Inch Plant
Tradescantia fluminensis · Commelinaceae
How it looks
The Inch Plant (Tradescantia fluminensis) is a vining plant with fleshy oval leaves set alternately along the stem. Cultivars with purple, pink, and silver striping on the leaves are common, and the stems creep sideways. Grown as a hanging plant; height 8-12 in (20-30 cm).
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Inch Plant contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and lethargy if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble of Inch Plant usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the unidentified compounds in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves or broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite clearly drops, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, lethargy
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Tradescantia fluminensis
- Common name
- Inch Plant
- Family
- Commelinaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Unknown
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, lethargy
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
