How To Grow And Care For Wandering Jew Plant
Wandering Jew Plant
The wandering jew plant is a popular houseplant with beautiful, cascading vines and gorgeous leaves that many people enjoy. This plant has leaves that vary in colors, such as purple, green, and silver stripes, and this exotic plant will surely enhance any indoor or outdoor setting. It is also important to note that the wandering jew plant is a low-maintenance plant, so it can cater to both new and experienced plant enthusiasts. The wandering jew plant is also commonly known as the inch plant (Tradescantia Zebrina). This plant can aesthetically elevate your room, balcony, and even garden space due to its robust nature.
In this article, I will look into all the basic tips and guidelines for wandering jew plant care, such as planting, maintenance, and everything about the plant in detail. If you are interested in plant propagation, plant care, or overcoming basic challenges, you can use this guide, which provides great detail for growing and caring for these fascinating plants.
Types of Wandering Jew Plants
The wandering jew plant is a type of plant belonging to the Tradescantia family. There are many varieties of it, and they are all very popular in the homes of plant lovers. Here’s a list of the more prominent varieties of wandering jew plants that you can have in your home:
Tradescantia Zebrina
Also known as the inch plant, this is probably the most recognized variety. It has oval-shaped leaves characterized by mysterious-looking purple undersides and green tops. This plant does best in warm, bright, but not direct sunlight. It also grows well in hanging baskets or cascading over the edges of a bookshelf or chair. Tradescantia zebrina is also known as the bathing-inch plant.
Tradescantia Fluminensis
This variety is known for its small green leaves that also have a white or yellow border. This plant matures quickly and blooms in rich patterns that are sure to liven up any setting. Tradescantia fluminensis, like most varieties, does well in most display conditions.
Tradescantia Pallida
Commonly referred to as the purple heart plant, it has gorgeous flowers, including pale pink ones, protruding from bushes that sport stunning deep purple leaves. This plant will surprise you when designing indoors or outdoors, as it will add color to your home. This variety requires bright light to maintain its vibrant colors and is also more drought-tolerant than other varieties.
Tradescantia Nanouk
With its attractive rounded leaves in delicate pastel colors, such as pink, purple, or green, it’s no surprise that the hardy Tradescantia Nanouk has gained much popularity. It has a slower growth rate compared to most of the wandering jew plants, but its rotation and lovely pastel shades make it suitable for tabletops or other small spaces.
Tradescantia Sillamontana
Most artists will love this variety’s prominent feature: its highly toned and colored silk leaves, which provide it with fuzziness and softness. This type of plant is more tolerant, as it is native to warmer and drier regions, giving it great drought resistance, making it perfect when arranged with other plants.
Wandering Jew Pace Astilbe Plants
Much rarer, wandering jew pace astilbe plants can enhance any garden with their beautifully shaped, unique leaves and feather-like green foliage. They are ideal accent plants that can be effortlessly integrated into gardens while providing a muted feel compared to traditional wandering jew plants.
There is a combination of all these types of plants we are discussing as wandering jew plants, which have their own care requirements and visual appeal.
Why Is The Wandering Jew Plant Important To Humans?
The Wandering Jew plant is known by several colloquial names, however, tradescantia, which has the following species. For example, (tradescantia fluminensis and tradescantia zebrina)., It is also important for human beings for the following reasons:
Ornamental Use
Aesthetic Appeal: The plant is in high demand as an indoor plant since it has its leaves in colors which include purples and silvers due to its beauty. It can be found in many residences, workplaces, and gardens.
Low Maintenance: It is quite strong rendering it appropriate for individuals who want a houseplant that is quite easy to care for.
Air Purification
As per some researchers, plants such as the Wandering Jew develop the quality of supporting the ventilation within a closed environment as they absorb toxins and increase the levels of oxygen.
Medicinal and Traditional Uses
Some strains of Tradescantia have been used in traditional medicine due to their significantly claimed anti-inflammatory, healing, and infection-fighting abilities. For example;
In certain regions, women crush leaves and apply them to sore muscles and other small abrasions in order to enhance the healing rate.
Sometimes tea brewed from the plant is used to treat coughs and colds.
Ecological Benefits
The plant is also used as ground cover which aids in controlling soil erosion that is evident in gardens as well as other landscaped areas.
In addition, when flowering, it is also able to draw pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Cultural Significance
According to legends, the term ‘wandering Jew’ refers to a Jewish man who flounders in different places and never dies This has led to the plant being often referred by this name as well
How to Plant Wandering Jew Plant
Wandering jew plants can be planted through cuttings or an already growing plant, and it is quite simple. The cuttings and the plants themselves are strong enough to grow if they are placed in the ideal conditions. Be sure to follow these steps to ensure the best possible outcome for your plant:
Wandering Jew Sunlight Preferences
Light: Look for a place that gets a lot of indirect sunlight, but not too much. While a wandering jew may survive in shade, most of its colorful foliage will look much better in the light. Keep the leaves out of direct sunlight.
Temperature: They thrive in warm places, so the temperature should be set between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16–27 degrees Celsius).
Find the Correct Soil for It
It is best to use a potting mix that drains well. A typical houseplant mix will do, although perlite or sand may assist with drainage.
Always aim to fertilize the soil so that it contains nutrients for the plant, which should be encouraged to grow quickly.
Prepare the Pot or Ground
Pot selection: Always try to choose a plant pot with drainage holes, as this helps prevent waterlogging. Trailing vines can be best grown out of hanging pots or planters that showcase the plant’s beautiful features.
Ground Plant: When placing it outdoors, look for a sunny area that has good drainage but is shaded or partially shaded.
Plant Cuttings or Move or Transplant the Plant
Wandering Jew Propagation
Make a cutting of the stem measuring 4–6 inches long, bearing at least one node. Cut off the lower leaves and put the cutting to root in water or place it in moist soil. Rooting should occur in a week.
Wandering Jew Transplanting
Carefully take the plant out of the pot and avoid damaging the roots. Put it in new soil in a new pot or a new location in the garden, covering the roots with soil. Water it generously to help it settle down.
Watering After Planting
Water once the planting is done to help the roots establish. Water occasionally, but be careful never to make the soil waterlogged. Wait until the top inch of the soil is dry before watering again.
Outdoor Plants and Mulching
If the plants are to be planted outdoors, surround the area with light mulch to protect the roots from extreme temperatures.
By following these steps, your wandering jew plant will root and grow very quickly, delivering bright, trailing plants that are easy to care for. These plants, whether placed indoors or outdoors, look pleasing wherever they are and make a great addition to the space.
Wandering Jew Plant Care & Growing Tips
Nurturing a wandering jew plant is simple and promotes active, healthy growth. To keep its colors, the plant should be positioned in bright but indirect sunlight. Do not expose them to scorching sun, which can damage their leaves, nor to dim light, which will cause leggy development.
The soil must be kept moist but not flooded with water. Wait until the top layer of soil has dried a quarter of an inch before watering it again. Moisture is also key for plants, so make a point to mist them whenever possible or use a humidifier if humidity levels are low. The temperatures they tolerate best range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16–27 degrees Celsius). It is also critical to keep the plant away from cold drafts.
During the spring and summer months, use a balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks. Reduce your fertilizing regimen in the fall and winter months.
Look out for pests such as spider mites or aphids, and handle them right away using neem oil or insecticidal soap. If the plant becomes root-bound, transfer it to fresh soil every year or two.
By observing these minimum care requirements, your wandering jew plant will grow quickly with creeping vines and maintain such vines in all corners of your home during all leafing seasons.
How to Propagate Wandering Jew Plant in Water
This plant has been useful for new plant enthusiasts throughout history, and here’s how to propagate it:
- Look for a stem that looks healthy. It should have sufficient healthy leaves or at least 2–3 nodes for safe propagation. Ensure to use scissors or pruning shears to cut a 4–6-inch piece.
- Get rid of the lower leaves. It is important to remove the leaves that grow on the lower two inches of the cutting to prevent rotting on the submerged portion.
- Stick it in a water container. Submerge the cutting in a jar or vase of water, ensuring the cut end of the stem segment is in the water. The nodes should always be submerged, while the leaves should not be.
- Allow time for roots to mature. Place the jar in a location that receives indirect sunlight. It’s best to replace the water with fresh water every couple of days. After 1 to 2 weeks, the roots will likely be fully developed.
- After the roots have extended to around 1 to 1.5 inches long, transplanting into the soil can be done. Use a pot with good soil that has drainage capabilities for the transplant.
Water propagation is a fun and simple technique to expand your wandering jew collection and monitor the growth of roots!
Wandering Jew Plant Most Common (FAQ)
Are wandering jew plants toxic to cats?
Yes, wandering jew plants are toxic to cats. A cat that ingests the wandering jew plant can develop drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you have pets, take the necessary steps to ensure that they do not eat it.
How long do wandering jew plants live?
Wandering jew plants can live for several years if they are well cared for. These plants typically live for two to three years on average but need to be repotted or propagated after that. With proper maintenance, they can thrive for much longer; however, environmental and maintenance factors will dictate their lifespan.
When shall I water the wandering jew plant?
There is a simple way to determine when to water the wandering jew plant when the top inch of the soil is dry to the touch. For most people, this normally means watering once a week; however, it will depend on the indoor environment.
What do you do if the leaves of the wandering jew plant are yellow?
Leaves that are turning yellow most likely indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or insufficient light. You should rectify your watering practices and ensure that there is enough light.
What growth rate should one expect from a wandering jew plant?
In warm and bright environments, wandering jew plants are among the fastest-growing plants. If conditions are optimal, they can grow several inches during the growth season.
Conclusion
The wandering jew plant is a versatile and beautiful houseplant that requires minimal maintenance. With its beautiful colored leaves and trailing vines, it is ideal for both novice and skilled gardeners. With the proper sunlight, water, and care, you will be able to enjoy its beauty for years to come. Whether you are water-rooting it, self-propagating, or just maintaining it, this plant does well with very little effort. Appreciate its adaptability and see how your wandering jew plant adds not only color but also warmth to your home, completing your desired space. Enjoy working in the garden!