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bright indirect light (3-6 feet from a south or west window, or right next to an east window. Under a grow light, 6-10 inches away works well) is ideal. direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute) fades the striking stripes. If the variegation starts to look washed out, move it somewhere brighter.Light
Keep the soil moderately moist in spring and summer, watering every 3 days or so. Ease off in autumn (weekly) and water very sparingly in winter (every 10 days), letting the top layer dry between waterings. Avoid getting water on the leaves.Water
Average household humidity is fine. Mist occasionally if the air is very dry, but don't overdo it - wet leaves invite fungal issues.Humidity
Prefers 60-80°F (15-27°C). Keep it away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and sudden temperature swings.Temperature
easyDifficulty
Callisia elegans plant

Striped Inch Plant

Callisia elegans

Easy

Callisia elegans is a low, trailing perennial with dark green leaves striped in silvery parallel lines and a rich purple underside — it looks hand-painted but asks very little from you in return. Your main job is keeping it in bright indirect light and out of direct sun so those stripes stay bold and don't fade to a dull green. It's a relative of Tradescantia and shares that family's easy-going, fast-growing nature.

Callisia elegans plant
Oeropium / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
Callisia elegans plant
Oeropium / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
Care Guide

How to grow Striped Inch Plant

Light

bright indirect light (3-6 feet

Water

Keep the soil moderately moist

Humidity

Average household humidity is fine.

Temperature

60-80°F

Soil

Well-draining potting mix.

Propagation

Stem cuttings root easily and quickly.

Common Problems

Overwatering causes root rot.

Did You Know

Fun Facts

The genus name Callisia derives from the Greek word kallos, meaning 'beauty' — a fitting name for a plant whose silver-striped leaves look like something a botanical illustrator would draw.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The main concern is dermatitis - skin irritation from contact with the plant's compounds. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. The ASPCA lists the closely related inch plant as toxic due to dermatitis risk.

Sources

  1. Callisia gentlei var. elegans - Plants of the World Online, Kew Science (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  2. Callisia gentlei var. elegans — Plants of the World Online, Kew Science (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  3. Inch Plant Toxicity - ASPCA Animal Poison Control (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. Inch Plant Toxicity — ASPCA Animal Poison Control (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Striped Inch Plant Care - PlantIn (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Striped Inch Plant Care — PlantIn (opens in new tab)Reference
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