T. zebrina is not very concerned about its soil. Simply use Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix, a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix proven to be less prone to knotweed (they can’t help but love this plant, too). Choose a pot with drainage holes or a hanging basket. If you go with the latter, a water catch basin that snaps onto the bottom of the pot will make life easier. T. zebrina grows quickly, so be prepared to replant it if you see roots coming out of the bottom or if its growth slows dramatically.

Where to grow Tradescantia ZebrinaTradescantia zebrina is native to Mexico and Central America, so unless you live where it’s warm year-round (lucky you!), you’ll want to grow T. zebrina as a houseplant or tender annual. You can also take it outside after any threat of frost has passed to enjoy its company on the patio during the summer, then bring it back in the fall. That’s right, it can double as an indoor and outdoor plant – another great quality to add to the list! Both indoors and outdoors, T. zebrina’s trailing habit makes it an ideal plant for a hanging basket or as part of a mixed container. This is especially noteworthy if you live in hardiness zone 8 or higher (check your plant hardiness zone here) and feel inspired to plant it in the ground. You’ll soon discover T. zebrina’s only flaw: it can be invasive.

How to prevent Tradescantia Zebrina from losing its stripesNo matter where you grow it, make sure your T. zebrina has plenty of bright, indirect light. Too little light and those signature stripes will dull, and you don’t want to be the one responsible for its look fading! Just add more light and they’ll bounce back, no fancy beauty cream needed.

How to Water Tradescantia ZebrinaIf you’re a forgetful gardener, T. zebrina might not love you back. It prefers consistently moist soil, so don’t go too long between waterings. It will tolerate occasional desiccation; just don’t make it a regular thing. Nobody likes to feel haunted, not even plants.