How To Make Your Plants Happy: Zebrina Care Guide

Drawing of Zebrina plant

Light

This plant needs bright, indirect light to thrive. Low light may cause the plants leaves to fade and lose their variegation. Avoid direct sun as the leaves may burn.

Water

The plant does best with evenly moist soil at all time, but not soggy. Water about once a week and you can reduce watering in winter.

Environment

Ideal temperature is about 60°F - 80°F and can also do fine in warmer temperatures. The plant does not like cold and may drop leaves if conditions drop below 50°F. Keep away from cold draft or air vents. Average household humidity is fine but the leaf tips may start to brown if the environment is too dry.

Growth

This plant can trail up to 6' long indoors. The plant is a fast grower and grows best in warmer weather. It does not need much fertilizer, if any. You can feed the plant once a month spring & summer with a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

Repotting

Repot this plant once a year when the roots are pot-bound to a pot size that is 1" larger. Use a well-draining soil and a pot that has drainage holes. Repot in early spring before the growing season.

Propagating

The Zebrina is very easy to propagate. Cut at least 1" of stem from the plant and place it directly into new potting mix, no rooting hormone necessary. Water regularly and your plant will be fully rooted within a few weeks.

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and maybe cause digestive irritation if ingested.

Photo of the Zebrina plant on a stool

About the Zebrina

Botanical Name: Tradescantia zebrina

Nicknames: Zebrina, Wandering Jew, Spiderwort, Inch Plant, Flowering Inch Plant, Purple Queen

The Zebrina plant has been a very popular houseplant for a lot longer than most other houseplants. The leaves are a zebra-like pattern comprised of shades of green, purple, and even silver. It can survive in nearly any environment and is a great plant for beginners because of how easy it is to care for. You'll want to give it a spot in your home with more light as too dim will cause the plant to lose its variegation. It is the perfect natural air cleaner as the leaves help to remove harmful VOCs in the air and replace it with fresh, clean air.              

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