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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
vulnerable
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (1500
ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
perennial
Height
:
0.3 m
Spread
:
0.2 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
violet
Size
:
2 cm
Period
:
March - April
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
0.6 cm
The Inch Plant is a creeping or trailing plant, native to Mexico. A relatively common houseplant,
it makes an excellent groundcover for gardens and grows well in shaded, humid and protected
locations in Arriyadh. Growing to a height of up to 30 cm, the plant has fleshy, ovate leaves which
are dark green with silvery-white stripes on top, giving an attractive zebra pattern, and magenta-
purple below. Fast growing, the succulent stems root wherever they touch the soil, creating a thick
mat of colourful foliage. Small, relatively insignificant, rose-pink flowers are produced throug-
hout the year. Hardy to 0°C, the plant does best in full sunlight to keep its colour intensity, but
in Arriyadh does better in light shade. It prefers a good, fertile, well-drained garden soil, which
retains moisture and should be regularly but moderately watered. Fertilising every few weeks is
necessary during the spring and summer. Propagated by cuttings that root easily in water, this
plant can be moved in situ, since its runners cling lightly to the ground. Good for mass planting,
Z. pendula will hide the fallen leaves of trees and shrubs growing above. Some maintenance is
necessary to contain plants, as they tend to become invasive. Misting occasionally with warm
water and pinching out the tips will improve their appearance and make the plants more compact.
317
Zebrina pendula,
Commelinaceae
Inch Plant,
Wandering Jew