Shane

Callisia repens ‘Turtle’

Inch plant, Turtle vine, Basket plant

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• Shane likes...

  • 

    Shane likes Regular watering

    Prevent your Inch plant from drying out completely by watering it regularly throughout spring and summer and keeping it just lightly moist over winter.

  • 

    Shane likes Medium light

    Shane will happily grow in bright indirect or filtered light, making him perfect for east or west facing rooms that get morning or afternoon sunshine.

  • 

    Shane likes Feeding

    A diet of plant food once a month from April through to October will help your Inch plant put on loads of new growth.

• Quick facts

  Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Callisia repens ‘Turtle’ 

  Nickname

  Inch plant, Turtle vine, Basket plant 

  Plant type

  Indoor, evergreen

  Plant height (including pot)

  10-20cm

  Pet/baby safe

  Mildly toxic if ingested

  Nursery pot size

  5.5cm

• About Callisia ‘Turtle’

  Native to South and Central America, this cute little creeping plant has succulent leaves that layer up along the stems as they grow. In the wild they grow in the filtered light of other trees on the damp rocky ground of forest floors. This gives us a good idea of the conditions in which they like to grow in our homes: bright filtered light, free draining soil, a nice humid environment and regular hydration. This also makes them a perfect plant for make-your-own terrariums. 

  It's not super easy to do the finger dip test on this little plant, partly because of its small pot and partly because of its creeping habit. Pick up the pot when it’s on the dry side and again after watering; you’ll soon get a feel for when it needs a drink. Bottom watering is easier and will prevent the leaves of your Inch plant getting wet, which can result in mould or rot setting in. Rather sit Shane in the sink or a small saucer of water until his soil is moist all the way through.

  With the right care your Callisia ‘Turtle’ might produce dainty white flowers. 

  Did you know?

  In Western Australia Callisia repens grows so well in the hot humid conditions that it’s considered invasive, smothering other plants as it crawls over the ground.