–2 in. Best in spring.
Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and thrips. Overwatering causes root rot; low humidity can brown leaf tips; strong sun may scorch leaves.
ToxicitySap may irritate skin. Mildly toxic to pets if chewed or ingested, causing mouth/skin irritation and possible vomiting.