Inch Plant - Tradescantia albiflora 'Nanouk'

Tradescantia albiflora ‘Nanouk’
Common Names: Inch Plant, Fantasy Venice, Wandering Jew (retired name), Tradescantia Nanouk
Full Botanical Name: Tradescantia albiflora ‘Nanouk’
Country and/or Region of Origin: Bred in the Netherlands; Tradescantia species are native to Central and South America.

Overview
Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’ is a showstopper with its candy-striped foliage in shades of pink, purple, green, and white. Compact, fast-growing, and vibrant, this plant was bred for beauty and hardiness—making it one of the most eye-catching, low-maintenance plants for your home. It’s a cheerful choice for shelves, hanging baskets, or anywhere that needs a pop of colour.

Growing Conditions in Native Habitat
Although ‘Nanouk’ itself is a cultivated hybrid, its wild relatives thrive in warm, tropical and subtropical climates, often growing as ground cover or trailing plants in partially shaded forests.

Care Guide
Light: Prefers bright, indirect light to maintain vibrant leaf colours. Too little light may cause fading; too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.
Ideal Room: Great for sunny windowsills, bright kitchens, or bathrooms with filtered light.
Feeding: Feed once a month during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer.
Humidity: Enjoys average to slightly high humidity but is generally unfussy. Mist occasionally in very dry environments.
Ideal Temperature: Thrives between 60–80°F (16–27°C). Keep away from cold drafts and avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Be careful not to overwater—Tradescantia are prone to root rot if left in soggy soil. Ensure good drainage.

Pet/Child Safe: Mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested and may cause skin irritation. Best kept out of reach of curious pets and children.

Soil Type: A well-draining, peat-based mix is ideal. Adding a bit of perlite or sand helps improve drainage.

Propagation: Extremely easy to propagate—just snip a stem and place it in water or directly into moist soil. Roots typically develop within a week.

Eventual Height and Spread: Grows up to 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) tall and spreads/trails 12–24 inches (30–60 cm).

Growth Rate: Fast-growing under ideal conditions. Regular pinching can encourage fuller, bushier growth.

Pests and Treatment: Watch out for spider mites and aphids. Treat with neem oil or a gentle insecticidal spray if necessary.

Repotting: Repot yearly or when roots fill the pot. Refreshing the topsoil annually can help keep the plant thriving.

Pruning: Pinch back leggy stems to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Regular pruning helps prolong its vibrant appearance.

Air Purification: While not widely known for air purification, the dense foliage may offer some minor benefits to indoor air quality.

Folklore: The original Tradescantia species have long been passed down as easy-to-grow houseplants. ‘Nanouk’ in particular is prized in modern homes for its colourful, almost whimsical aesthetic—adding a sense of fun and joy to any plant collection.