- Low Maintenance, Fast Growing, Variegated Foliage, Air Purifier, Flowering
- Bright Indirect Light
- Mature Height 1 Foot
- Water Needs - Consistently Moist
The Tradescantia zebrina Wandering Dude is easy to grow and fun to admire. This Tradescantia or Wandering Dude is also known as an Inch Plant, Zebra Plant, and Silver Inch Plant. Lanceolate leaves grow on reaching stems and gently curl. Silvery-white stripes alternate with purplish-green, giving the foliage a stunning and symmetrical look. The underside of each leaf is a consistent magenta, while the stems are a mottled combination of green and magenta.
Best Locations For Growing Tradescantia Zebrina Wandering Dude
Tradescantias are trailing plants and an excellent option for a hanging basket or a tall plant stand, where the stems can cascade. The Tradescantia Zebrina responds to its environment and will thrive in a sunny spot with average to above-average humidity.
All Tradescantia varieties are toxic to humans and animals. Keep the Zebrina Wandering Dude away from little ones and pets.
Tradescantia Zebrina Wandering Dude Sunlight Requirements
Bright indirect light is vital to draw out the variegation of the Zebrina Wandering Dude. The silvery-white accents almost sparkle in bright sunlight, and the plant will have a dense, leafy appearance. The plant can live near a window facing south, but set it a few feet back or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light. Direct sunlight from a south-facing window can burn the delicate leaves. The Zebrina Wandering Dude Tradescantia can be close to a west-facing window.
Anything less than bright, indirect sunlight will not serve the plant. When the light is insufficient, tradescantias are prone to becoming straggly or leggy.
Tradescantia Zebrina Wandering Dude Care
Prune bare or leggy stems to maintain a full and rounded appearance. You can propagate the cuttings and repot them with the main plant for a dense look. Pinch new growth, especially on the ends of stems, to encourage branching. Tradescantias have a shallow root system, so they rarely become root-bound but repot every other year to refresh the potting soil. Use a potting mix that is rich, moist, and well-drained.
Watering Tradescantia Zebrina Wandering Dude
Water your Zebrina Wandering Dude when the top couple of inches of soil are dry. The plant will need water roughly every 7 to 10 days. Plants in bright, warm windows may need water more often, while plants in increased humidity may need water less often. Feel the soil to determine when the plant needs water. Scale back your watering frequency when the plant stops growing in the fall and winter.
The Zebrina Wandering Dude will thrive in increased humidity, although this plant can live in average humidity. Avoid low humidity, which will cause the foliage to dry out.
Feeding Tradescantia Zebrina Wandering Dude
Feed the Zebrina Wandering Dude with a high-nitrogen fertilizer in an NPK ratio similar to 3-1-2. The extra nitrogen encourages leaf growth, but you can also use a balanced fertilizer. Consider a water-soluble product that is easy to use and can be applied during a routine watering session. Fertilize the plant every four weeks when it is actively growing.
Tradescantia Zebrina Wandering Dude Information
Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light |
Mature Height: 1 Foot |
Mature Spread: 1 - 2 Feet |
Habit: Spreading, Trailing |
Flower Color(s): None |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Purple, Silvery White |
Watering: Consistently Moist |
Features: Low Maintenance, Fast Growing, Variegated Foliage, Air Purifier, Flowering |
Common Name: Zebrina Wandering Dude Tradescantia |
Other Name(s): Inch Plant, Zebra Plant, Silver Inch Plant |
Scientific Name: Tradescantia zebrina 'Wandering Dude' |
- SKU:
- TRADESCANTIA_ZEBRINA
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

2" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 2-6 months
Plant Size:
~ 2"-4"
Pot Size:
~ 1.9"H x 2"W
Volume:
~0.12–0.15 quarts

3" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 3-6 months
Plant Size:
~ 2"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 2.5"H x 3"W
Volume:
~ 0.3 quarts

4" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 5"-10"
Pot Size:
~ 3.5"H x 4"W
Volume:
~ 0.75 quarts

6" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 6-12 months
Plant Size:
~ 8"-16
Pot Size:
~ 5"H x 6"W
Volume:
~ 1.5 quarts

8" Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1-2 years
Plant Size:
~ 12"-24"
Pot Size:
~ 6"H x 8"W
Volume:
~ 3 quarts

10 Pot
Plant Age:
~ 2-3 years
Plant Size:
~ 16"-36"
Pot Size:
~ 7.25"H x 10"W
Volume:
~ 4.5–5 quarts

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