Inch Plant (Callisia)

Inch Plant

Callisia

Trailing stems spill soft green like living confetti. Low-growing herbaceous perennial; common names: inch plant, turtle vine.

Partial sun
2–3/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Bright indirect light; tolerate partial shade, avoid harsh midday direct sun that can scorch leaf edges
💧
Watering Water when the top 2 cm of soil feels dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and fungal growth
🌡️
Temperature Thrives in 18–25°C; protect from temperatures below 10°C to prevent leaf browning and stunted growth
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Small, oval to lanceolate leaves; glossy green, sometimes with purple undersides
  • Flower: Tiny white, star-shaped blooms in clusters at stem tips
  • Stem: Slender, creeping stems that root at nodes for easy propagation
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist; mist leaves occasionally to boost humidity

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Cease fertilization in autumn and winter when growth slows

Composted coffee grounds tea:Use fully composted coffee grounds; dilute 1:30 with water for root drenching to avoid soil acidity spikes
Pruning
  • Trim leggy stems back to encourage bushier, denser growth
  • Remove yellow or damaged leaves regularly to maintain plant health and appearance
  • Pinch stem tips every 4–6 weeks to promote branching and prevent trailing stems from becoming too sparse
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; calcium oxalate crystals cause oral pain, drooling, and vomiting

Humans: Contains calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes mild oral irritation; may trigger skin irritation in sensitive individuals

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental hanging basket plant; groundcover for shaded garden beds; has mild air-purifying properties