Inch Plant Propagation: How to Do It in Water or Soil
Expand your houseplant collection by propagating your inch plant. This guide details the simple process of creating healthy new plants from cuttings.
The inch plant, known botanically as Tradescantia zebrina, is a popular trailing houseplant recognized by its distinct, colorful foliage. Its rapid growth and straightforward care make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts. One of its most appealing traits is its ease of propagation, the process of creating new plants from a parent plant. This quality makes it an excellent project for those new to houseplants or for gardeners wanting to multiply their collection.
Preparing for Propagation
You will need a clean, sharp pair of scissors, a small glass for rooting in water, and a container with drainage holes filled with fresh potting mix if you plan to root in soil. Select a healthy stem that shows vibrant color and new growth, avoiding any that appear weak or discolored. Measure a section that is approximately four to six inches long and use your clean scissors to make a cut just below a leaf node, the small bump on the stem where a leaf emerges. After you have your cutting, gently remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. This exposes the nodes and prevents the leaves from rotting when submerged in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
The Water Method
Propagating in water is a common choice because it allows you to watch the roots as they develop. Take your prepared cutting and place it in a glass or jar filled with room-temperature water, ensuring at least one or two of the bare leaf nodes are fully submerged. The leaves on the upper portion of the stem should stay above the waterline to avoid decay. Change the water every few days to provide oxygen, and you should see small, white roots emerging from the nodes within one to two weeks. Once these roots have grown to be about one to two inches long, the cutting is ready to be transferred to soil.
The Soil Method
Alternatively, you can plant your cutting directly into soil, which can result in a more robust initial plant. Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix and use a pencil or your finger to poke a hole into the center of the soil. While not required, you can dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone powder to encourage faster root development. Carefully insert the bare end of the cutting into the hole, making sure the leaf nodes are buried, and gently firm the soil around the stem to hold it in place. Water the soil thoroughly right after planting, allowing the excess to drain away.
Caring for Your New Inch Plants
For cuttings started in water, plant them in a pot with drainage holes and a suitable potting mix, burying the new roots completely. Water them well and place several cuttings together in one pot to create a fuller, bushier plant from the start. All newly potted inch plants require similar conditions, so position them in a spot with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist for the first few weeks as the root system expands and adapts to the soil. As the plant matures, you can encourage a more compact appearance by pinching off the tips of the long stems to stimulate branching.