🌿 Tradescantia callisia ‘Elegans’ – Care Sheet
Common Name: Striped Inch Plant, Callisia elegans
Family: Commelinaceae
Growth Habit: Fast-growing, trailing plant with small, striped leaves and purple undersides.
 
🌞 Light
Bright, indirect light is essential.
Tolerates light morning sun but avoid harsh midday rays.
Too little light causes legginess and dull color.
 
💧 Water
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry.
Keep moist but never soggy – prone to root and stem rot if overwatered.
Reduce frequency in cooler months.
 
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temps: 18–28°C
Minimum: 10°C
Humidity: Average indoor humidity is fine, but it thrives in 50–60%.
 
🌱 Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining potting mix (indoor soil + perlite or bark).
Repot every 1–2 years or when rootbound.
Prefers shallow containers.
 
🍽️ Feeding
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks in spring and summer.
No feeding needed during winter dormancy.
 
✂️ Pruning & Propagation
Pinch back tips regularly to encourage bushiness.
Very easy to propagate via stem cuttings in water or moist soil.
Trim often to prevent legginess and overgrowth.
 
🛡️ Pests & Problems
May attract spider mites or mealybugs, especially in dry air.
Overwatering can lead to root/stem rot.
Leaf drop may occur if exposed to cold drafts or poor light.
 
🌿 Terrarium Use
 
✅ Suitable for:
Open or semi-closed terrariums
Temporary use in closed systems with airflow and regular maintenance
⚠️ Not ideal for:
Long-term use in sealed terrariums without ventilation
 
Terrarium Care Tips:
Size matters – use in medium to large terrariums with space to trail
Prune regularly to prevent overcrowding and smothering other plants
Provide bright, indirect light, ideally supplemented with LEDs if needed
Avoid direct contact with condensation zones
Open the lid weekly to prevent stagnant air buildup
Use a well-draining substrate layer to avoid stem rot (e.g., LECA, moss barrier, and airy soil)
 
💡 Pro tip: Pair with slower-growing terrarium plants only if you’re willing to prune often. Otherwise, it’s best used as a “rotating feature plant.”
 
⚠️ Toxicity
Mildly toxic to pets and may cause skin irritation. Wash hands after handling.