Tradescantia prefer direct, strong light. If they don’t get enough light, you’ll notice that the markings on their leaves start to deteriorate. However, direct sunlight will burn their leaves (with the exception being the purple queen variety, which loves full sun).
Tradescantia do well in regular interior conditions because they flourish in temps between 60 and 80 degrees. When outdoors, they enjoy a temperate temperature with daytime highs of at least 50 degrees. They’ll perish in the frost.
Tradescantia can withstand direct sunlight.
Tradescantia is cold tolerant in zones 8 to 12, but because of how quickly it grows, it is frequently seen as invasive in warm, humid regions. However, this lovely plant can be enjoyed inside in all growing zones. There are many various kinds, including greens, yellows, pinks, and purples among their palette. If the lighting is right, several kinds will also produce little clusters of flowers.
This beautiful plant is incredibly tolerant and enjoyable to grow, making it an excellent choice for novice gardeners.
Bright light is adored by tradescantia. Outside, it can grow in full sun to partial shade, but you should keep an eye on how long they spend in the sun, especially if your area gets a lot of heat. Tradescantia can withstand heat for a limited time before turning brown. It loves shade, so move it to a spot with some or all of the shade.
How do I store Tradescantia?
Bright indirect light is preferred by your Tradescantia above direct light. The leaves will fade from a lack of light.
When the soil is dry in the top 50 to 75 percent, water your Tradescantia. Pour water into the pot until it begins to drain through the drainage hole at the bottom, then drain any excess water into the saucer.
Your Tradescantia would thrive in your bathroom or kitchen because it prefers a little more humid climate. Feel free to often mist your plant. The leaves will begin to brown if the humidity is too low.
From spring through fall, fertilize once a month using a general-purpose indoor plant fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength. Make sure the soil is moist before adding any type of fertilizer.
Both people and pets are slightly poisoned from your tradescantia. Ingestion may irritate the stomach and mouth.
Long vines can be pruned back to promote branching and boost plant fullness. Simply “pinch” off the stem at the joint or the fragile new growth at the stem’s end to do this.
Does Tradescantia zebrina enjoy the sun’s full rays?
Tradescantia zebrina (=T. pendula; Zebrina pendula), sometimes known as the Wandering Jew, is a common houseplant in the spiderwort family (Commelinaceae) valued for its variegated leaf. There are other indoor plants with the same common name (such as the similarly styled but stronger T. fluminensis), but this one stands out for its lovely purplish-green leaves with stripes. The plant for those with green thumb prowess is this one! It can survive in nearly any interior environment thanks to its extreme toughness. This delicate perennial can be cultivated outdoors in warm climes (zones 9–11) where it does not freeze or as an annual where winters are chilly. It is native to southern Mexico and Guatemala.
This creeping plant grows 6–12 high and provides a wonderful groundcover. It has succulent stems that are clasped by ovate to lanceolate leaves. The lower leaf surface is a consistent deep magenta, while the top leaf surface is green to purple with two broad, silvery-white stripes. If you look closely, you might detect tiny hairs along the leaf margins, and you might notice that in brilliant light, the surfaces appear to shimmer. In our region, full sun has the highest color intensity; however, in more southern places, too much sun will cause the colors to wash away. Low light levels cause stems to lose their lowest leaves and most of their color. The stems will ascend at the flowering tips and branch or root at the nodes. At the nodes, the stems are easily broken. In those who are vulnerable, the mucilaginous, watery sap can lead to skin irritation.
The unassuming boat-shaped flowers range in color from white to lavender. They feature 3 petals and noticeable yellow anthers, just like other tradescantia blooms. Throughout the year, plants may occasionally blossom, albeit they hardly ever occur on houseplants.
Light shade outdoors and strong light indoors are ideal conditions for this plant. After all threat of frost has passed, it can be put outside, but take sure to gradually adapt it to brighter circumstances to avoid sunburn. dispense bottled water. When the earth is left to dry out between waterings, this plant thrives. Heavy trimming is tolerated, and pinching the plants will encourage thicker foliage. Any lanky growth can be trimmed back and used as cuttings for further growth.
T. zebrina works well as a trailing plant in seasonal pots or as an underplanting for bigger houseplants like a ficus tree, plumeria, or normal hibiscus. It can be utilized as ground cover or as filler at the base of other tall tropical plants like elephant ears, cannas, and bananas. Once all threat of frost has passed, treat it as an annual and plant cuttings in the ground for the growth season. It grows quickly and has trailing branches that can get straggly (particularly in low light situations), so you might want to occasionally replace the tops of containers with tip cuttings to keep it from wilting.
Due to the ability of each segment to produce a new plant, many individuals purchase this plant from friends or plant sales. Cuttings that quickly take root in water or damp soil can be used to start T. zebrina plants. As roots develop at the nodes when in contact with moist soil, it can also be layered. A few cultivars are occasionally listed, including “Purpusii,” “Tricolor,” and “Quadricolor,” although they don’t appear to differ greatly from the species. University of Wisconsin-Madison student Susan Mahr
Tradescantia are they low light?
This climbing plant, often known as spiderwort, comes in a wide range of variations. The most popular variety is Tradescantia zebrina, a glossy plant with glossy leaves that is dark mixed with light green and brilliant dark purple. Tradescantia typically grow quickly and with little light. Try “Speedy Jenny, Tradescantia chrysophylla” for a hazy choice. A little neglect won’t harm the resilient plant known as spiderwort. Similar to the Pothos, it may get brown and dry in some spots, but if a few waterings are skipped, it usually recovers well.
How can I intensify the purple in my Tradescantia?
Height: Up to 2 feet (60 cm) long, upright-growing stems eventually trail over the side of the pot.
Bright light is required to preserve the dark purple hue. While some direct sunlight is acceptable, protect your plant from the intense summer sun. Tradescantia pallida needs more sunshine if the intervals between the leaves are long.
Thoroughly water the plant, then wait 1 inch (2.5 cm) to dry out in between applications of water. When growth is slower in the winter, use less water. Cut off the entire stem at the soil line if it is limp or wilted as this may indicate root rot.
Room humidity is average (around 40 percent relative humidity). The brown tips of leaves indicate dry air. Check out these simple methods for increasing humidity around your indoor plants.
Normal to warm indoor conditions (65–80°F/18–27°C) are ideal for this plant throughout the year. In the winter, purple heart can withstand temperatures as low as 50F/10C. Keep away from air vents and drafts coming in through doors.
Feed your plants weekly in the spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 NPK).
Take 4 in (10 cm) stem tip cuttings for propagation in the spring or early summer. In moist potting soil, they’ll root with ease.
What can I do to make my Tradescantia pinker?
Additionally, the Tradescantia genus contains 75 different kinds of wildflowers. The 17th-century botanist John Tradescant is credited with giving the place its name.
The term “wandering” describes how it spreads quickly and roams all over your window sill. They are quite simple to grow indoors. The majority are indigenous to South America, where they form thick mats beneath forest trees.
I put my Fittonia albivenis mosaic plant next to my Tradescantia tricolor to bring out the gorgeous pink hues. The green leaves of this trailing plant have veins that are dark pink. They work well together.
Tradescantia may be placed outside.
It’s possible that when individuals mention cultivating a Wandering Jew plant, they’re actually referring to one of three different plant kinds. The three different varieties of Wandering Jew are all spiderwort plants.
There are several characteristics that distinguish each kind even though they all require the same basic maintenance as the others.
- Pale tradescantia Tradescantia pallida, a plant native to Mexico also known as the spider lily, is hardy to zone 10. Although it can be grown outside as an annual, it is often grown as a houseplant in a pot. The plant has trailing foliage that is dark purple and has light purple blooms.
- Zebra tradescantia Tradescantia zebrina, often known as the inch plant, has unusual leaves. Two silver stripes run up and down each leaf. It can grow up to two feet long and has a trailing, creeping behavior similar to the spider lily. Native to Mexico and Central America, the plant can withstand cold temperatures down to zone 8.
- Fluminensis tradescantia The small-leaf spiderwort, commonly known as the third Wandering Jew variation, is native to Brazil. It has invasive habits and glossy green foliage. If cultivated outside, the plant, which is hardy to zone 9, will quickly take over a section of the garden.
Where Did the Name Come From?
Why are these three spiderwort species referred to as Wandering Jew plants? Ask the Rabbi speculates that the name of the plant may simply refer to how swiftly and easily it spreads.
In the 1800s, the name “Wandering Jew” was really given to two different unrelated plants, according to Forward magazine. Those two plants, ivy-leaved toadflax and creeping rockfoil, have a propensity to spread and move across the ground, just like the Tradescantia types.
How frequently do I need to water my Tradescantia?
Once a week, or whenever the top inch of soil seems dry, water your Tradescantia Nanouk. Don’t overwater them, please. Due to its large leaves, Tradescantia Nanouk is less likely to be susceptible to dampness. Tradescantia Nanouk enjoys daytime highs of up to 75°F and nighttime lows of at least 55°F.
Indirect sunlight: What is it?
The two types of light—direct sunlight and indirect sunlight—are the first topic we’ll cover in our indoor plant light guide. Both of these types of light are probably present in your home; the trick is to arrange your houseplants to take advantage of each type of light.
Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight is defined as light that travels in a direct line from the sun to the plant. For instance, the majority of window sills receive direct sunshine. If your house doesn’t receive enough direct sunshine to feed your plant collection, you can also create direct light with LED grow lights.
Indirect Sunlight
When something blocks the sun’s path and diffuses or filters the light before it reaches your plants, this is known as indirect sunlight. Sheer curtains, furniture, a tree outside your window, or even a different indoor plant placed in front to shield the lower-light plant are some examples.
My Tradescantia is dying; why?
All varieties of wandering jew plants require the same fundamental maintenance despite their variations. So, regardless of the type you have, you can use these growing directions.
How To Water A Wandering Jew Plant
Wandering Jews don’t like their land to dry out for very long and prefer to be watered frequently.
At all times, keep the soil evenly moist (but never saturated). Give them a sip, then let the extra liquid drip from the pot’s bottom.
They may take occasional overwatering as long as the soil is never left wet for an extended period of time.
I suggest investing in a moisture probe if you have trouble giving them the proper dosage.
You could take cuttings and cultivate them in a vase of water instead of bringing a giant roaming jew indoors. Even though they won’t last forever, they’ll be good for a few weeks if you keep the water fresh.
Wandering Jew Humidity Requirements
Humidity, and lots of it, is another essential component of good wandering jew plant maintenance. The leaves begin to brown and die when the humidity is too low.
The major problem with growing plants indoors during the winter, when our home’s air is quite dry, is this. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain a high humidity level.
Running a humidifier next to your wandering jew plant is a simple approach to raise the humidity level in the area. Additionally, you ought to have a humidity gauge inside close to your plants.
You could grow it in a small plant cloche or a makeshift indoor greenhouse, or you could place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (but don’t let it soak in it).
Wandering Jew Light Requirements
Jews on the go are very particular about their lighting needs. With the exception of purple queen, which loves full sun, they require a lot of light to maintain their vibrant color, but direct sunlight will burn their leaves.
An east or west facing window is the best place to grow wandering jew indoors. In this manner, it will receive a lot of natural light in the morning and evening, as well as bright indirect sunlight for the remainder of the day.
Lack of light causes their leaf hues to deteriorate and become drab. Add a grow light if you don’t have a location with a lot of natural sunlight.
If you decide to take your plant outside for the summer, be sure to place it where it will be shielded from the intense afternoon light in the shade or a spot with some shade.
Temperature
Even while wandering Jews may endure brief bursts of extremely cold or hot weather, their ideal growing range is between 50 and 80 degrees.
The plant may begin to suffer if it deviates too far from that range. With shade, greater humidity, and regular watering, it can withstand warmer temperatures.
If a brief period of freezing weather or frost is predicted, move the plant indoors or cover it to protect the foliage.
Best Type Of Potting Soil For Wandering Jew Plants
Wandering Jew plants don’t have a particular preference for soil; they can thrive in any mix.
However, you can add some peat moss, coco coir, or vermiculite to the soil to assist it retain moisture if you frequently forget to water (been there, done that!).
Fertilizing Wandering Jew Plants
Although they don’t actually need to be fertilized, wandering jew plants will of course benefit from being fed sometimes.
Do not fertilize them in the fall or winter; they only require it from spring through summer. You definitely don’t want to foster winter growth because it is typically quite weak and lanky.
You can feed your wandering jew plant once a month with a liquid fertilizer that has been diluted by half as part of your usual care regimen.
Instead of utilizing synthetic plant food, I advise using organic plant food. Chemical fertilizers might be irritating to wandering Jews.
Compost tea or a nice organic all-purpose fertilizer would work well. If you like, you could also mix in some slow-release organic granules with the soil.
Other excellent alternatives include liquid kelp and fish emulsion, but only use these outside (they can get a bit stinky when used indoors).
Repotting
Wandering Jews will easily fill a container if given the right care and ideal surroundings. Thus, you might need to repot them every year.
It’s time to size up if yours becomes pot-bound or you notice roots poking through the bottom holes or covering the soil.
Replant it in the same depth in a container that is 1-2 larger than the existing one.
Wandering Jew Plant Flowers
Additionally, fertilizing might promote blooming. The wandering jew flower is quite little and unimpressive, and different types have different appearances.
It’s exciting to see roaming jew flowers, which can be white, pink, or purple. They occasionally even bloom in the dead of winter, which is a pleasant surprise.
Pest Control For Wandering Jew Houseplant
In most cases, growing wandering Jews outdoors doesn’t present a bug problem. However, fungus gnats, aphids, and spider mites can cause problems indoors.
I suggest applying neem oil, a natural insecticide, to get rid of houseplant pests that attack the leaves.
To destroy the pests on the leaves, I also like to use a solution of 1 tsp mild liquid soap and 1 liter of water. Horticultural oil and insecticidal soap both perform admirably.
If you notice gnats buzzing about your wandering jew indoor plant, wait a little longer between waterings. A yellow sticky trap can be used to assist keep them under control.
Pruning Wandering Jew Plants
Make pruning a regular component of your wandering jew plant maintenance routine. The vines will remain thick and compact with regular pinching and trimming, giving the plant an overall fuller shape.
It is preferable to just trim them in the spring and summer because it promotes new growth. At any moment, you can cut away stems and leaves that are dead or dying.
I advise using bonsai shears or a micro-tip snip for precise cuts. Otherwise, conventional hand shears work great for severe pruning.