How to Grow and Care for a Chain Plant

The Chain Plant, Callisia navicularis, is a succulent recognized for its distinctive foliage. Its fleshy, boat-shaped leaves grow in a stacked formation along the stems, creating an appearance reminiscent of a chain. This structure gives the plant a trailing habit, making it suitable for hanging baskets or as a ground cover in certain climates. The leaves are a bronze-green color with purple undersides. While other plants in the Tradescantia family are sometimes called Chain Plants, this name most accurately refers to Callisia navicularis.

Chain Plant Care

Proper lighting is a factor in maintaining the health and compact appearance of a Chain Plant. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light for most of the day. While some direct morning sunlight is beneficial, harsh afternoon sun may scorch the leaves. If grown indoors, an east-facing window is ideal. Insufficient light will cause the plant to become “leggy,” where stems stretch out with wide gaps between the leaves.

A well-draining soil mix is important to prevent root rot, to which this plant is susceptible. A commercial cactus or succulent mix is an effective choice, or you can create your own by amending standard potting soil with sand or perlite. As a drought-tolerant succulent, it should be watered only when the soil has dried out completely. When watering, saturate the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes, then allow it to dry fully before the next watering.

Callisia navicularis is adaptable to typical household environments. It performs well in average room temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C). Standard indoor humidity levels are sufficient for this plant.

During the active growing season of spring and summer, the plant benefits from light fertilization. A balanced, liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, can be applied every two to four weeks. It is not necessary to fertilize during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Propagating a Chain Plant

Creating new Chain Plants is done through stem cuttings, a method most successful during the spring and summer growing season. The stems of Callisia navicularis are naturally brittle, making it easy to take cuttings. Select a healthy stem and, using clean scissors, snip off a section that is a few inches long.

Allow the cut end of the cutting to dry and form a callus, which takes a day or two. This step helps prevent the cutting from rotting when it contacts moisture. After the end has callused, place it directly on the surface of a well-draining soil mix.

Keep the soil slightly moist to encourage root development, which should begin within a few weeks. Alternatively, cuttings can be rooted in a glass of water. Once a root system has formed, the new plant can be transferred to a pot with soil. This method allows you to easily multiply your collection.

Common Problems and Solutions

A frequent issue with the Chain Plant is leggy growth, characterized by long stems between the leaves. This is a result of inadequate light, as the plant stretches to find a brighter source. To resolve this, move the plant to a location where it will receive more bright, indirect sunlight. Pruning the leggy stems can also encourage more compact growth.

Mushy stems and yellowing leaves are common indicators of overwatering. This succulent is highly sensitive to excessive moisture, which can lead to root rot. If you notice these symptoms, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again and ensure the pot has adequate drainage. In severe cases, you may need to repot the plant in fresh, dry soil and trim away any affected roots or stems.

If the leaves on your plant become crispy and brown, it is a sign of underwatering. While the plant is drought-tolerant, it cannot survive without water indefinitely. When the soil is left dry for extended periods, the leaves will dry out. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing the soil to become fully saturated, and then resume a schedule of letting the soil dry out between waterings.

Chain Plant Toxicity

Information regarding the toxicity of Callisia navicularis is conflicting, with some sources suggesting it is mildly toxic to pets and humans. The plant’s sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, and ingestion could lead to mild discomfort like irritation of the mouth and throat. Due to this potential reaction, handle the plant with care, wearing gloves if you have sensitive skin. It is also wise to place the plant out of reach of curious pets and small children.