Happy Flower Pot

Inch plant (Tradescantia)

Tradescantia flumeninsis (Commelinaceae)

Also called Speedy Henry.

Cats and dogs

Toxic to cats and dogs

Cats: toxic Dogs: toxic

Signs to watch for: Dermatitis

Source: ASPCA entry "Inch Plant", checked October 3, 2026.

Light

  1. Low light 3+ mol
  2. Medium light 6+ mol Copes
  3. Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
  4. Direct sun 12+ mol

Prefers bright, indirect light; it can take sun but needs protection from afternoon sun to avoid leaf scorch (NC State). Clemson lists it as a medium-light indoor plant.

Direct sun: a little gentle morning sun is fine.

On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 1.1 (how these numbers are set).

Will it grow in my window?

Care

Care level: Easy. Water: Keep the potting mix moist but well-drained.

Pinch the stems to keep it bushy and stop it getting leggy (NC State).

Pet-safe plants for similar light

Sources