grow Wandering Jew plants ( Tradescantia genus ) is a popular choice for industrial plant partisan due to their vibrant leafage and easy tutelage necessary . These trailing houseplants are known for their plushy farewell in various colors and patterns , such as green with silver stripes or purplish hue .
With the right conditions , Wandering Jew works can thrive both indoors and outdoors in warm climate . They prefer lustrous , indirect short , well - debilitate dirt , and moderate lacrimation . Regular pruning and multiplication can help keep up their shaggy-haired and heavyset appearance .
Whether displayed in hanging baskets or used as dry land cover , Wandering Jew plants add a touching of beauty and sprightliness to any space .
What is a Wandering Jew?
The Wandering Jew , belonging to the Tradescantia genus , is a group of repeated plant aboriginal to the Americas . They are popular as houseplants due to their attractive foliage and well-heeled concern necessary . The most usually know metal money within this genus are Tradescantia zebrina , Tradescantia pallida , and Tradescantia fluminensis .
Here are some key characteristics of the Wandering Jew plant :
While Wandering Jew plants are beautiful and easy to grow , it ’s important to note that the term “ Wandering Jew ” has historical association with anti - Semitism . To be respectful , you may consider relate to these plants by their botanic names or employ alternative vulgar name like “ Spiderwort ” or “ Inch Plant ” when hash out them .
Why is it called that?
The common name “ Wandering Jew ” for plant in the Tradescantia genus has its origin in European folklore and spiritual mythology . The name was given to these flora due to their trailing growth wont and the percept that they spread and “ roam ” easily .
According to the legend , there was a Jewish man named Ahasuerus who encountered Jesus Christ while he was carry the cross to his crucifixion . In some variations of the tale , Ahasuerus refused to show compassion to Jesus or wait on him , and as a consequence , he was condemn to ramble the Earth constantly until the Second Coming of Christ . Over time , this tale became associated with the works , possibly due to its ability to spread rapidly and embrace big areas .
The works has other name that can be used as well , including :
Growing & Care Guide
Light : Wandering Jew plants flourish in bright , indirect Christ Within . It is good to set them in locations with filtered sunlight rather than direct sunlight , especially during the raging parts of the day . While they can stick out some wraith , excessive shade may leave in leggy ontogenesis and less vivacious foliage .
Temperature : These plants choose average to warm temperatures between 65 - 80 ° F ( 18 - 27 ° 100 ) . Avoid expose them to stale draught or sudden temperature drop-off , as they are sensitive to low temperatures .
Watering : When it come to water Wandering Jew plants , it is important to strike a counterweight . Water them thoroughly , allowing the top in ( 2.5 atomic number 96 ) of soil to dry out out before watering again . These plant life prefer slightly moist soil , but overwatering can lead to beginning rot . Ensure that the container has drain holes to forbid weewee from pool . Aim to water your Wandering Jew flora about once per week , but possibly more if you live in a very juiceless climate .
Humidity : Moderate to gamey humidity degree are good for Wandering Jew plants . you could increase humidity by misting the folio regularly or position a tray filled with water near the plant life . This helps create a more favourable environment for their maturation .
Soil : apply a well - draining potting mix suitable for houseplant . A compounding of peat moss , perlite , and veritable potting soil works well . Ensure that the soil allows excess water to debilitate freely to prevent waterlogged source .
Fertilizer : feed in your Wandering Jew flora every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season ( bounce to early fall ) with a balanced , water - soluble houseplant fertiliser . Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommend strength . Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant ’s outgrowth slow up down .
Pruning and Maintenance : even pruning is important for Wandering Jew plants . It help encourage bushier growth and forestall legginess . garnish or lift back the tips of the stem to keep a compendious shape . Remove any yellow , withered , or damaged leaves to sustain the plant life ’s visual aspect and overall wellness .
By follow these care guidelines , you may enjoy the beauty of Wandering Jew plants as they thrive and add vibrancy to your indoor space .
How do I make my Wandering Jew plant bushier?
If your plant is looking leggy , lanky , and unhealthy , there are a few thing you’re able to do to give it a fuller visual aspect . To make your Wandering Jew plant bushier , you’re able to follow these summit :
Pruning : unconstipated pruning is crucial for encouraging bushier development . cabbage or trimming back the tips of the stems helps stimulate sidelong fork , resulting in a Richard Buckminster Fuller plant . Use clean , penetrative pruning shears or pair of scissors to make clean cutting just above a leaf node ( the period where a leaf attaches to the stalk ) . Prune selectively , focalize on leggy or excessively long stalk .
Propagation : Another method to elevate bushiness is through propagation . Take stem cuttings from your Wandering Jew plant and root them in urine or moist potting soil . When Modern growing emerges from these cut , pilfer off the tips to boost separate and bushier growth . you’re able to retell this physical process as desire to create a more compact and fuller plant life .
Provide Adequate Light : Wandering Jew plant flourish in bright , collateral light . guarantee that your works receive sufficient light to promote healthy growth and branching . set it near a windowpane with filtered sun or provide artificial lighting if natural light is limited . Insufficient light can lead to tall-growing growth , so adjusting the light exposure can aid promote bushiness .
optimum Watering : right watering practice are of the essence for plant life wellness and emergence . Avoid overwatering , as to a fault fuddled land can cause rootage hogwash and hinder bushy growth . Allow the top column inch ( 2.5 cm ) of soil to dry out between watering . Adjust your watering frequency according to the environmental shape and the plant ’s needs .
By combine these practices — pruning , propagation , providing adequate light , right watering , and appropriate fertilization — you could advance your Wandering Jew flora to become bushier over time . retrieve to be patient , as it may take some time for noticeable results .
Propagation
Propagating Wandering Jew plant ( Tradescantia genus ) is relatively simple and can be done through stem cuttings . To propagate , select a healthy stem and cut it just below a leaf lymph gland using clean and acute pruning shears . Remove the lower leaves , leaving a few nodes at the top .
Place the cutting in a container with water supply or like a shot in moist potting soil , check the nodes are submerged or buried . Keep the cutting in a warm , well - lit location but protect from direct sunlight . After a few weeks , etymon will start to prepare , indicating successful propagation .
Once the source are established , the cutting can be reassign to its own potentiometer with well - draining stain . Regular care and care will help the propagate Wandering Jew plant thrive and get into a new vibrant specimen .
Additional Resource : Read Our Full Guide On Propagating Wandering Jew
