Inch Plant

Tradescantia zebrina

Origin: Mexico to Colombia

Houseplant
Fast growing

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

sap: contact irritant

Preparation

not applicable: this plant is not a food crop

Hazard type

contact dermatitis, mouth/stomach irritation if ingested

Hazard route

skin contact with sap, or ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Also causes contact dermatitis in humans from handling the sap. NC State Extension notes mouth and stomach irritation for both humans and pets if ingested.

Patent / trademark

not applicable

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Tradescantia fluminensis (PlotAndPetal's separate entry, commonly called 'wandering jew'), which also carries the common name 'Inch Plant'. To tell them apart: Leaf pattern: this species has distinctive silver-striped leaves; T. fluminensis has plain green leaves.. A plant labeled 'Inch Plant' at a nursery could be either species: check the scientific name or leaf pattern before assuming which guide applies.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: Specific USDA hardiness zone range not given; grown as a houseplant or, in frost-free climates, outdoors.
Water needs: moist but well-drained; allow drying between waterings
Mature size: 6-9 in tall, 1-2 ft wide; trailing and creeping herbaceous perennial, rapid growth.
Family: Commelinaceae (spiderwort family)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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