Tradescantia Zebrina, Inchplant, Zebrina
A popular houseplant, the Tradescantia Zebrina makes for an excellent terrarium plant too. Sometimes referred to as the inchplant. The Zebrina’s leaf is striped with silver and deep purple hues, adding a splash of color to any space. These easy-to-grow plants are vines, so provide something for them to climb on like a trellis or totem. Tradescantia Zebrina plants are fast growers, so you’ll need to repot them every year or so or trim them regularly to keep them compact. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and provide bright, indirect sunlight.
Plant Family: Commelinaceae
Common Names: The common names for Tradescantia Zebrina are Inchplant and Zebrina.
Origin: The origin of Tradescantia Zebrina is the tropical Americas.
Flowering: Yes, the Tradescantia Zebrina will flower. The flowers are small and purple in color.
Height and Growth: The height and growth rate of the Tradescantia Zebrina can vary depending on the growing conditions. In general, these plants are fast growers and will reach a height of around 6-8 feet when grown in the right conditions. Trim regularly to keep them compact.
How to grow and care for Tradescantia Zebrina:
Ideal Lighting Conditions: Bright indirect light
Ideal Temperature Conditions: 50-75°F (10-24°C)
Ideal Watering Conditions: Regular watering and moisture
Ideal Humidity Conditions: 50% to 80%
Growing Medium: The soil and growing medium requirements for growing Tradescantia Zebrina in terrariums are similar to those for growing them in other environments. Zebrinas do well in soils that are rich in organic matter and
Soil pH: The soil pH for Tradescantia Zebrina should be around 6.5-7.0. This will provide the optimal conditions for the plant to grow and thrive.
Growing Tradescantia Zebrina in terrariums:
Zebrinas do well in sealed and open terrariums as they can handle medium to high moisture. To grow well, these plants do need good indirect lighting. Zebrinas can grow quickly in the right conditions. If you have a sealed terrarium, you may need to open it up for ventilation every few months and trim the plant if it is getting too big for the space.
Caring for Tradescantia Zebrina:
As with all plants, be sure to check the moisture levels in the soil before watering and only water when necessary. Allow the soil to dry out in between waterings. These plants like to climb, so provide them with a trellis or totem to help them reach their full potential. Regular pruning will help keep them compact and control their growth. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Propagating Tradescantia Zebrina:
Tradescantia Zebrina can be propagated by stem cuttings. To do this, take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy plant and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place in moistened potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, you can transplant the cutting into a pot or terrarium.
Common Problems:
One of the most common problems when growing Tradescantia Zebrina in a terrarium is that the plant can quickly become too big for the space. If you don’t keep an eye on the growth and prune regularly, the plant can take over the terrarium. Another common problem is that these plants like to climb, so if you don’t provide them with something to climb on, they can become tangled and stressed. Lastly, be sure to check the moisture levels in the soil before watering as these plants are susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Where to Buy:
Tradescantia Zebrina can be purchased online or at a local garden nursery. When looking online, there are three great places to search: Amazon, Etsy, and eBay. All three websites offer a wide variety of plants for sale. You can also find Tradescantia Zebrina at your local garden nursery. Check the nursery’s website or call ahead to see if they have Tradescantia Zebrina in stock.
Tradescantia Zebrina on Amazon >
Tradescantia Zebrina on Ebay AU >
Tradescantia Zebrina on eBay US >
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