Bodhi | Tradescantia Zebrina
Bodhi | Tradescantia Zebrina
Meet Bodhi. He’s the laid-back surfer of the Character Garden, wearing silver stripes, flashes of green, and purple underneath. His trailing stems spill over the edge of his pot like he’s already halfway out the door chasing the next wave.
Bodhi grows fast when he’s happy. Give him bright, filtered light, a drink when the surface of his soil dries, and room to hang loose. He appreciates an occasional trim to keep his leafy locks full—effortless style still needs a little upkeep.
He’s easygoing, but don’t mistake that for wanting a dark corner or permanently soggy roots. This dude likes a bright outlook and good drainage.
“Stay bright. Hang loose. Don’t drown the roots.”
- Botanical Name: Tradescantia Zebrina 'Wandering Dude'
- Common Names: Inch Plant, Zebra Plant, Silver Inch Plant
- Description: This creeping plant makes a good groundcover 6-12 high. It has succulent stems with ovate to lanceolate leaves clasping the stem. The upper leaf surface is green to purple with two wide, silvery-white stripes, while the lower leaf surface is a uniform deep magenta. If you look closely you can see the fine hairs along the leaf margins and may note that the surfaces seem to sparkle in bright light. Color intensity is greatest in full sun in our area but in more southern locations too much sun will cause the colors to wash out.
Care Level: 3/10 — Easygoing with a Little Upkeep
Light: Bright, indirect light helps maintain his colorful stripes. Avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Water: Let the top inch of soil dry before watering thoroughly. Drain excess water and water less during slower winter growth.
Soil: Well-draining houseplant potting mix in a pot with drainage holes.
Humidity: Average household humidity is usually suitable.
Temperature: Warm room temperatures; protect from frost and cold drafts.
Maintenance: Pinch or trim long stems to encourage fuller growth. Stem cuttings root readily and can help fill out the pot.
Location: Indoor; a sheltered outdoor spot during warm weather is also suitable.
Scientific Name: Tradescantia zebrina
Common Name: Wandering Dude / Silver Inch Plant
Plant Class: Liliopsida
Plant Type: Trailing evergreen herbaceous perennial
Color: Green, silver, and purple foliage.
Pet Friendly: No—keep away from pets. Sap can irritate skin; wear gloves when pruning if sensitive.
Bodhi’s Golden Rule: “A bright spot, a little drink, and the occasional haircut.”
Important Note
What to Expect When Bodhi Arrives
Bodhi is a live Tradescantia zebrina. Each plant is unique, so foliage color, fullness, and trailing length may vary from the photos. Refer to your selected option for the nursery pot size. A decorative planter is included only if explicitly stated.
Minor leaf damage or temporary wilting may occur during shipping. Significant damage, an unhealthy-looking plant, or an incorrect item should still be reported for review.
Please inspect Bodhi promptly upon delivery. If something looks wrong, contact hello@ilexatelier.com within 24 hours with your order number and clear photos of the whole plant, affected areas, shipping box, and shipping label.
Keep the plant and packaging while we review your concern. Please don’t discard the plant or perform a scratch test unless instructed.
Live plants are not eligible for change-of-mind returns. See our Return Policy for arrival concerns and available resolutions. This reporting request does not limit rights provided by applicable law.
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