Tradescantia Zebrina Purple Passion - Care Sheet
Overview
Tradescantia zebrina ‘Purple Passion’ is a fast-growing trailing houseplant loved for its metallic purple and silver-striped foliage. Tough and forgiving, it’s ideal for beginners, provided you give it bright light, well-draining soil, and let the top of the mix dry a bit between waterings. With occasional pruning and easy stem cuttings, it quickly becomes a lush, cascading accent for shelves and hanging planters.
Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Tradescantia zebrina ‘Purple Passion’ |
|---|---|
| Common name | Tradescantia Zebrina ‘Purple Passion’, zebra plant, inch plant, wandering dude |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Pet‑safe? | No – mildly toxic and can irritate skin and mouths of pets and people |
| Light | Bright, indirect light; brief gentle direct sun is fine, avoid harsh midday sun |
| Water | Let top 2–3 cm (1 in) dry, then water thoroughly; less in winter |
| Humidity | Averages fine; enjoys moderate to slightly high humidity |
| Temperature | 18–27°C / 65–80°F indoors; avoid below ~10°C / 50°F |
| Soil | Light, well-draining potting mix with added perlite |
| Fertilizer | Light feeder; spring–summer monthly at half strength or rely on fresh soil |
| Repotting | About once a year or when pot is full / plant has doubled in size |
| Propagation | Very easy from stem cuttings in water or moist soil |
Light
Bright, indirect light is best to keep the purple and silver striping vibrant. Place your Tradescantia Zebrina ‘Purple Passion’ near an east- or north-facing window, or a bit back from a bright south or west window where it gets filtered light rather than harsh midday sun.
Too little light leads to leggy, pale stems and dull leaves, while very strong direct sun can wash out the colors or scorch the foliage. Aim for it to be within about 0.5–1 m (1–3 ft) of a bright window, with sheer curtains if the sun is intense.
Water
This plant likes a rhythm of thorough watering followed by partial drying.
- Water when the top 2–3 cm (about 1 in) of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Water until liquid drains from the bottom of the pot, then empty any saucer so the roots don’t sit in water.
- In active growth (spring–summer), this may be roughly every 5–10 days depending on light, pot size, and temperature.
- In winter, growth slows and the soil should dry a bit more between waterings.
Consistently soggy soil invites root and stem rot, while letting the plant bone-dry for long stretches can cause crisp brown leaves and weak new growth. Aim for evenly moist, not wet.
Humidity
Tradescantia zebrina comes from naturally humid regions, but average household humidity is usually adequate. It will appreciate a boost, especially in heated or very dry homes, which can help prevent crispy tips and keep foliage lush.
- Optional: mist lightly, use a pebble tray with water, or place near a humidifier.
- Avoid cold drafts or vents that blast hot, dry air directly onto the plant.
Temperature
Room temperatures of 18–27°C (65–80°F) are ideal for ‘Purple Passion’. It dislikes cold and should be protected from temperatures below about 10°C (50°F).
- Keep away from drafty windows, exterior doors, and air-conditioning vents.
- If grown outdoors in warm climates, it’s typically hardy around USDA zones 8–12; bring containers indoors before the first frost.
Soil & Potting
Use a well‑draining, airy potting mix so roots can breathe and excess water escapes easily.
- A general houseplant mix with about 20–30% perlite or coarse material works well.
- Make sure the pot has a drainage hole; avoid decorative pots without drainage or use them only as outer cachepots.
Tradescantia zebrina has relatively fine, fibrous roots and succulent-like stems. It does not need a deep pot; shallow but wide containers or hanging baskets suit its trailing habit. Refreshing the top layer of mix once or twice a year can also perk up growth if you’re not repotting fully.
Feeding
This plant is a light to moderate feeder.
- During spring and summer, feed once a month with a balanced, water‑soluble houseplant fertilizer at half the recommended strength.
- Alternatively, many growers rely mainly on fresh potting mix once a year, which usually provides sufficient nutrients for this fast grower.
- Do not fertilize very dry soil; water first, then feed to avoid root burn.
- Pause or reduce feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows.
Repotting
Tradescantia Zebrina ‘Purple Passion’ grows quickly but can be kept in a relatively small pot. Plan to repot about once a year, or whenever:
- The plant has roughly doubled in size.
- Roots circle the bottom or poke through drainage holes.
- The soil stays wet for a long time or has become compacted and breaks down easily.
Move up just one pot size at a time, using fresh, well‑draining mix. Repot in spring for the quickest recovery. You can trim back long, leggy vines at the same time and replant the cuttings into the pot to refresh fullness.
Propagation
Propagation is very easy and one of the joys of this plant.
- Stem cuttings in water: Take 8–12 cm (3–5 in) tip cuttings with several nodes, remove the lowest leaves, and place the bare nodes in clean water in bright, indirect light. Roots often appear within 1–2 weeks. Pot up into soil once roots are a few centimeters long.
- Stem cuttings in soil: Insert cuttings directly into moist potting mix, burying at least one node. Keep the mix just slightly moist until you see new growth.
- Layering: If stems are already trailing over the pot edge, pin sections with nodes onto the soil surface. They will root where they touch moist soil; later you can cut and separate if desired.
Plant several cuttings together for a bushier look from the start.
Common Problems
Leggy, stretched stems and faded color
Cause: Insufficient light.
Fix: Move the plant closer to a bright window with indirect light. Pinch back long vines and replant the cuttings into the pot to encourage denser growth.
Yellowing, mushy leaves and blackened stems
Cause: Overwatering and poor drainage leading to root or stem rot.
Fix: Check that the pot drains freely and the mix is light. Trim off any rotten stems, let the soil dry more between waterings, and consider repotting into fresh, well‑draining mix. Save healthy tips as cuttings if the root system is badly affected.
Brown, crispy leaf tips or edges
Cause: Low humidity, underwatering, or excess fertilizer/salts.
Fix: Slightly increase humidity, keep watering more consistent, and flush the pot with plain water every few months to remove salt buildup. Trim off damaged tips for appearance.
Leaves dropping from the base of stems
Cause: Natural aging plus low light or irregular watering.
Fix: Improve light, keep moisture more even, and rejuvenate by pruning back and re‑rooting tip cuttings into the top of the pot for a fuller, younger plant.
Skin irritation when handling
Cause: The plant’s sap can irritate sensitive skin.
Fix: Wear gloves when pruning or propagating and wash hands afterwards. Avoid rubbing eyes or face after handling the plant.
Toxicity & Pet Safety
Tradescantia zebrina and its cultivars, including ‘Purple Passion’, are considered mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if chewed or ingested. They can cause mouth and stomach irritation, drooling, or vomiting, and the sap may irritate skin.
- Keep out of reach of children, cats, dogs, and other pets.
- If significant chewing or ingestion occurs, contact
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