How to Care for Wandering Jew Plant (2024)

About Wandering Dude Plants

Wandering Jew, also known as Tradescantia zebrina, is a popular houseplant known for its trailing vines and vibrant purple and green leaves. The plant is native to Mexico and Central America but is now grown as a houseplant in many parts of the world.

The plant is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright indirect light to low light. It is worth noting that some people consider the Wandering Jew to be an invasive plant species in certain parts of the world, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. In these areas, the plant is known as Wandering Dude or Inch Plant and is considered a weed due to its ability to grow rapidly and take over natural areas.

In modern the modern century, the Wandering Jew plant has come to represent resilience and adaptability due to its extremely resilient nature.

Wandering Jew Quick Care Guide

Light: Wandering Jew plants prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.

Water: Water your Wandering Jew plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater as it can lead to root rot. It’s better to under water than overwater!

Soil: Wandering Jew plants prefer well-draining soil. A good potting mix for this plant is one that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.

Temperature: Wandering Jew plants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). They should be kept away from extreme temperatures.

Humidity: Wandering Jew thrives in higher humidity environments, but can tolerate normal household humidity levels.

Fertilizer: Fertilize your Wandering Jew plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced houseplant fertilizer.

Propagation: Wandering Jew plants are easy to propagate from cuttings. Simply snip off a section of the vine and place it in a jar of water or moist soil until the roots start to develop.

Pruning: Prune your plant regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess. You can pinch off the tips of the vines using your fingers or you can cut them back using pruning shears.

Pests: Wandering Jew plants can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. Keep an eye out for these pests and treat them promptly if you see them.

Essential Tools Needed to Care for Planting Wandering Jew

1. Watering can
2. Pruning shears or scissors
3. Pot or container
4. Soil: Choose a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter, such as peat moss or compost.
5. Fertilizer: Choose a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that is appropriate for houseplants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and frequency.
6. Humidity tray or Plant Humidifiers: Wandering jew plants prefer a humid environment, so a humidity tray or plant humidifier can be used to increase humidity around the plant.
7. Insecticide or neem oil: In case of insect infestations, you may need to use an insecticide or neem oil to treat your wandering jew plant. Choose a product that is safe for use on houseplants.

Types of Wandering Dude Plants

1. Tradescantia zebrina: This is the most common type of Wandering Dude plant, with purple and green striped leaves.
2. Tradescantia zebrina ‘Purpusii’: This cultivar has deep purple leaves that are slightly wider than the leaves of the traditional Wandering Dude.
3. Tradescantia zebrina ‘Quadricolor’: This cultivar has green, silver, pink, and purple leaves, making it a very colorful and eye-catching plant.
4. Tradescantia zebrina ‘Tricolor’: This cultivar has green, white, and pink leaves, and is similar to ‘Quadricolor’ but with less purple.
5. Tradescantia zebrina ‘Variegata’: This cultivar has green and white striped leaves, and is less common than some of the other types.

Wandering Jew Plant Care

Light and Temperature

Wandering Jew plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.

In terms of temperature, Wandering Jew plants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but should be kept away from drafts and extreme temperature changes.

Water and Humidity

Wandering Jew plants prefer to be kept evenly moist. Water your Wandering Jew plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be sure to water thoroughly, so that water reaches the roots, but avoid letting the plant sit in standing water. It’s better to underwater than overwater as this plant is fairly drought-tolerant.

In terms of humidity, Wandering Jew plants prefer higher humidity, but can tolerate normal household humidity levels. If you live in a dry climate or keep your home particularly dry, you can increase humidity around your plant by misting it with water, placing a small humidifier nearby, or grouping it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate.

It is also important to note that Wandering Jews can be sensitive to the chemicals found in tap water. If you notice brown leaf tips or leaf discoloration, it may be a sign that your plant is being affected by these chemicals. In this case, consider using distilled water or allowing tap water to sit out for 24 hours before watering your plant to allow the chemicals to dissipate.

Soil

Wandering Jew plants prefer well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. A high-quality potting mix that contains perlite, vermiculite, or coarse sand can help to ensure good drainage. Avoid using heavy, clay soils or soils that retain too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot.

When planting your Wandering Jew plant, make sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to escape. If your plant is already potted and the soil seems heavy or compacted, you can repot it in fresh, well-draining soil.

Fertilizer for Wandering Dudes

It’s also a good idea to fertilize your Wandering Jew plant during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and application. Overfertilizing can lead to excessive growth and may cause the plant to become leggy or lose its vibrant leaf color.

Repotting Tradescantia Plants

1. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot. The new pot should have drainage holes in the bottom to allow excess water to escape.
2. Prepare the new pot by adding a layer of fresh, well-draining potting mix to the bottom. Make a small well in the center of the pot to accommodate the plant.
3. Carefully remove the plant from its old pot and be careful not to damage the roots. If the plant is root-bound, gently tease the roots apart and trim away any dead or damaged roots.
4. Place the plant in the new pot and fill in the sides with fresh potting mix, pressing down lightly to ensure good contact between the roots and the soil.
5. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing the excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot.
6. Place the plant in a bright, indirect location and monitor it carefully over the next few days to ensure it adjusts well to its new pot environment.

Pruning

1. Use a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
2. Begin by removing any dead, yellowed, or damaged leaves. These can be pruned back to the base of the stem.
3. Trim back any stems that have become too long or are growing out of control. You can cut the stems back to a leaf node or where you would like the stem to branch out.
4. Pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching and promote a fuller, bushier growth habit.
5. If your Wandering Jew plant has become too leggy or sparse, you can also propagate new plants by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water or soil.
6. After pruning, it’s a good idea to give your plant a boost of fertilizer to help it recover and promote healthy growth.

Pruning should be done regularly throughout the growing season to keep your Wandering Jew plant looking its best. It’s also important to avoid pruning too much at once, as this can stress the plant and affect its growth.

Companion plants

1. Spider plant: Spider plants are known for their air-purifying properties and can help keep the air around your Wandering Jew plant clean.
2. English Ivy: English Ivy is a trailing plant that can be grown in the same pot as your Wandering Jew. It can help to deter pests and absorb excess moisture from the soil.
3. Marigold: Marigolds are known for their pest-repelling properties and can be grown in the same pot or in close proximity to your Wandering Jew plant.
4. Pansies: Pansies are another colorful companion plant that can help to deter pests and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
5. Nasturtium: Nasturtium is a flowering plant that can be grown in the same pot as your Wandering Jew. It can help to repel pests and attract beneficial insects.

Remember that when choosing companion plants for your Wandering Jew, it’s important to consider their light and water requirements, as well as their growth habits, to ensure they can coexist peacefully and thrive together.

Care for wandering jew plant indoors general tips

1. Light: Wandering jew plants require bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause the plant to become leggy.
2. Water: These plants prefer to be kept consistently moist, but not soaking wet. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch and be sure to allow any excess water to drain away.
3. Humidity: Wandering jew plants prefer a humid environment. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves with water, or by placing the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
4. Fertilizer: During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your wandering jew plant every two to four weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
5. Pruning: Regular pruning will help keep your wandering jew plant looking full and bushy. Pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage branching, and remove any leggy or yellowing stems.
6. Propagation: Wandering jew plants are easy to propagate. Simply take a cutting from the plant, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in water or in moist soil. New roots should form in a few weeks.
7. Pests: Keep an eye out for common indoor plant pests like spider mites and mealybugs, which can infest wandering jew plants. If you spot any pests, treat the plant with a natural insecticide or neem oil.

Care for wandering jew plant outdoors general tips

1. Light: Wandering jew plants prefer partial shade to full sun, especially in hot climates where they can easily become scorched in direct sunlight.
2. Water: These plants require regular watering, especially during hot weather. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply and allow the soil to drain thoroughly.
3. Soil: Wandering jew plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, add compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
4. Fertilizer: During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your wandering jew plant every two to four weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
5. Pruning: Regular pruning will help keep your wandering jew plant looking full and bushy. Pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage branching, and remove any leggy or yellowing stems.
6. Temperature: Wandering Jew plants can be grown as perennials in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 where temperatures rarely drop below freezing. In cooler climates, they can be grown as annuals or as houseplants.
7. Pests: Keep an eye out for common outdoor plant pests like spider mites and aphids, which can infest wandering jew plants. If you spot any pests, treat the plant with a natural insecticide or neem oil.
8. Winter Care: In areas with frost, wandering jew plants are typically grown as annuals or overwintered indoors. However, in frost-free areas, the plant can survive outdoors year-round with proper care. During winter, reduce watering and protect the plant from cold temperatures and frost by covering it with a frost blanket.

Tradescantia Propagation

Aditional tools you will need

See essential tools for wandering jew plant care

1. Clean, sharp knife: A clean, sharp knife can be used to divide larger plant clumps or to cut through woody stems.
2. Rooting hormone: A rooting hormone can help to encourage root growth and improve the chances of success. However, it’s not essential for propagating Tradescantia plants.

Step-by-step guide

1. Choose a healthy parent plant: Choose a healthy Tradescantia plant to take cuttings from. Look for a plant with bright, vibrant leaves and strong stems.
2. Prepare your tools: Make sure your scissors or pruning shears are clean and sterilized. You can use rubbing alcohol or a diluted bleach solution to sterilize the blades.
3. Take cuttings: Use your scissors or pruning shears to take cuttings from the parent plant. Cut just below a node, which is where the leaves attach to the stem. Each cutting should be around 2-3 inches long and have several leaves.
4. Remove lower leaves: Remove the lower leaves from each cutting, leaving only 1-2 leaves near the top. This will help to reduce moisture loss and encourage the cutting to focus on root growth.
5. Optional: Apply rooting hormone: If you have rooting hormone, you can dip the cut end of each cutting into the powder or liquid to help stimulate root growth.
6. Plant cuttings: Fill small pots or containers with well-draining potting mix. Make a small hole in the soil with a pencil or your finger, and insert the cutting into the hole. Gently press the soil around the cutting to hold it in place.
7. Water cuttings: Water the cuttings thoroughly, making sure the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. You can use a spray bottle or watering can to water the cuttings.
8. Provide proper conditions: Place the pots or containers in a warm, bright location that receives indirect sunlight. Avoid placing the cuttings in direct sunlight or in a drafty location.
9. Monitor and care for cuttings: Monitor the cuttings regularly to make sure they’re not drying out. Keep the soil evenly moist and mist the leaves with water to maintain humidity. After a few weeks, the cuttings should begin to develop roots and new growth.
10. Transplant cuttings: Once the cuttings have developed a strong root system, you can transplant them into larger pots or containers with a regular potting mix. Continue to care for the plants as you would for mature Tradescantia plants.

Pro tips to succeed

1. Choose healthy parent plants: Healthy parent plants will produce healthy cuttings. Look for plants with vibrant leaves and strong stems, and avoid plants that are diseased or stressed.
2. Take cuttings in the morning: Take cuttings in the morning when the plant is well-hydrated. This will increase the chances of success and reduce moisture loss.
3. Use sterile tools: Make sure your tools are clean and sterilized to prevent the spread of disease. You can sterilize your tools with rubbing alcohol or a diluted bleach solution.
4. Use well-draining soil: Tradescantia plants prefer well-draining soil, so choose a potting mix that includes perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage. This will help to prevent over-watering and reduce the risk of root rot.
5. Provide bright, indirect light: Tradescantia plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing the cuttings in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to scorch.
6. Maintain humidity: Tradescantia plants prefer a humid environment, so mist the leaves regularly or use a humidity tray to maintain moisture levels.
7. Avoid over-watering: Over-watering can cause the cuttings to rot. Wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering, and make sure the soil is well-draining.
8. Be patient: It can take several weeks for the cuttings to develop roots and new growth. Be patient and monitor the plants regularly, but avoid disturbing the soil too much.

Troubleshooting

Growing Problems

1. Overwatering: Wandering jew plants are susceptible to root rot if they’re overwatered. Make sure the soil is well-draining and wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering.
2. Underwatering: On the other hand, if wandering jew plants are underwatered, their leaves may wilt and dry out. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry, and mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity.
3. Light: Wandering jew plants prefer bright, indirect light. If they’re not getting enough light, their leaves may become pale or yellow. Move the plant to a brighter location or supplement it with artificial light.
4. Temperature: Wandering jew plants prefer warm temperatures and can be damaged by cold drafts. Keep the plant away from cold windows or air conditioning vents.
5. Crowding: If wandering jew plants are overcrowded, they may become leggy and lose their vibrant color. Make sure each plant has enough space to grow and prune regularly to maintain its shape.

Pests

1. Spider mites: These tiny pests are common on indoor plants and can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out. They are often found on the undersides of leaves and can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like insects that can cause leaves to yellow and fall off. They can be treated with a solution of rubbing alcohol and water or insecticidal soap.
3. Scale insects: Scale insects are small, circular insects that attach themselves to leaves and stems. They can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
4. Thrips: These slender, winged insects can cause distorted growth and silver-colored streaks on leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
5. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, white insects that are often found on the undersides of leaves. They can cause yellowing and stunted growth and can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Diseases

1. Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot can affect wandering jew plants, causing white powdery patches on leaves or brown spots. Keep the plant in a well-ventilated area, avoid getting water on the leaves, and use a fungicide if necessary.
2. Bacterial leaf blight: Bacterial leaf blight can cause water-soaked spots on leaves that eventually turn brown and die. Remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
3. Viral diseases: Viral diseases can cause distorted growth and mottled leaves in wandering jew plants. There is no cure for viral diseases, so infected plants should be removed to prevent the spread of the virus to other plants.

How to save wandering jew plants?

1. Identify the problem: The first step in saving your wandering jew plant is to identify the problem. Look for signs of pests, disease, or environmental stress, such as yellowing leaves, brown spots, or wilting.
2. Address the problem: Once you have identified the problem, take steps to address it. For example, if the plant is overwatered, reduce watering and ensure proper drainage. If the plant has pests, use an appropriate insecticide to treat the problem.
3. Prune any damaged or diseased areas: If your wandering jew plant has damaged or diseased leaves or stems, prune them off using clean, sharp scissors. This will help prevent further damage and allow the plant to focus on healthy growth.
4. Provide proper care: Provide your wandering jew plant with proper care, including adequate light, water, and humidity. Keep the plant away from drafts or extreme temperatures, and fertilize it regularly during the growing season.
5. Repot the plant: If your wandering jew plant is root-bound or has outgrown its current pot, consider repotting it into a larger container with fresh soil. This will provide the plant with more space to grow and help prevent stress.

Frequently Asked Questions