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How To Care For A Wandering Jew Plant (Your Complete Guide)

When it comes to houseplants able to brighten up indoor spaces, it doesn’t get much more colorful than the variegated foliage of a Wandering Jew plant ( Tradescantia zebrina ). With their hardy nature and ease of care, they are a perfect choice for those feeling they kill everything they bring indoors. We’ve listed a quick summary of their care below.

How To Care For A Wandering Jew Plant: Grow your Wandering Jew in well-drained soil, kept moist but not soggy through regular watering. Create humidity, keep indoor temperatures between 50°F (10°C) to 85°F (29°C) and fertilize monthly.

Continue reading because we’ve taken all the guesswork out of caring for your Wandering Jew and keeping it healthy and happy for years to come.

How To Care For A Wandering Jew Plant

Wandering Jew plants belong in the Commelinaceae family, which includes around 652 different species. The family is made up of herbs, climbers and several epiphytes, with some used as outdoor and indoor ornamentals like Wandering Jew.

There are three different plants commonly known as Wandering Jews; Tradescantia fluminensis , Tradescantia pallida , and Tradescantia zebrina. Of the three, Tradescantia zebrina is the most common one grown and has the most eye-catching and colorful foliage. All three have the same requirements for care and good growth.

Native to Mexico and Guatemala, Wandering Jew is classified as a tender evergreen perennial that performs well planted outdoors in frost-free regions. Those living in cooler environments can easily grow it as an indoor plant planted either in containers or in hanging baskets. Outdoors it’s typically used as a quick-growing groundcover.

Although a common name shared with several very different plants, Wandering Jew is often called Inch Plant , due to the leaf margins being spaced about an inch apart. You may also find Wandering Jew listed as Zebrina Pendula , but is synonymous with Tradescantia zebrina and is the same plant.

When it comes to Wandering Jew plants, it’s all about the attention-grabbing foliage. The succulent stems give way to leaves that are a deep purple on their undersides with the upper portion striped in silvery-gray and greenish-blue. The oval leaves grow to about 2.5 inches long and the stems grow about 2 feet long. It makes a beautiful plant used in hanging baskets, with the long stems cascading over the side.

Even grown indoors, Wandering Jews have a fast rate of growth and before you know it, the plants will be spilling over your container’s or hanging basket’s sides. Whereas some indoor plants seem to take forever to fill out, this isn’t a problem with properly cared for Wandering Jew plants.

There are several other cultivars (varieties) of Wandering Jew, which include:

• ‘Purpusii’ has unstriped, hairy foliage that is either solid red or reddish-green.
• ‘Quadricolor’ produces metallic-green foliage striped in red, white and green.

Wandering Jew plants are the ideal candidates for beginner houseplant gardeners due to their hardiness and robust growth. Below we’ve outlined all the basics of their proper care, as well as identifying and preventing any potential problems so you can enjoy your Wandering Jew for years to come. The best indoor plants are those that are happy and healthy.

Soil Conditions For Wandering Jew Plants

Wandering Jew plants tolerate growing in a wide range of soils provided they drain well. Although they do tolerate and prefer moist conditions, the soil must drain properly to prevent root and stem rot from occurring. Therefore, it is necessary to use a lighter weight soil mixture in your pots rather than heavier soils that don’t provide proper drainage.

Straight potting soils are usually too heavy, retain too much moisture and have a tendency to leave the soil soggy. You can use a heavier potting soil in your soil mixture, just be sure to incorporate a lighter soil mix to provide the Wandering Jew the drainage required for healthy growth.

Commercial potting mixes work well and many have a slow-release fertilizer mixed in, which cuts down on the need for frequent feedings. The slow-release blends usually continue to fertilize the Wandering Jew for about three months.

You can also make your own soil by mixing several ingredients together such as:

• Using equal parts of compost and a potting mix.
• Mixing equal portions of compost, peat and potting soil or a potting mix.
• Using equal portions of a course sand, compost and potting soil or a potting mix.

Whatever soil you choose to use, just make sure it drains well and contains a bit of fertility for the best performance of your Wandering Jew plants.

Preferred Light Conditions

Although Wandering Jew plants tolerate lower light conditions than many houseplants, to help retain those striking colors the plant is known for, place the container in a location indoors receiving filtered sunlight. If your plant starts losing some of the color in the foliage, move it to a location that receives a bit more light.

In addition, if the lower portion of the stems start suffering leaf drop, the Wandering Jew isn’t get enough light and needs to be relocated to a brighter area inside the home.

Once the warm weather of spring arrives and if you’d like to give your Wandering Jew a bit of a break from its indoor location, place it in an outdoor spot that receives partial sun to partial shade. Moving it to an outdoor location with too much sun may leave the foliage sunburned.

Indoor Temperature Requirements

In the Wandering Jew’s native environment, temperatures are consistently warm without the threat of frosts or freezes. Generally, if the indoor temperatures inside your home are comfortable for you, they will also be comfortable for your Wandering Jew plant.

Indoor temperatures between 50°F (10°C) to 85°F (29°C) are a good range for your Wandering Jew plants. Plants grown in this temperature range produce the healthiest growth.

If you gave your plants a break from their indoor location, just make sure to bring them back indoors before the cold weather of winter strikes.

Water Requirements

Wandering Jews prefer soils that are regularly kept moist, not soggy, compared to many indoor houseplants. However, this doesn’t mean the soil should be kept so wet they never begin to dry out. Keeping the soil too wet for too long promotes rot to set in and you may end up killing your Wandering Jew plants. Your Wandering Jew is more likely to forgive you if you forget to water over watering too much and too often.

A good rule to follow is if the soil starts to feel like it’s about to become very dry, apply water. It’s easy to know exactly when to water by:

• Sticking your finger into the soil and if the top inch is starting to feel dry, water until it runs from the container’s bottom drain holes.

During the warm growing season of spring through summer, you can probably expect to water once each week. However, during winter when the Wandering Jew goes into dormancy (its growth slows), you will probably only need to water about every other week.

Humidity Requirements

Compared to many tropical plants grown indoors, Wandering Jew plants aren’t quite as fussy about humid conditions , but still need some humidity for the best growth and performance. Don’t let the thought of creating a humid environment stress you out because replicating humidity for your indoor plants is relatively easy and basic.

• Fill a spray bottle with room temperature water and mist the Wandering Jew several times each week.
• If you’re growing the Wandering Jew in a container and not in a hanging basket, you can set the pot on a tray of pebbles. As you water, the water seeps from the bottom drain holes onto the tray of pebbles and as it evaporates, it creates a humid environment around the plant.
• If your bathroom gets the appropriate amount of light for the Wandering Jew, you can allow it to grow there. Due to the regular use of water in a bathroom, moisture is created, creating the humidity the Wandering Jew requires.

Fertilizer Needs

Unless the soil mixture contains a slow-release fertilizer blend, which feeds the Wandering Jew for about three months, fertilizing monthly is sufficient for proper growth. You have several choices when it comes to fertilizer you can use for your Wandering Jew plant.

• Use a houseplant fertilizer applied at half-strength, applied when you do your regular watering.
• Use an all-purpose, water-soluble blend for outdoor and indoor plants, applied at half-strength and used during your regular watering schedule.
• If your soil mixture didn’t contain a slow-release fertilizer or it’s been about three months, if one was contained in the soil, you can reapply slow-release fertilizer granules sprinkled over the top of the soil. Follow the package directions on amounts.

When it comes to the appropriate time of year to fertilize the Wandering Jew, only fertilize while it’s actively growing, which is spring throughout summer. In winter, the plant goes through a dormant stage and all growth slows, so there is no need to apply fertilizer. Wait until spring arrives before you resume fertilizing the plant.

The one thing you will need to pay attention to when it comes to fertilizing is the buildup of salts in the soil, which can result in foliage burns. Wandering Jew plants have a low tolerance to salty soils. Preventing any salt buildup is relatively simple:

• If the plant isn’t too big, you can take the entire pot to your sink or bathtub and allow water to run slowly through the soil for about five minutes, flushing out any salts.
• If the plant is too big for indoor flushing, take it outside and allow water from the hose to run slowly through the soil for about five minutes. Allow the water to drain and then bring the plant back indoors.

Pruning Requirements

The pruning needs of Wandering Jew plants are low. If you want to control the size of the plant and promote bushier growth, you can pinch off the tips of the stems. To keep the plant always looking its best, you can trim off any broken, dead or damaged stems and leaves throughout the year.

When using pruning tools to trim your Wandering Jew always make sure they are clean so you don’t transfer any diseases or pests to your plant. This is as easy as wiping off the blades with alcohol.

Some people experience skin irritations when handling the cuttings due to the sap , so if you are unsure if you are one of these unlucky gardeners, it might be best to wear gardening gloves when pruning or handling Wandering Jew cuttings.

Potting Needs

If you purchased your Wandering Jew already potted in a hanging basket or 1-gallon container, it should thrive as is for a year or more before it requires repotting. However, if you received rooted cuttings in smaller containers like 4- to 6-inch pots, you most likely need to repot them into something a bit larger so they can grow properly.

This also cuts down on the need for repotting in a month or two as the Wandering Jew begins to outgrow its present pot.

When it comes to the pot’s material, any type works quite well for growing this plant from clay to plastic. However, if you grow your Wandering Jew in a pot made of a porous material like terra cotta, the soil is going to dry quicker than if it was growing in a plastic pot. This means you will need to water more frequently.

Once your Wandering Jew starts getting too big for its present container, it’s time to repot it into one that is around 1- to 2-inches larger. Although the plant likes a moist soil, make sure the pot has bottom drainage to prevent the possibility of rot due to conditions that are too wet.

If you like, you can dress the container up by placing the draining one inside a decorative pot without bottom drain holes, but be sure to empty out any additional water once the inner pot thoroughly drains.

I think a decorative outer pot can add so much to the beauty of your houseplants, so I do this with almost all of my houseplants. Read this article which discusses my favorite decorative planters if you need some inspiration.

Potting and repotting your Wandering Jew is basic:

• Gently remove the Wandering Jew from its present container, being careful not to break the succulent stems.
• Fill the new container that drains about a quarter of the way full with a fertile, well-drained potting mix.
• Check the Wandering Jew’s root system and if it’s growing bunched together and filled the previous pot, gently tease the roots apart with your hands.
• Place the Wandering Jew into the new container and finish filling it with soil.
• Water the Wandering Jew until it runs from the bottom drain holes and place in a bright location indoors.

Propagating New Plants

When it comes to propagating new plants, Wandering Jew is about as easy as it gets. Even if you have never done this before you should have success starting its cuttings. When you trim to control its size, don’t throw those cuttings away but use them to start additional plants.

You have two choices when it comes to rooting your cuttings and both are easy. The first thing you will want to do is obtain your cuttings. Trim off a 4- to 6-inch cutting from the mother plant and you’re ready to start rooting.

Rooting in Soil

• Fill a 6-inch to 1-gallon container that drains with a rich, well-drained potting mix. Water the soil to settle it.
• Make about a 2-inch indentation in the soil where you want to place the Wandering Jew cutting.
• Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting where you will be inserting it into the soil. You can do this by pinching them off with your fingers.
• Place the cutting into the indentation and firm the soil up around it with your fingers.
• Water the soil again and place the cutting in the same light conditions where the mother plant was thriving. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Roots should form in about four weeks and after about eight weeks, the Wandering Jew cuttings should form a new root system.

Rooting in Water

• Fill a glass jar or plastic container with about 3-inches of room temperature water.
• Pinch off any leaves from the section of the Wandering Jew cutting that will be submerged in the water.
• Place the cutting in the water and situate the container in a bright indoor location.
• Change the water in the container about every other week, or when cloudy.

You should start seeing new roots form on the cuttings in several weeks. Once the roots are several inches long, you can repot the cuttings into a draining container filled with fertile, well-drained soil.

Disease Problems

Wandering Jew plants grown indoors are hardy and don’t have major diseases that plague them. However, rot is their biggest enemy and caused by soils that are too heavy and do not drain properly, retaining too much water. Overwatering and planting in pots that don’t drain are other causes of rot problems.

When rot rears its ugly head you’ll notice the bottom stems, as well as the foliage turning black, becoming mushy and the entire plant collapses. If this happens and seems to start affecting the entire Wandering Jew plant, you can trim off healthy, unaffected sections of the stems and repot into fresh, clean soil. Since there is no saving the rot-infected sections, you will have no choice but to discard those portions of the plant.

Steps for preventing problems with rot include:

• Using lightweight potting mixes that drain well and aren’t too heavy, which leads to the soil remaining too wet for too long. Some types of potting soils have a tendency to be heavy and need mixing with a potting mix, compost, coarse sand or peat.
• Don’t overwater your Wandering Jew. Although they prefer growing in moist soils, this doesn’t mean constantly soggy soil. Stick your finger into the soil and if the top inch is starting to become dry, apply water until it runs from the bottom of the pot.
• Make sure the pot you are growing your Wandering Jew in has bottom drainage. If you have placed the pot inside a decorative one that doesn’t drain, make sure to empty all the water from it after you have watered.

Pest Problems

Although indoor Wandering Jew plants are not big candidates for problems with pests, several can cause an infestation and problems. As with any pest problem indoors or outside in the garden, quick control is always the best option to keep your plants healthy. It also assures the pests do not migrate to your other plants causing even bigger problems and headaches.

The pests most likely to infest your indoor Wandering Jew plants are:

• Aphids: Aphids come in a host of different colors and are tiny, pear-shaped, sap-sucking insects that usually congregate in large masses along the Wandering Jew’s stems. In large infestations, they can kill the plant or severely weaken it. If the infestation is small, you can wipe the pests off the stems with a moist cloth. However, if the infestation is large, you will probably have to spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or Neem, reapplying as suggested on the package.
• Spider Mites: Spider mites are another sap-sucking pest that if left unchecked can quickly kill or weaken the Wandering Jew. It is easy to tell if you have a spider mite problem as these tiny, white pests spin fine webbing that covers the plant. Spider mites can be the bane of houseplants so quick control is necessary. Use an insecticidal soap or Neem and spray the entire plant, reapplying as suggested on the product label.
• Whiteflies:   Whiteflies are other sap-sucking pests that can quickly kill or weaken your Wandering Jew if not quickly controlled. They are another easily identifiable pest, as just touching the plant sends the tiny whiteflies from the plant’s foliage and into the air, hovering right above it. Control the problem with an insecticidal soap or Neem, spraying the entire plant and reapplying as suggested on the product’s label.
• Mealybugs:   Sap-sucking mealybugs show up on the Wandering Jew as cottony masses covering the stems and crotches of the foliage. Control the problem by spraying the entire plant with insecticidal soap or Neem, reapplying as suggested on the product’s label. If the infestation is small, you can also wipe them from the stems and leaves with a damp cloth.

Is Wandering Jew A Perennial?

Wandering Jew plants are considered a tender, evergreen perennial. Unlike annuals, and if grown in preferred conditions with proper care, Wandering Jews should live and keep on growing for quite a few years, both indoors and outside.

Why Are My Wandering Jew Plant’s Leaves Losing Their Color?

If your Wandering Jew is growing in light conditions that are too low, the leaves will start to lose their color and become duller. When grown indoors and to keep the bright color on the foliage, make sure the Wandering Jew is growing in a location receiving bright light.

Why Are My Wandering Jew’s Leaves Dropping?

Wandering Jew plants grown in light conditions that are too low will start dropping leaves at the base of their stems. Solve the problem by moving the plant to an indoor location that is brighter. For the best leaf color and growth, they prefer an indoor location receiving bright light.

Why Are My Wandering Jew Cuttings Rotting In Soil?

If your Wandering Jew cuttings are rotting in soil it could be one of two things causing the problem. The soil you are growing the cuttings in may be infected with a fungus that is infecting them with rot.

You can solve the problem by planting the cutting in a sterile, well-drained potting mix. Another cause might be the soil is remaining too soggy and the container doesn’t drain.

Make sure you are using a soil that drains well and doesn’t remain soggy, do not overwater and use a container with bottom drainage. Water the cuttings when to top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Can I Root Wandering Jew Cuttings In Water?

Wandering Jew cuttings root quite well in water. Fill a container with several inches of water, remove any leaves that would be submerged and stick the cut end into the water.

Fill the container with fresh, clean water about every other week. You should start seeing root form on the cuttings in several weeks. Once the roots get several inches in length, you can repot the cuttings in a draining container with rich, well-drained soil.

Are Wandering Jew Plants Toxic?

When it comes to humans, Wandering Jew’s sap can cause skin irritation in humans that are allergic to it. Therefore, it’s best to wear gardening gloves when handling or pruning the plant.

The plant is listed as toxic to dogs and cats, due to its tendency to cause skin allergies and dermatitis. To keep your pets and children safe, make sure you situate your indoor Wandering Jew out of the reach of both.

If you’d like some indoor plants that are non-toxic, check out this article which discusses my favorite non-toxic houseplants.

Do Wandering Jew Plants Produce Blooms?

When grown outdoors, Wandering Jews produce small, three-petaled, lavender flowers, but the plant rarely ever blooms grown indoors as a houseplant.

Can I Grow Wandering Jew Outdoors?

Wandering Jew plants grow as perennials planted outdoors in frost-free climates, however, those with cooler weather can plant outdoors and treat it as an annual.

What’s The Growth Rate For Wandering Jew Plants?

When grown in proper conditions with proper care, Wandering Jew plants are considered fast growers.

Many thanks for reading my guide to Wandering Jew care. This really is a great indoor plant for your home. Beautiful and easy to care for, its hard to go wrong.

If you want more help with looking after your indoor plants, check out the rest of my articles , and head over to my resources section , where I have some great recommended resources, books and equipment to help you grow healthier, more beautiful plants.

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A Complete Guide to Wandering Jew Plant Care

Last Updated: March 27, 2024 Fact Checked

• Potting Your Plant
• Caring for Your Plant

Preventing Pests & Disease

Expert q&a, things you'll need.

This article was co-authored by Chai Saechao and by wikiHow staff writer, Dev Murphy, MA . Chai Saechao is the Founder and Owner of Plant Therapy, an indoor-plant store founded in 2018 based in San Francisco, California. As a self-described plant doctor, he believes in the therapeutic power of plants, hoping to keep sharing his love of plants with anyone willing to listen and learn. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 637,637 times.

Wandering Jews are beautiful vining plants known for their solid or variegated leaves. These hardy perennials thrive outdoors as groundcover or in pots that allow their tendrils to cascade. They’re relatively easy to care for and incredibly simple to propagate, making them great houseplants! Keep reading for an easy step-by-step guide to Wandering Jew maintenance, from planting to watering to pruning.

Things You Should Know

• Keep your Wandering Jew in a warm spot (around 50–80 °F (10–27 °C)) with lots of bright, indirect sunlight.
• Pot your plant in well-draining potting soil in a container with drainage holes. Keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet.
• Pinch or prune the leaves when the plant gets leggy to promote bushiness, or when any leaves or vines begin to brown or rot.

Potting Your Wandering Jew Plant

• Refer to this map to see if your area's temperatures are warm enough to support a Wandering Jew plant, if you're planning on keeping it outside. According to the USDA, the Wandering Jew plant grows best in zones 9-11.
• If you don’t live in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, keep in mind that you may not be able to keep your plant outside during the winter. You may want to grow it inside instead.

• If you use a hanging basket, remember to turn it daily so it gets equal amounts of sunlight.
• If you’re hanging your plant, choose a lightweight or plastic pot so it won’t fall. This also makes it easier to move inside in case of frost.

• Be careful not to use soil that’s too heavy, as Wandering Jews need light soil that drains well. [3] X Research source
• Buy well-draining soil, or, if you already have heavier soil, mix equal parts soil with compost, or equal parts soil, compost, and peat.
• Purchase a Wandering Jew plant at a gardening or home improvement center, or propagate cuttings from established plants . Wandering Jew cuttings grow very quickly.

Watering, Fertilizing & Pruning Your Plant

• If you’re growing your plant indoors, an eastern facing windowsill is a good spot. The plant will receive bright indirect light throughout the day, but watch to make sure the space doesn't become too hot in the afternoon. If so, move the pot a few feet away or use a curtain to filter the light. [5] X Research source
• If the plant primarily remains outside, find a spot that receives indirect sunlight. This could be on a porch that gets morning sun for several hours. Just make sure that it's not sitting in direct sunlight without any shade for most of the day.

• If you've set your pot on a saucer, empty the saucer when it fills.
• The plant's growth will slow in the winter months, meaning it needs to be watered less often. Simply let it remain a little dry for a bit longer before watering.
• Some people find it convenient to put self-watering aqua globes in their plant pots; however, these glass globes require cleaning and regular filling. You'll still need to monitor your plant's moisture if you choose to use them.

• Read the container's instructions carefully before fertilizing, as some liquid fertilizers may actually be powders requiring you to mix in water.

• The best time to prune is during the spring and summer months, when the plant is putting on the most growth. After you've pruned, give the plant a chance to put on new shoots and fill in.
• If you find your plant is too dense and bushy, you'll need to prune around the base so that the plant can get adequate circulation and sunlight.

• Generally, expect to repot your plant annually, but keep an eye out for signs your plant has outgrown its container within that time frame: once you see roots creeping out from under the plant through the drainage holes, or popping up through the soil, it’s time to repot. [10] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source

• Try to use distilled or bottled water when misting the leaves for the best results.
• Brown leaves can also be a sign that your plant is getting too much sunlight. In this case, make sure your plant is not directly in the sun by moving the pot or placing a filter, such as a curtain, in between the plant and the window.

• Root rot can spread very quickly, so act fast when you see signs of it. It can be heartbreaking to cut away a large chunk of your plant, but if you wait too long, you could lose the whole plant. [14] X Research source
• Other signs of root rot include spongy, black roots.

• Though "Wandering Jew" is the most common name for this plant, some people may find this term offensive. Consider using "wandering dude" or "inch plant" instead. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
• "Wandering Jew" doesn't refer to just one plant: it refers to a variety of Tradescantia species, the 3 most common of which include Tradescantia fluminensis ("Quicksilver"), Tradescantia pallida ("Purple Heart"), and Tradescantia zebrina ("Tricolor"). Care is the same for all 3. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1

• Be careful when pinching or pruning your plant. Wandering Jew sap can cause skin irritation in some people and allergic reactions in dogs. To be safe, wear gardening gloves when pruning your Wandering Jew. [15] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Wandering Jew cuttings or a plant
• Well-draining potting soil
• Pot or hanging basket
• 10-10-10- fertilizer
• Aqua globes (optional)
• Pruning shears (optional)
• Gardening gloves

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://houseplantcentral.com/tradescantia-zebrina-care-info/
• ↑ https://www.almanac.com/plant/inch-plants
• ↑ https://getbusygardening.com/wandering-jew-plant-care/
• ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/indirect-light-plants-18005506.php
• ↑ http://www.almanac.com/plant/wandering-jew
• ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/use-101010-fertilizer-garden-18057536.php
• ↑ http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/wandering-jew/growing-wandering-jew-plants.htm
• ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/repotting-houseplants
• ↑ http://www.houseplantsforyou.com/wandering-jew/
• ↑ http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/treating-root-rot-gardening-tips-for-housplants.htm
• ↑ https://www.wildinteriors.com/blog/2019/10/30/treating-root-rot-and-soft-rot-in-houseplants
• ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/wandering-jew-plants-dangerous-dogs-18063157.php

About This Article

To take care of your Wandering Jew plant, place it by an east-facing window so that it gets a combination of direct and indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but not soaked, and water the soil instead of the top of the plant to avoid rot. You should also fertilize the Wandering Jew plant every two weeks with a liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer. To keep the plant from getting leggy, trim back the stems in the spring and summer. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Wandering Jew Plants Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Tradescantia zebrina”

It might surprise you to learn that “the wandering Jew” isn’t a single plant, its name used to describe a collection of plants in the Tradescantia genus.

Many countries around the world view the wandering Jew as an invasive species. Therefore, you won’t find many of them as regular additions to gardens . However, the vine makes for an excellent indoor plant .

Table of Contents

Quick Facts

Wandering jew plant varieties.

The wandering Jew refers to three different plants in the Tradescantia genus. The three varieties are the zebrina, fluminensis, and the pallida.

Tradescantia Zebrina

The zebrina is the most common of the three species, and it features dark-green foliage that contrasts against the brilliant-white three-petal flowers the plant produces.

As you can imagine, the plant also gets part of its name from the zebra-like foliage. The center of the leaf id has a creamy-white color, and the outer trimming of the leaves has a silver lining.

Tradescantia Fluminensis

This wandering Jew species features white flowers, and it’s a trendy indoor plant around the world. The species originates from the southeastern region of Brazil. It’s an evergreen perennial plant that flowers all-year-round and lasts for many years if the owner takes care of it correctly.

The oval-shaped foliage of the Fluminensis is green in color and has a glossy look. The leaves attach to fleshy stems, and the stem nodes quickly put roots down into the soil, allowing for the rapid spread and growth of the plant in ideal growing conditions.

When the plant flowers , it produces a set of flowers with three white petals. The flowers don’t bear any seeds, and they might also emerge in clusters. There are various sub-species of this plant as well, and some types, such as variegate, feature different leaf colors, such as yellow or cream streaks in the leaves.

The plant does best in USDA zones 9 to 12, as it loves the additional humidity in these regions as well. The wandering Jew doesn’t do well in colder climates, so stick to planting in the southern states.

The wandering Jew also prefers full sunlight during the day, and you’ll need to feed it a reasonable amount of water throughout the week. The plant doesn’t enjoy being dry for long periods.

Tradescantia Pallida

This variety originates in Mexico, and it’s the most attractive of the three Tradescantia genus. This wandering Jew produces long, pointy leaves that can reach lengths of 7-inches. The leaf will eventually turn a purple color, but the tips might remain red or green during the color transition.

There are visible segmentations on the stem of this wandering Jew, and it’s for this reason that many countries classify this plant as invasive.

The segments break easily, but they root readily, evolving into two plants with little care. Fortunately, for fans of the plant, it also makes it easy to grow the plants for cuttings as well.

Tradescantia pallida don’t like the cold, and it will die back in colder environments in the Northern states, especially if it grows outside. This wandering Jew produces small flowers that bloom in colors of pink, lavender, and white. The flowers feature three petals, and while they aren’t show-stopping, then do add a beautiful aesthetic to the plant.

• shipped in inproved box to save the plant

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Natural Air Cleaners

One of the reasons why the wandering Jew is such a popular house plant is its natural air-cleaning properties. The wandering Jew is an excellent “air scrubber,” and it removes bacteria and VOCs from the air inside your home, exchanging it for fresh air that enhances your home.

Some research also shows that the wandering Jew can assist in soil remediation, as well. The plant can remove heavy metals from the soil, helping restore the root health of other plants in the same flowerbed or pot.

Caring for Your Wandering Jew Plant

All varieties of the wandering Jew are easy to care for, provided that you grow them in the right climate and conditions. As long as the plant receives regular watering and pruning, it will thrive, and you’ll also manage to control the growth as well.

If you plant in a sunny spot in your home, then you can expect your tradescantia to last for many seasons. It’s also important to note that the plant might not flower it in its first season. However, by the third year, you should see plenty of flowers that emerge in the summer months.

As mentioned, the wandering Jew prefers sunny planting locations. The plant prefers later afternoon sun to morning sun, but it does well in any sunny area around the home. The more light you give the plant, the more flowers it produces in the flowering season.

If your wandering Jew does not get sufficient sunlight, you’ll notice that the color of the leaves starts to fade. Move the plant to a sunny spot, and it should recover in less than a week.

The wandering Jew enjoys a balanced moisture level in its soil . Don’t let the earth get too dry, as it might cause burning in the tips of the leaves. Likewise, the wandering Jew does not enjoy excessively wet soil either. The plant is susceptible to forming root rot if you “keep its feet wet.”

To check if it’s time to water your wandering Jew, push your finger about 1-inch into the soil. If it feels dry, then give your plant some water.

You must ensure you use a rich, loamy soil that drains well when planting your wandering Jew. When planting in a pot, make sure you add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot to enhance drainage. Add perlite to the soil to assist with drainage as well.

You can get away with using a standard potting mix when planting indoors , and other soil enhancements we recommend you add are the following.

• Coarse sand and perlite for drainage
• Humus or peat
• A light dusting of lime
• A few handfuls of rich organic compost

You want the soil to retain water but still allow optimal drainage.

During the growing season, fertilize your wandering Jew plant using a liquid-based fertilizer product. Make sure that you dilute the fertilizer to 50-percent strength.

Strong concentrations can result in burning in the tips of the leaves of the plant. You can also add a granular slow-release fertilizer to the soil once a year at the start of spring.

The wandering Jew grows quickly, and it might take over its pot in one or two seasons, depending on the size of the container. Therefore, you’ll need to pull up the plant and divide it from year-to-year, depending on its growth rate.

If you choose to re-pot your plant, make sure you use a pot that’s at least 50-percent larger than the old one. Line the pot with potting soil and a few handfuls of rich organic compost. Dig around the edges of the existing container to loosen the root ball. After loosening, pull the base of the plant to release it from the pot.

Move the plant to its new pot, and then fill with potting mix to cover the roots — Pat down the soil, and then water lightly.

Wandering Jew plants require regular pruning . The plant grows quickly, and if you don’t prune, then it can overtake the pot fast. Pruning also helps the stem, from getting “leggy,” meaning that the plant starts to look bare at the base. Pruning keeps the plant healthy and growing at an optimal rate.

All; you need to do is prune back any stems and pinch the stem tips. The wandering Jew will then send out two new shoots from the pinched top, helping your plant spread out into a bush-like appearance.

Propagation

The wandering Jew is easy to propagate . This plant grows quickly in a variety of conditions, which is one of the reasons why most countries list it as invasive. You can propagate your cuttings after your pruning session, without much effort.

Remove all of the leaves but the top set after pruning the stem. Place the cutting in another smaller pot with moist potting soil . Leave the container in the sun, and you should find that the cutting roots in a month.

Being an indoor plant , the wandering Jew does not get much attention from pests. However, spider mites can be a problem for your plant if you don’t take care of it and watch for the presence of pests.

Spider mites are tiny spider-like bugs that form a web around the inside of the leaves of the plant. If left unmanaged and untreated, they might start to cause yellow spots in the foliage. The wandering Jew might also fail to flower in the summer months as well.

Over-watering your wandering Jew plant can result in the onset of diseases like root rot. Ensure that you have a well-draining soil mix before planting your wandering Jew. Provided that you do everything you can to ensure your soil drains well, you should never have a problem with root rot in your wandering Jew plant.

Wandering Jew Plants FAQS

What is the best way to grow a wandering jew plant.

The best way to grow a Wandering Jew plant involves placing it in a location that gets plenty of sunlight, preferably late afternoon sun. You should use well-draining, loamy soil to plant it, and ensure a balanced moisture level by watering it regularly but not excessively. The plant also appreciates humidity and occasional fertilizing with a liquid-based fertilizer diluted to 50% strength during the growing season. Pruning should be done regularly to manage its growth.

Is Wandering Jew easy to grow?

A: Yes, Wandering Jew plants are generally easy to grow. They adapt well to various conditions and are fast-growing. They can be propagated easily from cuttings and require minimal maintenance beyond regular watering, pruning, and an occasional application of fertilizer. However, they do not tolerate cold climates very well.

Does wandering Jew like full sun or shade?

Wandering Jew plants prefer locations with full sunlight. They can tolerate some shade but too much shade can cause the color of the leaves to fade. More sunlight exposure generally leads to more flowers during the flowering season.

How often do you water Wandering Jew?

Wandering Jew plants should be watered regularly to maintain a balanced moisture level in the soil. However, the soil should not be allowed to become too dry or too wet. Overwatering can lead to root rot. A good way to check if it’s time to water is to push your finger about 1-inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water the plant.

Is Tradescantia Zebrina easy to grow?

Yes, Tradescantia Zebrina, a variety of Wandering Jew, is easy to grow. It requires similar care to other Wandering Jew varieties and is known for its adaptability and quick growth.

Does Tradescantia Zebrina need full sun?

Tradescantia Zebrina does best in a location with full sunlight. While it can tolerate some shade, insufficient sunlight can cause the leaves to lose their vibrant color. Like other Wandering Jew plants, the more light it gets, the more flowers it produces during its flowering season.

Hollie is a life-long gardener, having started helping her Dad work on their yard when she was just 5. Since then she has gone on to develop a passion for growing vegetables & fruit in her garden. She has an affinity with nature and loves to share her knowledge gained over a lifetime with readers online. Hollie has written for a number of publications and is now the resident garden blogger here at GardenBeast. Contact her at [email protected] or follow on twitter https://twitter.com/greenholliec

Pampas Grass Guide: How to Plant & Care for “Cortaderia Selloana”

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma guide: how to grow & care for “mini monstera”, corn plant guide: how to grow & care for “dracaena fragrans”.

under the photo “easy to propagate”, that is not a wandering jew-its a peperomia “rosso!”

My wandering jew plants leafs are getting dried. Why is that?

It’s not getting enough humidity

Could you elaborate on “rich organic compost”? What should it be made of, exactly? Can I use compost accelerator in the soil mix?

Worm castings are great, or worm tea, egg shell tea is another.

What month does the jew break ground to start growing?

All depends on your specific areas weather pattern and seasons.

Do NOT BUY ANY OF THIS SPECIES if you have a dog because dogs are very allergic to these plants & come out in bad rashes if they wander through them!

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Wandering Jew Care: How to Grow a Long and Luscious Inch Plant (Tradescantia Zebrina)

Tradescantia zebrina (commonly known as wandering Jew, spiderwort, or inch plant) is popular for a reason: This beginner-friendly houseplant is low-maintenance and grows quickly. It’s also super easy to propagate more plants so you can fill your home with more of the colorful striped foliage the species is known for.

Written by Linda Ly

When it comes to vigorous, colorful, and easy-to-grow hanging houseplants, there aren’t many that can compare to Tradescantia zebrina (known more commonly as wandering Jew—and I’ll touch on the history of that name below). Whether you’re a houseplant beginner or a veteran, most indoor gardeners have owned one of these potted plants at some point. 

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Tradescantia zebrina and growing this stunning houseplant in your own home.

Disclosure: If you shop from my article or make a purchase through one of my links, I may receive commissions on some of the products I recommend.

About inch plants

Natural habitat.

Tradescantia zebrina is a native of Central and South America, from Mexico down to Colombia, as well as the Caribbean. Here, it forms part of the undergrowth in lightly forested and often very moist areas. It can form very dense, wide mats thanks to its creeping growth pattern and ability to throw roots extremely quickly.

Unfortunately, its vigorous growth has also made Tradescantia zebrina an invasive plant in some regions. This includes Hawaii, Brazil, and Australia, where the species easily takes hold in moist, forested areas.

As a 2019 study carried out in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest notes, this is problematic due to the species choking out native plants.

Some of the above was caused by careless gardeners allowing bits of the plant to get into the wild, where they quickly root. If you’d like to grow spiderworts like this one in your garden, please make sure to dispose properly of any trimmings left after pruning!

This also applies to zebrina’s popular cousins, like Tradescantia fluminensis, T. pallida, and T. spathacea.

Description

It’s not difficult to see why Tradescantia zebrina gained popularity as a houseplant. Wandering spiderwort plants (not to be confused with spider plants , another beginner-friendly species) are low-maintenance and grow just about anywhere—they even just grow in water !

Easy care and quick growth aside, spiderworts are also just good-looking plants. The pointed, oval leaves on thin, fleshy stems overlap slightly and are characterized by their zebra pattern in purple and silvery green. The leaf undersides are deep purple in color and the tiny, three-petaled flowers are bright pink.

Although this species is naturally a creeping plant, it’s often grown indoors in hanging planters. As long as the plant is provided with enough light, the foliage will be very dense and brightly colored, forming a spectacular waterfall that can reach more than 3 feet in length.

What’s in a name? In the case of common houseplants, sometimes a lot.

Tradescantia zebrina is a classic houseplant (I found mention of it in a 1964 German book about houseplants, but it’s probably been around longer than that!) and among most English speakers, it has long been known as wandering Jew. This is probably a reference to the “wandering” nature of the plant, as it does have a creeping growth pattern.

The legend of the wandering Jew is hundreds of years old and is now commonly considered to be rooted in antisemitism. It describes a Jewish man cursed to walk the planet until the Second Coming because he taunted Jesus on his way to the cross.

Because of this, the plant name has partly fallen out of fashion and has been the source of much debate in the plant world over the past few years. 

Some plant enthusiasts have embraced the alternative “wandering dude,” which I personally think is a great option.

“Inch plant” (houseplant enthusiasts don’t agree on whether this refers to the fact that it can grow an inch a day, or that you only need an inch of stem to propagate it), “spiderwort,” or “wandering spiderwort” are also popular alternatives, though these are common names for other Tradescantia varieties, such as Tradescantia Nanouk.

The best way to avoid any confusion is to just stick to the scientific name.

Inch plant varieties

There are three subspecies of inch plant (wandering Jew): Tradescantia zebrina var. zebrina, var. flocculosa, and var. mollipila. Unsurprisingly, after it having been a popular houseplant for so many years, nurseries have also managed to create a whole bunch of cultivars through selective cultivation.

A few of the popular Tradescantia zebrina cultivars you may come across in your local plant store include, but are certainly not limited to:

• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Quadricolor’: Yep, as the name suggests, this one adds an extra color to the mix. The leaves are cream, pink-purple, light green, and dark green.
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Burgundy’: Characterized by its very dark purple coloration.
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Silver Plus’: Less purple, more shiny silver.
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Red Gem’: Less silver, more intense (light) purple.
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Purple Joy’: Less silver, more dark purple. 
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Tikal’: A rare, naturally occurring variety that collectors pay a pretty penny for.

Do keep in mind that most of these cultivars aren’t patented and the amount of mislabeling and variation within a cultivar are both huge. Just growing your wandering Jew in lower-light conditions can completely change the way it looks, so it’s not surprising that confusion sometimes reigns supreme.

Luckily, care is the same across all cultivars, so your best bet is to just enjoy your plant even if you’re not sure what Tradescantia variety you’re dealing with!

Where to buy wandering Jew plants:

• California Tropicals
• Daylily Nursery
• The Green Escape

Caring for an inch plant

Light and temperature.

It’s important to provide your Tradescantia zebrina with enough light. It’s tempting to use plants to brighten up dark, shaded spots in your home, but that just doesn’t work with this one: It loses its dense growth pattern and beautiful coloration in low light.

To prevent your wandering dude plant from growing sparse and green, place it near a window that gets bright indirect light. Some full sun isn’t a problem either, but do make sure you acclimate it gradually to a higher light location.

Temperature-wise, this species is a lot hardier than many of the tender tropicals we like to grow in our homes (like Anthurium andraeanum and Begonia maculata ).

Wandering dude plants can handle a very wide range of temps, making it perfect for those chillier windowsills that your other plants may not appreciate. Room temperature is ideal, but anything between 50°F to 85°F will keep them happy.

Water and humidity

Your Tradescantia zebrina will appreciate lightly moist soil. You can water a bit more during the summer months, when the plant is actively growing and needs a lot of moisture, and less during winter, when soil tends to take significantly longer to dry. 

If you’re not sure whether it’s time to water your wandering Jew plant yet, you can always turn to the age-old trick of sticking a finger in the soil.

• If it still feels damp, wait a little longer, until the first inch or two has dried. 
• If it feels bone dry, you’ve waited too long; you may also see limp leaves on your plant at this point. It’ll bounce back, but not always without lasting damage. 
• If the soil feels wet, you watered too much and need to keep an eye out for root rot.

As for humidity, given its rather wet natural habitat, wandering Jew does appreciate higher air moisture levels. The great thing is, though, that it doesn’t demand it. As long as you keep its soil lightly moist and the air isn’t extremely dry, your plant should do well.

Soil and planting

Wandering Jew is not fussy about its potting mixture at all. I’ve grown it in pure houseplant potting soil with no additives. If you do want to take things to the next level, you can add some perlite and/or peat moss, although this is really not a must. 

Most houseplant enthusiasts like to place their wandering Jew in a hanging planter so they can enjoy the look of the leaves cascading down. This is not a must, though. You can also emphasize the species’ creeping growth habit by filling up a large, shallow planter, growing it in a terrarium, or even keeping it in water on a semi-permanent basis.

Recommended products for wandering Jew plant care:

• FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
• Espoma Organic Potting Mix
• Perfect Plants Organic Perlite

Fertilizing

Like most other houseplants, Tradescantia zebrina appreciates a bit of fertilizer during the growing season, which extends from spring to early fall. You can use a normal houseplant fertilizer according to the instructions on the bottle.

Don’t fertilize during the winter months unless your plant is growing well. It doesn’t need extra nutrients if it’s inactive.

Recommended fertilizers for wandering Jew plants:

• Houseplant Resource Center Liquid Fertilizer for Houseplants
• Instant Biologics Instant Plant Food (Fizzing Nutrient Tablets)
• Maxsea All-Purpose Seaweed Plant Food

Pruning 

There’s a good chance you’ll have to prune your Tradescantia zebrina regularly, because as I mentioned, this is a very quick grower. It also roots very easily, so any trimmings can be replanted! I’ll describe how to do this in the section on propagation below.

Aside from stem trimming, you can remove any dead leaves, which are bound to pop up from time to time in very dense plants like this species.

Dividing or repotting

Inch plants don’t grow by producing plantlets at their base like many other houseplants (such as spider plants ) do. Instead, inch plants spread by rooting along the stems.

This means that division is not really the way to go; keeping these plants manageable is usually done through pruning. You can shape your plant by pinching off any long, leggy stems to create a fuller appearance and control its spread.

You’ll notice that Tradescantia really doesn’t mind being a bit cramped in its planter. Still, it’s a good idea to provide your plant with some fresh soil every year or two by repotting it.

Propagating an inch plant

If you’ve never propagated a houseplant before, this is truly one of the best species to start with. It’s known for rooting extremely quickly in both water and soil, meaning it’s easy to fill endless planters to keep or give away.

All you need to propagate your Tradescantia zebrina is a pair of clean scissors. Here’s how you do it:

• Snip the ends off existing branches. An inch or two with a few leaves works best.
• Remove the leaves at the bottom so part of the stem is exposed.
• Place the cutting in a glass of water to root or plant it directly in soil. You can put cuttings back in the mother plant’s pot to give her a fuller appearance on top.
• It can take a little longer during the winter months, but the first roots should appear within a week or so. You can give soil cuttings a slight tug to verify they’ve rooted.
• Once the first signs of new foliage appear, you’ll know your propagation attempt has been a success! 
• If you propagated in water, you can leave the rooted cuttings in water almost indefinitely, although you can also pot them up in fresh soil.

Common questions about inch plant care

How do i make a wandering jew plant bushy.

By their very nature, wandering Jew plants are not bushy. Their creeping growth habit means they naturally grow leggy over time, especially in containers.

However, you can mimic a fuller appearance by strategically pinching off any long, spindly stems to shape the plant more. These stems can also be replanted near the mother plant.

As the baby plants grow, they’ll help fill in sparse areas and create the illusion of a bushy wandering Jew.

How long do wandering Jew plants live?

Wandering Jew plants have a limited lifespan of just a few years, and as a potted plant, you’ll notice your wandering Jew becoming very leggy after just two to three years.

Unlike other fast-growing plants that benefit from pruning, cutting back a wandering Jew doesn’t work well to renew its growth; it simply controls the spread.

The best way to keep your plant coming back year after year is to propagate new plants from stem cuttings, which—fortunately—is super easy with a high success rate.

Is wandering Jew perennial?

Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) is a trailing evergreen perennial in its native habitat (USDA hardiness zones 9 through 12). Where it’s not winter hardy, wandering Jew is grown year-round as a houseplant.

Are wandering Jew plants toxic to cats and dogs?

Wandering Jew is not considered outright toxic, but it can cause some skin irritation. If your pet gets into your plant, don’t worry too much, although it can be a good idea to have a look in its mouth to make sure there’s no excessive swelling. Be sure to offer water. To prevent skin rash, it can be a good idea to wear gloves if you need to handle your wandering Jew plant. This especially applies if you have sensitive skin.

https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/110354

Racism in Taxonomy: What’s in a Name?

Chiba de Castro, W. A., Xavier, R. O., Garrido, F. H., Romero, J. H., Peres, C. K., & da Luz, R. C. (2019). Fraying around the edges: negative effects of the invasive Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse (Commelinaceae) on tree regeneration in the Atlantic Forest under different competitive and environmental conditions. Journal of Plant Ecology, 12(4), 713-721.

Encke, F. (1964). Pflanzen fur Zimmer und Balkon; Auswahl, Pflege, Vermehrung.

I'm a plant lover, passionate road-tripper, and cookbook author whose expert advice and bestselling books have been featured in Time, Outside, HGTV, and Food & Wine. The National Parks Cookbook is my latest book. Garden Betty is where I write about modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and outdoor adventuring—all that encompass a life well-lived outdoors. After all, the secret to a good life is... Read more »

We bought a full grown Bolivian Jewel mid summer last year. It was in a 14” raised pot and flowing 2 foot over the sides. It was beautiful next to our fountain outside. We live in Minnesota so we had to discard it in the late fall since we had no place to care for it in the house. Since we can’t find another like it we’d like to plant one from scratch but how. We still have the pot and riser but have no idea how to start from that. One plant, a few or just how many to make a bushy over grown plant so it looks like the one we purchased last year. Does this make sense or should we just forget it since it is already the middle of May. The greenhouse that we bought it from last summer doesn’t have any this year, just small ones in 4” pots. Thanks

If you can only grow it as an annual (and won’t be overwintering it indoors), you can plant a few smaller ones together to make them look fuller as they grow.

It seems counterproductive to talk about the problematic origin of the name wandering Jew, recommend multiple alternative names (including scientific), but then continue to call it wandering Jew in the rest of the article. If the name is anti-Semitic just set a good example and use a different name.

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How to Grow and Care for a Wandering Dude Plant

Here’s how to care for this pretty trailing plant.

Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

With its long dangling stems, this plant tends to “wander” all over the place. Today, the plant often is called by its botanical name, Tradescantia, with “zebrina” referring to its silver striping.

It’s sometimes also called silver inch plant, but it can be confused with another plant, commonly called inch plant, Tradescantia fluminensis , which has solid green foliage.

Other varieties of wandering dude have become widely available in recent years, including the very popular nanouk type, which has foliage with pretty pinkish stripes and magenta undersides.

Native to Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras, the wandering dude usually is grown as a houseplant, but in USDA Hardiness zones 9 to 11 , it can be grown as a low-growing ground cover, too. ( Find your zone here .)

Read more: 15 Common Houseplants to Grow and Brighten Up Your Home

Ahead, learn everything you need to know about how to care for a wandering dude plant:

Wandering Dude Basic Info:

• Common Name: Wandering dude
• Botanical Name: Tradescantia zebrina
• Plant Family: Commelinaceae
• Type of Plant: Perennial, grown as houseplant
• Native Origin: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Mature Size: 6 inches tall by 1 foot wide
• Toxic to pets: Yes

Why Trust Us

I'm a garden writer with more than 15 years of experience growing houseplants, edibles, and landscape plantings. I also regularly trial new plant cultivars for performance and reliability, and test garden products to evaluate practicality and durability.

How Do You Care For a Wandering Dude Plant?

Give wandering dude bright, indirect light. If it doesn’t get sufficient light, this plant tends to get gangly and unattractive. Its purple coloring also may fade in low light, which means you should move it to a more brightly-lit room or use a grow light.

If your wandering dude is starting to get scraggly, simply snip off a few inches from the end of each stem to help stimulate the plant to push new, bushy growth. You can use plant snips or your fingers. You may need to pinch back frequently because wandering dude is a fast grower.

How Do You Water a Wandering Dude Plant?

You should water only when the plant feels mostly dry. Poke your finger in the soil before watering; if soil clings to your finger, wait a few more days and recheck.

If you let it get too soggy, that’s a sure way for it to get mushy and die. Like most houseplants, it’s better to err on the side of too dry, rather than too wet.

If you like, you can feed this plant with any general-purpose houseplant fertilizer, but it’s not entirely necessary.

Miracle-Gro Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, 3 lb

Can You Grow Wandering Dude Plant Outdoors?

Yes, it makes a great trailing plant spilling out of containers! Pair it with tall plants such as hibiscus, canna, elephant ears, or other tall, upright tropicals. If it starts to get leggy, just trim it back. Outdoors, it does best in full sun (northern climates) to part shade (southern climates). It may develop tiny pinkish flowers outdoors, though it rarely flowers indoors.

How Do You Propagate a Wandering Dude Plant?

Like pothos , this is a great plant to propagate to share with friends or to make new plants for yourself. Simply take a cutting, say, if it’s getting too long, then place it in a glass of water to root. Keep it in a bright spot in your home (not direct sunlight), and watch for roots to develop within about two weeks. Then plant in regular potting soil, and keep the soil lightly moist while it settles in.

Is Wandering Dude Toxic to Pets?

According to the ASPCA , this plant is toxic to pets and may cause dermatitis, or irritation of the lips and mouth. But remember that any plant may cause vomiting or GI distress if eaten in large enough quantities, so keep this away from pets who are nibblers. Finally, call your vet ASAP if you suspect your pet has ingested it, even if you’re not sure. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

In addition, the plant sap also may cause skin irritation in some people. Wear gloves when handling cuttings if you tend to have sensitive skin.

Read more: 28 Pet- Friendly Houseplants You Can Grow Without Worry

Vigoro Tradescantia in 11-inch Hanging Basket

Rooted Tradescantia Nanouk, 4-inch pot

BubbleBlooms Wandering Dude Assortment

Wayfair Tradescantia Nanouk, 4-inch pot

Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.

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Wandering Jew Winter Care: Complete ‘How To’ Guide

• By Kaci Reigns
• Updated April 27, 2024

You may have heard about the wandering Jew plant. This beautiful plant is an excellent choice as an indoor or an outdoor plant. If you're wondering how to care for these low-maintenance plants in the winter months, you're in luck. We've done the research and have compiled some of the best ways to care for your plant during the winter!

Here are some tips for caring for your wandering Jew plant in the winter:

• Reduce the amount of watering
• Ensure that you have sufficient humidity
• Keep the plant away from cold drafts
• Stop fertilizing
• Avoid pruning
• Put your plant in a sunny location

This quick-growing, low-maintenance plant is very popular because it is easy to grow! Keep reading to learn more about the changes you need to make in winter for the wandering Jew and more critical information about this wonderful plant!

Wandering Jew (Dude) Winter Care

The inch plant ( Tradescantia zebrina ) is also known as the wandering Jew. More recently, the plant has been called the wandering dude (a less offensive term). Regardless of its name, this plant is a tropical plant that is only hardy for USDA zones eight through 11.

Inch plants are commonly grown as houseplants. They have a low frost tolerance. However, you still need to adjust the care you give these plants in the wintertime.

Inch plants are dormant during the winter months. Their dormancy means that you need to cut back on watering. During the plant's growing months, you need to keep the soil moist and well-draining.

In the fall and winter, you can allow some of the soil to dry out before watering. You want to do this because the plant isn't growing as rapidly and doesn't require as much water.

Allow the first two inches of soil to dry out for large plants before watering again. You should only allow up to the first inch of soil to dry out for smaller ones.

Humidity Levels

Your wandering dude will still need humidity during the winter. In fact, you may have to increase the humidity levels in your home during the winter. This is because most people use their heaters during this time. Yes, it keeps homes warm, but it also takes away the moisture in the air.

You'll know that you need to adjust your humidity levels if you notice leaves with brown edges or falling leaves. To increase your humidity levels, you can use a humidifier.

Another option is to use a pebble tray. Pebble trays are small dishes filled with rocks and water. You place your plant on top of it, which increases the nearby humidity.

Avoid Cold Drafts

Remember that inch plants are native to tropical regions with higher temperatures. They do well when indoor temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For the most part, this is within the range most at which people keep their homes.

However, be careful to avoid any cold drafts from your windows. Your inch plants must be brought inside when outdoor temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A cold breeze, even indoors, can cause severe damage to your wandering dude.

Stop Fertilizing

You should stop fertilizing your inch plants during the fall and winter months. Remember, the plants are dormant in the winter. Even if you see new growth, the plant isn't growing rapidly enough to warrant any fertilizing.

It can be challenging to determine if you've over-fertilized your plants. The symptoms can easily be confused with overwatering. However, keep an eye out for yellowing and wilting leaves and leaves dropping. You may also notice a crusty white surface on the soil.

Avoid Pruning

Technically, you can prune your wandering dude plant during the winter months. However, you need to be incredibly careful. New growth can occur when pruning during the fall and winter. Unfortunately, this can lead to weak and leggy growth.

The best time to prune your wandering dude is during the active growing period. These plants can handle a hard pruning in the spring.

Keep Sunlight Levels High

Wandering dudes prefer areas with bright indirect light when grown indoors. They prefer this amount of sunlight year-round. So, even though we get less light, your plant still wants the same amount.

Consider the area where your inch plant is currently. If your plant is at a north-facing window, you may need to move it. You can move it closer to the window or near a south-facing window. South-facing windows are best for getting light without any glare and heat like with east- or west-facing windows.

Another option is to use a growing light. This can help you control the amount of light without moving your plant.

Take a look at this full spectrum light on Amazon!

When To Repot Wandering Dudes

You shouldn't repot your wandering dudes in their dormant months. Changing containers when your plant isn't actively growing can cause shock or root rot.

If you're going to repot, first determine if your plant needs it. Tradescantia can be invasive . You don't have to worry about it overtaking your home. However, its invasive tendencies mean you may not have to repot it as often as you think.

If your wandering dude has roots growing out of its container or slower growth, you should switch to a larger container.

How To Repot

Select a pot that is at least two inches wider and deeper than your current container. It should also have drainage holes. You can also choose a pot that is wider than it is deep. These types of plants typically have shallow roots, so you don't necessarily need the extra space on the bottom.

Water your plant and put on a pair of gloves before repotting your wandering dude. You'll have to work carefully and away from pets and kids. These plants are toxic.

Move your plant's vines to the side and lay the pot horizontally. Then gently remove the plant from its container. You can put your gloved hand between the soil and the container wall to move the plant out.

Put a layer of soil at the bottom of the new container. Then make sure the plant's root ball is untangled. Next, put the plant into the container and fill the sides up with soil. Water the inch plant from above to help settle the soil.

Check out this pot with a drainage hole on Amazon!

What Problems Do Wandering Dude Plants Have?

For the most part, there are no serious issues that you have to worry about for the wandering dude.

However, you should be on the lookout for a few common diseases. Root rot is commonly caused by poor drainage or overwatering. Stem rot can also occur if moisture is left on the plant.

Wandering dudes can be affected by aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, and slugs. If your plants are being grown exclusively as houseplants, then you don't have to consider slugs.

You should still monitor your plant for signs of other small pests. When left unchecked, aphids and mealybugs can attract ants, and thrips can spread disease to other parts of the plant.

Final Thoughts

The wandering dude, or wandering Jew, is an easy-to-care-for tropical plant that requires a little bit of care to survive the winter.

Be wary of over-watering and cold drafts, which can be damaging for your plant. Keeping that in mind, you'll have a happy, healthy plant to prune and fertilize come springtime!

Are you looking for more wandering dude information? Check out one of the posts below.

Why Is My Wandering Jew Dying [And What To Do]

Will A Wandering Jew Climb A Trellis?

I look forward to receiving new gardening tips!

I always enjoy learning new things about gardening

Yes it help me very much a lot to understand and why it dries up and falls off

I like wondering who’s the pretty they’re pretty easy to take care of you can clip and reboot them make us more Fuller and bigger pinch back and they get full too and I’m going to try to send a picture if I can thank you 😊

I got some samples now I’m having them in the jar of water rewarding and see what happens soon as it works to get up small pots to see if it if I can get it going good 😊

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Growing Wandering Jew Plants – How To Care For Spiderwort Plants

Updated on November 17, 2020

Many horticulturalists claim that the wandering Jew plants are the perfect houseplants no matter where you live or how little skill you have with plants. There are many facts to support this claim even if it sounds outlandish and we’ll go through in detail. But the question here is which wandering Jew plants to grow? This umbrella name refers to a wide variety of plants in the Tradescantia family. Each one of them has some value to add to your home. From brighter blooms to more colorful foliage. But all these varieties of the wandering Jew plants share one thing in common and that is they are easy to grow and care for.

Reasons to Consider Wandering Jew Plants in your Home

So let’s dissect this claim that the wandering Jew plants are perfect for all homes. We have covered many plants that were easy to grow and didn’t need much attention. What makes the wandering Jew plant so special? Well, there are a few reasons for that.

• These plants are natural air purifiers . The wandering Jew plants absorb carbon dioxide and toxic particles out of the air leave your house smelling fresh and healthy.
• In the realm of houseplants, this species likes to get attention with their showy foliage .
• They also absorb heavy metals out of the soil.
• The wandering Jew plants are known to self-propagate. They practically ask for no input from you when they reproduce and make new plants.
• They are hardy plants that can handle drought, fluctuating lighting, poor soil, and many other adverse conditions.
• Even if they happen to die on your watch, you can still start a brand new plant just with a leaf node from the old one.
• They thrive in small pots or hanging from baskets where they make a real colorful splash with these delicate tendrils.
• Finally, there are many varieties to choose from and they are easy to find in your local nursery.

Wandering Jew Plants Basics

Native to South America, the wandering Jew plants (Tradescantia) are perennial evergreens that combine three types of plants under this common name. They’re sometimes called spiderwort, purple queen, and inch plant depending on whom you ask. But the fact that they’re tropical plants doesn’t mean you can’t grow them in your home. That’s the beauty of houseplants. You have control over the temperature and humidity levels allowing you to grow such exotic plants as these.

The one thing you need to keep in mind is that the wandering Jew plants are considered invasive species in many places. This is why you can’t grow them in your garden. Remember what we said about their self-propagation? Once they establish roots in an area, they spread out and claim new territories all the time. In a garden, this means they will soon take over and smother other plants in the garden before they jump over the fence and reclaim the neighbor’s garden as well.

Some of the species are flowering plants while others rarely bloom indoors. But even those that don’t flower, they still have dazzling foliage that renders the flowers redundant. Some varieties have striped green leaves with silver streaks that are a delight to look at.

Wandering Jew Plants Varieties

So which variety of the wandering Jew plants should you grow? The answer to that depends largely on your personal taste and preferences. So let’s take a closer look at each variety of this exotic family.

• Tradescantia Zebrina: One of the most popular varieties whose leaves compete for your attention with its awesome blooms. In general, the leaves are usually heavily patterned while the three-petal flowers are white. But the contrast is often breathtaking. The center of the leaves is striped in creamy patterns just like a zebra, hence the name. The rim of the leaves is usually silver that contrasts the blocks of dark green color.
• Tradescantia Fluminensis: This evergreen originates from Brazil and flowers throughout the year. With proper care and attention, it will stay with you for many years. The leaves are usually oval in shape and have a distinct glossy green look. At the end of each leaf is a node that grows out of a fleshy stem and develops into a root. If you don’t prune the plant regularly, it will spread out and claim every inch of space available. It has USDA hardiness zones between 9 and 12 and favors warm climates and plenty of sunlight.
• Tradescantia Pallida: A showy variety that hails from Mexico. Its leaves are the source of its pride. Each leaf is about 7 inches long and when it matures, it turns purple with red or green tips. The small flowers bloom in various colors from pink to white and lavender. Unlike other varieties, the pallida plant doesn’t grow tendrils, rather its fragile stems break easily and grow into new plants on their own. It doesn’t tolerate cold temperatures well especially if the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Grow Wandering Jew Plants

As with exotic or tropical plants, you need to recreate conditions similar to the plant’s original habitat. This ensures the wandering Jew plants will keep growing and flowering year after year in your house. The good news is, these evergreens are easy to grow. As we have seen, they even self-propagate. Here are the easy steps to grow the wandering Jew plants.

• The easiest way to grow any species of the wandering Jew plants is through a cutting.
• Use a clean and sterilized knife to cut a healthy stem of a mature plant.
• Remove any dried or crispy leaves and only keep one set of leaves near the top of the stem.
• Put the stem in a glass full of water and keep it in a lit spot without being exposed to direct sunlight.
• After about a week the stem will grow roots. It might take longer than a week if the room is too cold.
• When the roots are about 2 inches long, it’s time to pot the plant.
• Fill a medium-size pot with a general-purpose potting mix . You can add peat moss, worm castings , or oak bark. However, make sure not to include peat.
• Make a hole about 4 inches deep and two and a half inches wide. Place the seedling in it and cover the hole with soil.
• Water the pot well until the water flows out of the drainage holes at the bottom.
• Keep the soil moist for the next couple of weeks to help the roots grow and establish.

Wandering Jew Plants Care

And that’s all you need to do to grow the wandering Jew plant. It’s that easy. But now, of course, comes the hard part. How to keep it growing and at the same time manage that amazing fast growth rate.

Most houseplants need well-drained soil. The wandering Jew plant thrives in loamy or sandy soil while it struggles in clay or alkaline soil. If you’re not sure that the soil drains well, add one-third portion of perlite and mix well. Many experts recommend you add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.

Sunlight is important for the success of the wandering Jew plant. In fact, those bright three-petal flowers will not bloom without sunlight. In that respect, this perennial makes a distinction between morning sun and afternoon sun. It prefers the afternoon sun so always keep it on a window sill that faces the south or west. North and east-facing windows get the morning sun. The leaves of the plant will tell you if it’s not getting enough sun. Their color will fade and they turn yellowish. If the sun-deprivation continues, the plant might die.

Moisture is the operative word when it comes to watering. You wouldn’t want the soil to get wet but if you let it dry out, that will hurt the wandering Jew plant too. So it’s more of a balancing act. You wait for the top 3 inches of the soil to go dry before you water it. When you irrigate it, you don’t soak the soil. The roots are sensitive to water and don’t function well in waterlogged soil. This could lead to root rot, drooping leaves, and wilting stems.

Many horticulturalists recommend that you use worm castings as a slow-release fertilizer that feeds the wandering Jew plant slowly for weeks at a time. As an alternative, you can apply general-purpose liquid fertilizer at half strength. This means you should dilute it by adding about 50 percent water or using half the recommended dose. The best times to apply fertilizer are in the growing season. If you notice the tips of the leaves turning brown or looking dry, that could be the result of using strong fertilizer.

That’s where it gets serious. The wandering Jew plants are known for their fast growth rates. If left alone, they’ll grow all over the place and project a messy look. Not to mention that the plant becomes leggy. That’s when it focuses on growing long stems while leaving the base bare and ugly. Use your pruning scissors regularly to trim new shoots and keep the foliage dense and in good shape. Pinch the tip of the new shoots to encourage the plant to grow bushy.

Pests and Diseases

You need to watch out for spider mites. These little bugs feed on the leaves and flowers of the wandering Jew plant. You’ll notice small webs between the leaves, that’s a dead giveaway that you have a pest problem. Use neem oil to clean the stems and remove the webs. You could also dip a swap in alcohol and gently rub it over the leaves and stems to kill the pests.

As for diseases, the only two common ones are root rot and brown leaf tip. The first is the result of overwatering or poor-drainage soil. The second is caused by sun deprivation. Move your pot to a window that gets the afternoon sun to give the leaves their healthy and glossy look.

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Wandering Jew

Wandering jew ( tradescantia zebrina ).

Other common names: Silver Inch Plant, 吊竹梅

The Wandering Jew is a creeping, herbaceous shrub that can grow up to 15cm tall. It has hairy leaves with silver and purple stripes on its upper side, while the underside is uniformly purple. Its stems are green and have purple shoots.

A perennial plant, the Wandering Jew is a great for indoor plant that is suitable for hanging planters and containers . It can also be used as a living mulch for shady areas.

Sun and soil needs:

This plant thrives in 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight , and can tolerate up to 4 hours of direct sun. Plants do best in pots with loamy soil at least 10cm deep, or in true ground .These plants are vulnerable to root rot , so ensure that your pots drain well, and that your soil has plenty of organic matter to let the roots breathe.

Too much light will dull the variegation on its leaves while too little light will cause the purple hues to fade. Wandering Jews tend to get fertiliser burn, and should be fertilised only once every 3-4 months with a dilute balanced fertiliser or a slow-release fertiliser . Wandering Jews can become leggy and will need regular pruning to keep it bushy.

As with all potted plants, regular repotting once a year will prevent it from becoming root bound .

Propagation:

Wandering Jew can be propagated by stem cuttings .

Common problems & solutions:

This plant is relatively resistant to pests and disease if kept healthy.

Aphids , Mealy Bugs , and Spider Mites often infest the plant if it has underlying problems like repeated wilting from heat stress. Mechanical pest control methods like pruning the infested parts are the best methods for managing these pests in the short term, but resolving the underlying problem will prevent them in the long term.

Inch Plant Care Guide: How To Grow Tradescantia Zebrina

The familiar creeping inch plant is such an easy houseplant to grow and propagate, it may reveal your green thumb.

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Quick Inch Plant Facts:

About inch plant, easy inch plant care, fertilizing, tradescantia zebrina propagation, pests, diseases, and problems, inch plant varieties.

• Botanical name - Tradescantia zebrina
• Height - 6 to 8 inches (15.2 to 20.3 cm)
• Spread - 12 to 24 inches (30.5 to 61.0 cm)
• Sun exposure - Full sun to partial shade
• Soil requirements - Moist, well-drained
• USDA Hardiness zones - 8 to 12
• When to plant - Year-round indoors

The Inch plant, also known as creeping inch plant and zebra inch plant, is a tropical perennial that is mostly grown as a popular houseplant in North America. Tradescantia zebrina plants are fast-growing, easy to care for, attractive in containers and hanging pots, and easy to share with friends.

Tradescantia zebrina is a trailing, perennial groundcover native to southern Mexico and parts of Central America. Because it is not hardy in most of North America, it is largely used as an ornamental houseplant .

The inch plant gets its name due to the uniform spacing between leaf nodes, but it also accurately describes its pace of growth. It grows quickly, creating attractive, trailing branches with green foliage that is striped with silver and purple on the underside. Inch plants produce small light purple flowers, but the foliage is the main draw.

While most commonly used as a houseplant, you can also grow inch plants outdoors as an annual in colder climates and as a perennial groundcover in regions where it is hardy. As an annual, plant it in containers or in the ground. Inch plants look nice as trailing ground cover and hanging baskets.

Aside from the attractive foliage, inch plants are popular as a houseplant for their low maintenance needs. It grows readily and quickly, even when neglected a little bit. Here are a few tips on creeping inch plant care.

Inch plants require bright, indirect light. If the light is too dim, the distinctive leaf markings will fade. In the wild, inch plants tolerate full sun and partial shade. As a tropical groundcover, it also grows naturally in bright, filtered sunlight. As a houseplant in northern climates, the inch plant produces better foliage color in bright, direct light. In warmer southern climates, too much sunlight has the opposite effect and will wash out the striking colors on the leaves.

Keep the inch plant’s soil slightly moist but don’t water directly into its crown. Remember that this plant does not like wet feet. Don’t let it sit in soggy soil, and let it dry out a bit before watering. In winter when indoor air is dry, it’s a good idea to mist inch plants frequently.

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An important part of growing inch plants is pinching back the long, vining tendrils. Pinch back about a fourth of the plant regularly to encourage branching and increase its fullness. This will keep the plant from becoming too leggy.

It’s acceptable to feed your inch plant monthly with a diluted half-strength liquid fertilizer. However, this may be more appropriate in spring and summer during the plants’ growth period. In winter, if the plant is not receiving as much sunlight, it does not require feeding. One expert advises fertilizing every seventh watering. It’s important to observe the plant. If it’s in a growth stage it will need more nutrients; if not, let it rest. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer .

Your inch plant eventually will lose its leaves at the base, while its long legs keep growing. This means it's time to renew your plant by taking cuttings and rooting them. Don't be surprised if your plants need to be renewed once a year or so.

One reason this plant is so well loved is because it’s easy to propagate and share using cuttings. When trimming the inch plant back to keep it healthy, place the cut tendrils in water, removing any bottom leaves. The cuttings will root quickly and can soon be shared and planted.

Even easier way to propagate the inch plant is to cut off some of the plant’s long legs and simply bury the cut ends in fresh potting soil. Keep the soil moist and within a few weeks, you’ll see new growth. Always make sure your soil is fresh, as salt build up in old soil is lethal to inch plants.

You may also notice that inch plant tendrils lying on top of the soil will root themselves at each joint of the stem. These can be removed individually and planted as separate small plants.

Some pests that might trouble your inch plant are aphids , spider mites , whiteflies , scale , and mealybugs . Check plants regularly for any sign of pests, so you can manage the issue early.

If your plant develops browning leaves , it may be experiencing root rot, not enough water or too much heat, or in some cases, simply old age. Remove the brown leaves, inspect your inch plant for pests, then evaluate its growing conditions.

There are not many different varieties or cultivars of Tradescantia zebrina. A few exist that are not significantly different in appearance from each other: ‘Purpusii,’ ‘Tricolor,’ and ‘Quadricolor.’

You can find some other species of Tradescantia with different traits:

• T. cerinthoides . This species has green leaves and grows even faster than the inch plant.
• T. pallida . Also known as Purple Heart, this species has purple foliage.
• T. spathacea . Oyster plant is also known as Moses-in-a-basket. It has foliage that looks similar to inch plant and flowers that resemble oysters.
• T. fluminensis . This species is native to South America and has trailing stems with green leaves. Cultivars include those with variegated leaves and purple coloring.
• T. chrysophylla . Also called baby bunny bellies, this species gets its common name from its soft, fuzzy leaves.

Tradescantia zebrina ’s easy care and unique foliage and growth habit have made this a popular houseplant. Minimal care, some careful pruning, and adequate sunlight are all you need to enjoy an inch plant in your home. Be advised that Inch plants have a relatively short lifespan, and do not always age well. Regardless of how attentive your inch plant care may be, before long it may lose its leaves at the base, while its long legs keep growing. This means it’s time to renew your plant by taking cuttings and rooting them. Don’t be surprised if your inch plants need to be renewed in this way once a year or so.

Mary Ellen Ellis has been gardening for over 20 years. With degrees in Chemistry and Biology, Mary Ellen's specialties are flowers, native plants, and herbs.

If you’d like to learn how to reduce your carbon footprint on the Earth, start with your garden activities and planting decisions.

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Data on how our overuse of plastic is harming the planet may leave you wondering how to use less plastic. Here are ideas for reduced plastic use in the garden.

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Inch plant is a pretty houseplant that creeps over the edge of containers. Read on to learn how propagate inch plant cuttings.

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Inch plant (Tradescantia fluminensis) is very invasive and should be treated with caution. Click here to learn about inch plant weed control.

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The inch plant is truly one of the easiest plants to grow as a houseplant due to its adaptability. But can inch plant survive outdoors?

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Tradescantia: Wonderful Wanderers

02.07.2018 by rzr5355 // Leave a Comment

Solid, striped, or variegated; burgundy, emerald, lilac, and (sometimes or) white; and almost always pointed. The leaves of  Tradescantia species come is a vast array of appearances and hues which dazzle the eye and draw many a plant-lover near. Now, these unique descriptions may cause you to believe that these lovely specimens are rare pieces of small gardening collections hoarded away from the eye of the general public; however, it is rather likely that you have encountered at least one cultivar of this ever-popular genus in your wanders through the wilds of your local gardening center.

All About Tradescantia

Known more widely as inch plant, spiderwort, or “wandering jew,” Tradescantia are a genus of around seventy-five perennial flowering plants native to the regions between Canada and mid-South America. The genus became more well-known during the 1600s, during which foreign trade introduced the prior unknown beauties to Europe. It was during this very same period that the genus’s popularity began to take root and, subsequently, these colorful, winding wonders trailed their way into the hearts of green thumbs and the environments of locales across the globe. This, unfortunately, has caused some species to become invasive and cause unrest in those ecosystems where it survives a little bit too successfully. (A kind thanks to Wikipedia for giving me the most quintessential knowledge I can’t seem to dig up on more “academic” sites!)

If you are anything like me, you are likely wonder why in the dickens these plants are known as “wandering jews.” Jackie Rhoades of Gardening Know How shares the story of the namesake in the post “ Growing Wandering Jew Houseplants .” Simply put, women of the home we quite adept at growing the plants and would share their clippings with one another, thereby allowing the houseplant to spread in a manner similar to that of historic members of the Jewish community.

Tradescantia are widely known to be of insubstantial need; they are, in nature, wildflowers which trail and vine, after all. Despite the this self-preserving, low-maintenance facade, though, some small eccentricities have slightly swayed the genus’s total ease of care and necessitated a tidbit of attention on the part of jungle caregivers.

For Tradescantia , the most basic requirements, soil, is of equally basic need. Genus members grow best in a well-draining general purpose potting soil, but they can also do extremely well in soilless mediums  as a result of their abilities to drain. Container size is not typically an issue and many cultivars can be placed in hanging baskets or pots one size up from their nursery pots to contain their growth.

One such peculiarity comes in relation to the watering preferences of the plants: they  really don’t like wet feet and  really, really don’t like to be watered at the base of their stems , known as the crown of the plant. At this point, you have probably heard my spiel about root rot and how plants (usually) don’t like to have water sitting in their containers; this also applies to  Tradescantia . Beyond these small finicky pieces, the genus likes to be watered deeply, drained well, and misted to raise the surrounding humidity. During the dormant season (winter), watering should be reduced to accommodate for the plant’s growth stagnation, though.

Fertilization of the plant is not entirely necessary, but can be done up to twice monthly with a diluted solution of general-purpose houseplant fertilizer.

The sunlight and temperature requirements of  Tradescantia  are straightforward. All members of the genus prefer bright, indirect sunlight with the occasional glance of full exposure and all will grow steadily in temperatures ranging between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Unfortunately,  Tradescantia  are known be become elongated and “leggy” with time due to their trailing nature. Many growers, including The Spruce , suggest pinching the plant to encourage branching of the plant and ensure fullness. When the plant becomes too stretched, though, the issue can be addressed by taking plant cuttings, rooting them in water on a sunny window sill, and replanting when the new roots have grown to one inch in length. For more precise details about propagating, head over to SF Gate ‘s post on Wandering Jew Propagation !

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Wandering Jew: Types, Care, and Propagation

Table of contents, • the wandering jew - an introduction.

Wandering Jew, also called the Inch plant, can be credited for starting the whole trend of plant swapping. Years before indoor plant gardening became a profitable business, friends, family, and fellow plant parents swapped cuttings of the Wandering Jew.

The Wandering Jew is native to tropical and temperate climates and grows vigorously with very little care. In fact, the name Wandering Jew comes from the fact that if the plant is left to its devices in the open, the plant will grow invasively to wander the ends of the earth.

Tradescantia Zebrina, earlier known as Zebrina Pendula, is a species of creeper loved across the globe for its bright purple foliage. When grown indoors in planters, the tradescantia can be grown all year round in home gardens, even by gardeners who have no real gardening experience.

☆ Common names

Inch plant, Spiderwort, Wandering jew, Wandering zebrina, Zebra plant

• Types of Inch Plants

This beautiful plant has over 70 popular varieties and more often than not you can find most of these varieties in your neighborhood growing with abandon in either hanging plants or as ground cover. Some of the most common tradescantia varieties are:

1. Tradescantia Fluminensis

This variety has fleshy ovate leaves with white and green variegations attached to fleshy stems. It has triangular white flowers with three petals.

2. Tradescantia Zebrina

The variegated leaves resemble the stripes of a zebra, the purplish-green leaves have a silver edge. One of the hardiest and quickest growing wandering jew varieties.

3. Tradescantia Pallida

Also famous as the Purple heart plant for its deep purple foliage and light purplish-pink flower. It stands out amazingly both as ground cover and as hanging plants. Tradescantia blossfeldiana: The thick green leaves have a fuzzy texture with a white and green variegated upper side and a purple underside. The plant has clusters of beautiful blue, purple, white, and pink flowers.

4. Tradescantia Sillamontana

This plant has beautiful symmetry with leaves growing on thick succulent-like stems covered in white fuzzy hair. It produces magenta flowers in season.

5. Tradescantia Spathacea

Also famous as ‘moses in a blanket’, ‘oyster plant’, or ‘boat lily’, it's almost succulent like in nature. It has dark green leaves with purple underside growing in spiral patterns

• Wandering Jew (Tradescantia)  P lant Care

The Wandering Jew plant is easy to grow in Indian climates and can add beautiful color to any home garden. A great plant for new plant parents, it is a joy to grow. Let’s take a look at the detailed guide for creeping inch plant care. Spiderwort plants are mostly carefree. One of the only points of contention in growing this as a houseplant is getting the right moisture level.

The creeping-Inch plants love bright indirect light but also do great with a few hours of direct light. Plant your wandering jew plant near a south-facing window where it can get at least 6 to 7 hours of bright indirect light. Growing your spiderwort in North-facing balconies and terraces is also a good idea. If the colour or variegations on the leaves start to diminish then it is a clear sign of low light. Shift your plant to an area with brighter light conditions.

The wandering jew plant likes its potting mix to be kept uniformly moist at all times but not soggy at all. Under indirect light conditions, water your wandering jew plant once per week or when the top soil dries out. Don't let the soil dry out completely.

However, when watering your dried potting mix, water it in batches to ensure that the soil absorbs all the water and it just doesn’t run out of the planter. Water a little and then wait for a while for the soil to soak up the water before watering it again till it drains out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the planter.

The creeping inch plant is not very finicky about the soil it grows in. It thrives in a well-draining but rich potting mix. The key points to be kept in mind is allowing the topsoil to dry in between waterings and also aerate the soil once in a while. Since the spiderwort plant loves moist potting mix, it is very important that it is well-draining and well-aerated so root rot can be avoided.

4. Fertilizers

Use a well-balanced and generic houseplant fertilizer for your wandering jew plant. They are not heavy feeders and do well with both root and foliar application every 15 days. Use a good quality fertilizer like the Ugaoo Plant Tonic for this. Dilute the fertilizer as instructed and apply directly to roots once in 15 days and put it in a misting spray and do a foliar application too once in 15 days. The foliar application guarantees bigger and showier leaves. However, don't overfeed the plant as it causes the leaves to lose their variegations.

The Spiderwort plant does not require any pruning as such. Pruning for the creeping inch plant comes into play in two instances; one is to remove dead foliage and the other is to manage the shape and growth pattern of the plant. When left to its own devices, the spiderwort plant becomes leggy, to keep your plant fuller, prune the stems from time to time or pinch back at least one-fourth of the branch length.

Simply use sharp clean pruning shears or scissors to prune away stems at the required length, and cut at an incline in between leaf nodes. To remove dead or yellowing leaves, just pinch it away ensuring the leaf stalk is also removed from the main stem.

Buy Pruning Shears

• propagating wandering jew plant.

The easiest plant to propagate, the wandering jew can be propagated by anyone with a pair of scissors to take cuttings. Simply take 1 to 2-inch long cuttings of the plant, with at least 1 leaf node. Plant the cuttings in a moist potting mix or propagate in water. Keep the setup in a spot with bright indirect light.

• Problems With the Inch Plant and How to Deal with Them

Like many plants, the spiderwort can be plagued by aphids and spider mites. In case of infestation, spray the plant with neem oil solution to get rid of the pests and as preventive measures. In case of heavy infestations, prune away the infested parts.

Buy the Wandering Jew Plant

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32 Different Ways to Grow Wandering Dude Indoors

2-Minute Read

Here are 32 different ways to grow wandering jew indoors to enhance the beauty of its colorful foliage. try one of these soon.

We’ve got many Different Ways to Grow Wandering Dude Indoors so you can enjoy their variegated leaves of purples, greens, silvers, and pinks in any corner of your home.

Propagating Wandering Jew in Water | Growing Tradescantia Plant in Water

Different ways to grow tradescantia indoors, 1. keep it on plant stands.

Opt for a plant stand where you can keep the plant in a pot to make it like a colorful and small room centerpiece.

2. Try DIY Planters

Use DIY planters to give the plant a more personalized appearance.

3. Do Not Miss Basket Planters

A woven basket can lend a rustic appeal to your plant’s setting.

Learn everything about caring for the Wandering Jew plant  here

4. try self-watering pots.

Maintain optimal moisture levels effortlessly with self-watering pots.

5. Use Stubby Planters

Use a stubby planter for a minimalist look and showcase it anywhere you like.

6. Go For Macramé Hangers

Macramé hangers allow the vines to drape elegantly, providing a boho-chic feel.

7. Hang the Plant from the Ceiling

Secure ceiling hooks to dangle the plant pots at various heights.

Check out the best wandering jew varieties   here

8. hang the plant near a window.

Utilize window mounts to let the plant receive maximum sunlight.

9. Go For Tiered Hanging Pots

Multiple-tier baskets allow you to hang more than one plant, creating a lush appearance.

10. Hang the Pot on a Hook

Hang the plant over doors using special hooks for an unexpected display.

11. Keep it On Floating Shelves

Place the plant on floating shelves along the wall, allowing the vines to trail down.

Wandering Jew Care | How to Grow an Inch Plant Indoors

12. keep its pot on a bookshelf.

Integrate the plant into a bookshelf for a burst of natural color among your books.

13. As a Coffee Table Centerpiece

Make the plant as centerpiece of your coffee table for a vibrant focus point.

14. Keep it Near a Table on a Tall Stool

Set the plant on a tall stool near a side table next to your sofa or bed for easy admiration.

15. Hang it on a Shower

Brighten up your bathroom by placing the plant on the shower or keep it in a corner.

16. Display it in Quirky Containers

Use face containers or any other quirky pot of your choice to make the plant stand out!

Is Wandering Jew Toxic to Cats & Dogs? Find Out !

17. keep the plant on a tall chair and let it ‘flow’ down.

A tall chair in the living room or in patio is a super cool way to showcase its dangling stems and foliage!

18. Grow it in a Window Box

The colorful and trailing leaves of the plant will add to curb appeal of the home when you grow it in a window box .

19. Grow it in Water

A clear vase filled with water will make the pretty foliage of this plant take center stage. We have a great article on it here .

20. Hydroponic Jar

You can easily find hydroponic jars online; if you don’t, do make one yourself .

21. Test Tubes

You can also grow individual Wandering Jew cuttings in test tubes.

22. DIY Mannequin Planter

The idea isn’t to copy this one but to find a quirky thing in your home and upcycle it.

23. Hang Them Outside

The bright light will surely make the colors pop. What you’re seeing is Tradescantia Nanouk and Tradescantia Zebrina.

24. Make a Natural Curtain

What better way to adorn the windows than this natural plant curtain? We found the idea here .

25. Mini Wandering Jew Tree

Get a plant stand and pair up different wandering jew varieties for a colorful tree display.

26. Hang it on the Window

If your plant has grown a bit, you can hang it near a window. A northeast window would be perfect.

27. Create a Colorful Shelf Display

The vines trailing down and reaching the ceiling at the same time will create a stunning display.

28. A Cutting Trio

Test tubes are great at another thing – growing wandering jew cuttings.

29. Grow it in a Railing Hanger

What a great idea to save space! Don’t forget to pair it up. What you’re seeing is Turtle Vine , Wandering Jew, and Purple Heart .

30. Keep it on the Top Shelf

Keep the pot on the top shelf. In time, it will create a dense, trailing display.

31. Root it in a Test Tube

Test tubes are great for rooting these plants and help keep track of growth.

32. Near a South Facing Window

SaltMill grew this one in a wide planter near a south-facing window , and here’s the result.

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Tradescantia Tricolor Care From A to Z

By: Author Daniel

Posted on Last updated: July 15, 2021

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(image credits, IG: oohyouplantsy )

I have a hide-away in my home that I escape to for some me-time. It is ultra-feminine and all done out in pink.

When I saw this stunning pink Tradescantia Tricolor plant at the nursery, I just had to have it! It offers the most glorious shades of pink transforming into a darker purple, interspersed with green. 

Like all plants, the Tradescantia Tricolor has a difficult Latin Name. This one is Tradescantia fluminensis.

It is also known by other names including the Wandering Jew , Flowering Inch Plant, Wandering Willie, Wandering Gypsy, Purple Queen, Spiderwort, and Tradescantia.

What’s more, Tradescantia is a genus of 75 species of wildflowers. The name comes from John Tradescant, a botanist who lived during the 17th century.

The ‘wandering’ word refers to the fact that it spreads easily, wandering all over your window sill. They are very easy to grow at home. Most are native to South America where they grow as dense mats underneath forest trees. 

To enhance the glorious pink shades, I place my Tradescantia Tricolor next to a Mosaic Plant , Fittonia albivenis. This is a trailing plant with deep pink veins in the green leaves. They make a great pair. 

Let’s take a closer look at how to care for your Tradescantia fluminensis .

Table of Contents

Tradescantia Tricolor Care

For ideal Tradescantia Tricolor care, give it well-draining soil that will partially dry out between waterings. Fertilize with a good mix of peat, compost, mulch or humus, bark, pumice, or perlite. It thrives best in temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Temperatures should not drop below 50°F (10° C). The  Tradescantia Tricolor wants bright light but not direct sunlight. Placing it near to a south-facing window is ideal. 

Tradescantia fluminensis enjoys moist soil to thrive best. However, it must not be drenched or allowed to dry out completely.

Plant it in well-draining sandy soil. You can achieve this by mixing perlite into regular potting soil. Use a mix of 40% perlite and 60% potting soil.

Ensure that your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. This allows the excess water to run out and won’t cause the roots to become waterlogged and drown. 

For ideal Tradescantia Tricolor care, I use natural organic additives. Including everyday materials like pumice or crushed bark, sterile garden compost, mulch, or organic manure gives you a rich, fertile soil that makes your Wandering Jew flourish.

Adding in some environmentally friendly coco Husk chips is a great way to introduce extra aeration into the soil. The Tradescantia Tricolor is not fussy about PH levels, try to maintain a neutral PH of around 7.0. 

Tradescantia Tricolor does best in bright conditions with indirect sunlight. Allowing direct sunlight to fall onto the plant for too long causes the leaves to scorch.

Too little sunlight results in the leaves fading and not producing those lovely pinky shades. 

Try to place your plant about 3 feet away from a south-facing window (if you are in the northern hemisphere), on a side table or high shelf. In this way, it gets the benefit of bright light but not direct sunlight. In general, 45 minutes of direct sunlight will be enough. 

If you do need to stand it on a window sill, try to place a sun filter over the window. You can also use your décor skills and get it to nestle under another plant with large leaves, creating a natural umbrella.

If you prefer to plant your Tradescantia Tricolor outdoors, find a spot that gets bright light and limited direct sunlight. 

Care tip for Tradescantia Tricolor: If your plant does not show healthy signs of variegated growth, ie, it is not displaying lovely different pink colors, it is probably getting too little light. 

When it comes to watering care for your Tradescantia Tricolor, it is best to keep the soil moist. You need a balance between drenched and bone dry.

Watering once a week during the summer months is adequate. In winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks.

Because you are not drenching this plant, you should not create too much of a mess indoors. Place a plant saucer under your pot that is large enough to catch any water that may flow out.

When watering in winter, use lukewarm water, no plant responds well to an icy blast! I do notice that my Wandering Jew can get to the point of looking almost droopy. Then a good watering brings it back to life within 24 hours. 

Tradescantia Tricolor care tip: You can also water from the bottom. This technique involves placing your pot into a tub or sink filled with a few inches of water. The drainage holes in your planter allow the water to slowly absorb into the soil without over-saturating it. 

Temperature

Tradescantia species perform best at temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). They can, if necessary, withstand higher temperatures. If the temperature drops below 50°F (10° C), the leaves will suffer. 

It will tolerate short-term exposure to cold weather but generally does not do well in the cold. If you live in a cold climate, consider growing your outdoor Tradescantia Tricolor in a container.

You can then bring it indoors during the winter months. All species of Tradescantia are Winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 12. 

Coming from South America, the plant does not require tropical temperatures to thrive. It is quite hardy, and as long as it is not exposed to frost you should be fine. It can even stand on a chillier window sill.

Your Tradescantia Tricolor is not overly fussy about humidity. It is not a desert plant nor a tropical plant, so the average house humidity of 30% to 45% found in a home should do fine.

In winter, running heaters and air-conditioners can dry out the air and change the humidity, so you will need to be aware of this. 

If the humidity in your home is too high, at over 50%, this could result in the growth of mold and bacteria and will give your living space a musty smell. Installing a dehumidifier will help to solve the problem. 

Tradescantia Tricolor care tip: I find that my plant responds well to a lovely soft shower from a watering can.

Although this does not increase humidity, it acts as a natural rain shower, wetting all the leaves and washing away dust and pests.

Make sure you do this outside and allow the plant to dry off before moving it back indoors. 

Fertilizer 

The Inch Plant loves to wander and grows fairly fast, spreading over window sills indoors and rocks outdoors. It does not require a serious fertilizing program.

Like many potted indoor plants, Tradescantia fluminensis does well with some extra fertilizer during the growing months of Spring through early fall.

I am a great supporter of eco-friendly living and that also applies to the plant fertilizers I use. I stay away from chemical fertilizers whenever possible.

My number one care hack for Tradescantia fluminensis is to buy or make my own natural organic fertilizer. If you have a liquid fertilizer, dilute it, and use it once a month. 

Fertilizing plants outside of the growing season is not good. The fertilizer can end up harming the plant by burning the roots. 

Natural organic fertilizers can be made using peat, pumice, perlite, mulch, coco husks, and crushed bark. A small compost making kit is a fun addition to any garden and makes good use of fallen leaves, dead flowers, and grass cuttings. 

Propagation

The easy-to-grow Inch Plant is also easy to propagate. This can be done by simply snipping off a healthy stem, placing it into rich, moist soil, and watering from time to time.

You can also put the stem cutting into a tall vase of water and allow it to grow roots. Place the vase in a bright spot and keep an eye on it.

Roots will appear within a week. Remove the cutting and plant into your terracotta pot or unglazed planter. 

Propagating your own house plants is a fun and rewarding experience, give it a try! 

Tradescantia Tricolor gets its Wandering’ name because it loves to wander. It grows fairly fast and spreads over the edge of pots, along window sills, and over rocks. It also looks great as a ground cover next to pathways and walkways in a garden. 

It has beautiful variegated pink shades, that darken to purple and are interspersed with green. The stems and leaves are soft and hairless.

The leaves are an oval shape with pointed tips. They are shiny and smooth and grow to about 1.25 to 2.5 inches (32 to 64mm) long.

The flowers are white and have 3 petals, about 0.5 to 1 inch (13 to 25mm) in diameter. The flowers appear in Summer in small clusters. 

The best Wandering Jew growing condition is in a bright spot with indirect sunlight and average humidity.

This plant is a ground cover perennial. It does not require heavy pruning, but if it sprawls too much and becomes straggly, you should trim it back to keep it in shape. 

Tradescantia fluminensis care tip: If your plant is producing only green leaves, your light conditions are not ideal.

It does this to conserve energy, as creating variegated leaves uses up more energy. Prune back the green leaves, allow it to recover and produce those glorious pink shades. 

Tradescantia fluminensis is not fussy when it comes to pot size. It will thrive in a small pot for years and will grow happily in a large pot.  

If you do want to repot your Inch Plant, Springtime is the best season to do this. Repot into a mix of fresh soil and perlite to boost growth.

You can add some gritty sand to the potting mix to enhance drainage. Water well but do not drench. Check that the PH of the soil is neutral at around 7.0. 

Care tip: Ensure that your planter has drainage holes so that the water can flow out. You don’t want the roots to rot in stagnant water at the base of the pot. 

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Propagate Tradescantia Tricolor from cuttings

– This is best done in early Spring to late Summer, during the growing period

– Use a sterile sharp knife, scissors, or cutter

– Wear gloves as the sap can irritate the skin

– Select a stem that looks healthy and has a few sets of leaves

– Carefully cut off the stem at the base, where it joins another stem

– Remove the lower leaves by snipping off to leave a clean stem at the base

– You now have 2 options: propagate in soil or propagate in water

Propagating the cuttings in soil

– Prepare a pot with a mix of soil, gritty sand, and organic fertilizer

– Water well but don’t drench

– Push your finger into the soil and create a hole about 2 inches deep

– Place the offcut into the soil and pack the soil back to hold it firm

– Place the planter where it will get bright light but not direct sunlight

– Water well for the next few weeks

Propagating the cuttings in water

– Fill a clear vase, tall glass, or container with water

– Place the cutting into the water

– Keep it shallow enough so that the leafy section is above the waterline

– A slender glass works well as the leaves will balance on the top rim

– Fine roots will start showing in about 1 to 2 weeks

– Wait for the roots to grow to 1 to 2 inches long

– Plant into a pot as described above

Common problems with Tradescantia Tricolor

Pest control.

Like all plants, your Tradescantia Tricolor can be attacked by pests. Common pests that affect the Wandering Jew are spider mites and aphids .

An easy way to get rid of them is to give your plant a good shower and wash them off. If they persist, you can spray with a solution of insecticidal soap. 

Tradescantia Tricolor care tip for pests: Make your own insecticidal soap. Use all-natural soap, not detergent.

Mix 5 tablespoons to 1 gallon of cooled, boiled water. Add in 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 1 teaspoon  vegetable oil to get the solution to stick. You can also add a teaspoon of garlic. Pour into a clean garden sprayer that has a fine spray setting and spray the plant.

Leaves don’t have variegated colors

If you notice that your Tradescantia Tricolor is only producing green leaves, this is due to bad lighting. Bad lighting reduces the energy of the plant.

To create the gorgeous colors, it needs energy, so it will conserve energy and only create green leaves. 

Leaves look scorched 

If your leaves are turning brown or look scorched, your plant is getting too much direct sunlight. Move it to a more suitable position, or protect it with sunscreen if possible. 

Plant looks scraggly and untidy

Tradescantia Tricolor grows fast and spreads. You need to keep it in shape by trimming now and then. Remove any dead stems and leaves. Trim back into the neat shape you want. 

Rotting roots 

This is a sign of too much water. Tradescantia Tricolor does not enjoy drenched soil. Ensure that your container has drainage holes and allow the soil to partially dry out. 

Tips to grow Tradescantia Tricolor problem-free

– Avoid overwatering your Tradescantia Tricolor 

– Keep soil moist but well-drained

– Ensure that your plant is in a bright spot, it does not enjoy the dark

– Do not place in direct sunlight 

– Does not enjoy very dry or very humid conditions 

– Fertilize during the growing season with organic mixtures

– Trim from time to time if it becomes scraggly

Frequently asked questions about Tradescantia Tricolor 

Is tradescantia tricolor considered invasive .

In some countries, Tradescantia Tricolor is invasive. This is because it spreads fast outdoors and can become invasive. It grows as thick mats in forest areas, blocking out the light for other ground plants. 

Can Tradescantia Tricolor grow indoors? 

Yes, it makes a very attractive indoor plant in a decorative pot. It looks fabulous in a hanging basket, or on a high shelf where you can let the long stems flow downwards. 

Is Tradescantia Tricolor easy to care for?

Yes, this is a great plant for beginners. It requires very little maintenance and is hardy and strong. You don’t want to be discouraged by losing your first plant. The Tradescantia Tricolor will flourish in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. 

Is Tradescantia Tricolor poisonous?

Do you want a glorious plant with pink tones? The Wandering Jew is eye-catching and easy to care for. It is a great choice for a beginner to create a focal point in a room or on a patio, in a hanging basket. 

Once you are successful in growing your Tradescantia Tricolor, you can add other Tradescantia plants to your collection. Take a look at the lovely Tradescantia occidentalis, Tradescantia zebrina, and the Tradescantia pallida.

Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.

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The story behind ‘wandering Jew’

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Florida Jewish Journal Jewish Journal Opinion

One of the earliest versions comes from Italy, in the first quarter of the thirteenth century. Apparently some pilgrims told the abbot of Ferraria that they had met a Jew in Armenia who confessed that he had not helped Jesus during his Passion, that is, his arrest, trial and crucifixion. Jesus had cursed him for that and decreed that the man would neither age nor die until the Second Coming. So far, that may not sound like much of a curse. But the man was destined to find no rest throughout eternity.

According to a version of the tale from seventeenth century Germany, the Bishop of Schleswig spied a tall, barefoot man with shoulder-length hair in a Hamburg church in 1542. He introduced himself as Ahasuerus – yes, the name of Queen Esther’s king – and said that he was the Jewish shoemaker who drove away Christ in his hour of need. Later the man was spotted in Madrid, and by that time was said to be fluent in every language on Earth.

Over the years, writers from Geoffrey Chaucer to Mark Twain have taken up this tale. It has been the basis for three films, two movies, and an opera, and was a popular English broadside ballad in the late seventeenth century, titled “The Shoemaker of Jerusalem.” In the ballad, the Jew spends his long life converting pagans to Christianity.

As can be expected, the story has a distinct anti-Semitic flavor, and some variants of the ballad emphasize this. Accordingly, many botanists have started calling the three species of spiderwort by the Latin Tradescantia, rather than use the offensive term. Still as many as six other plants bear the name.

In his “Dictionary of Jewish Lore & Legend,” Alan Unterman points out that the Wandering Jew only stops to eat his meals.

“The story has affinities with that of the biblical Cain who wandered as punishment for his sin,” he writes, “and in the Christian mind it symbolized the condition of the Jewish People who, because of their sin in rejecting Jesus, wander forever, knowing no rest and witnessing to the truth of Christianity.”

Supposedly the most recent sighting was in 1868, when a Mormon claimed to have met the unhappy wanderer in Salt Lake City. By that time, his appearance was thought to foretell a natural catastrophe. As far as I can tell, Jews have wandered the globe because of, not in advance of catastrophes.

Caren Schnur Neile, Ph.D., is a performance storyteller. She teaches storytelling studies at Florida Atlantic University. Contact her at [email protected] .