And then there’s the Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia) which is not only that but a really easy houseplant. And it’s so colorful and “bleeds” and it’s one of those oh my God things that all the gardeners and plant freaks go oh my God. Whether you’re looking to enhance your home decor, improve indoor air quality, or enjoy an easy-to-care-for plant, the Wandering Jew Plant checks all the boxes. There is a lot to the Jew Plants and this article will explore all the different sides of this plant. From what the plant looks like to how to care for the plant, how to reproduce the plant. And the hundreds of benefits that one could acquire from owning such a plant.
The Origins of the Wandering Jew Plant
It is indigenous to the Americas (central and south America) and prospers in tropical and subtropical environments. Oh well there are 20 million different kinds of this plant but the one most people are familiar with is Tradescantia zebrina. The one with the spiky purple silver and green leaves. The reason it is called wandering jew is because all it does is “wander” and spread. So, its perfect for hanging baskets or just letting it cascade over the sides of a pot.
So the wandering jew plant is now the house and office plant in every home and building in world. It is a very fast growing and easily propagated plant. And therefore it is a favorite of not only the gardening beginner, but the advanced gardener as well.
Stunning Foliage and Growth Habits
The Wandering Jew Plant is most famous for its leaves. They are a really dark green and they have purple or silver streaks down. The middle and the combination of those colors and textures would be an interesting focal point in any room. It has oval leaves too but they are also shaped somewhat like a lance. They always seem to have a little sheen to them so they look almost metallic (well at least they do when the light is hitting them just right. Even some of the ones with the white or pink leaves.
It is also spreading fast and the Wandering Jew plant has some beautiful leaves. It is a vine and thus has these extremely long vines that will just drape over the edge of pots. It would be a bad ass hanging basket cause it just kind of dangles and it would go with any room. Or even be taught to trellis and stuff like that for more type.
Ideal Growing Conditions for the Wandering Jew Plant
It is one of those kinds, a Wandering Jew Plant that only prospers in certain situations. It likes a lot of light but not directly. However, too much direct light will burn the leaves, and the plant should be in a place. With some kind of shaded light or where the sun’s rays are not so intense.
The Wandering Jew Plant also requires well-draining soil. Any regular potting soil for indoor plants will do, but some perlite or sand mixed in for good draining. The plant kind of enjoys “wet” soil but if over watered it will get root rot. It is important to let the soil dry out a bit between waters. Especially in the winter time when the plant isn’t growing as much.
Another important factor to consider is humidity. The Wandering Jew Plant is a moderately humid plant, however, it is extremely flexible and will survive in an average home. If you house is extra dry (mine is in the winter). You should probably put it on a humidity tray or get one of those room humidifiers to make the plant happy.
How to Water and Fertilize the Wandering Jew Plant
It needs to be continually watered but not too much (the wandering jew. This one also is likely to get root rot if over watered. Soak the soil when the top inch is dry. Oh, and be sure to empty the water in the saucer below the pot because the roots shouldn’t be wading in water.
You are supposed to fertilize a Wandering Jew Plant every month or so when it is growing (during the spring and summer seasons). Thus, with a basic water soluble fertilizer. You don’t need to fertilize in the fall and winter (when all the plants have stopped growing). Or at least not as much.
Propagating the Wandering Jew Plant
My favorite thing about the Wandering Jew Plant is that it’s so easy to propagate. If you want to reproduce your plant or give some to friends all you have to do is clip a piece. And cut off a healthy stem right below a leaf node with some nice scissors (or pruning shears).
Stick the cutting in a cup of water and make it root. Well the avg time for something like this is 1-3 wks but hey who knows. You know when the roots are like two inches long and you. Plant the clipping in a pot of dirt and it grows into a whole new plant. It’s called a wandering jew, it grows fast, so from that one little clipping pretty soon. You’ll have a nice bushy little plant.
Pest Management for the Wandering Jew Plant
The wandering jew plant is a fairly pest resistant plant but not totally immune to some of the more common indoor plant pests such as spider mites and aphids and mealybugs. Plus they are always at the bottom of the leaves, they basically just suck the life blood out of the leaf and eventually kill the leaf.
However if they do you can kill them with some insecticidal soap or neem oil or heck even some water and dish soap will do the job. And to keep checking the plant for insects and to clean the leaves just wipe them off with a wet cloth to remove insects actually to keep the plant clean.
Health Benefits of the Wandering Jew Plant
It is called the Wandering Jew Plant and it is not only beautifull but medicinal as well. Just like other houseplants that do that too, they clean the air by taking in toxins. It is therefore perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, offices or any other place that air purification is desire.
Not to mention that the plants in your home contribute to your general well being, lower stress levels, and an overall better mood. The Wandering Jew Plant has got to be one of the most relaxing plants to be able to keep in your home. With all of its vibrant colors and complete thick foliage.
Conclusion
A wandering jew plant is a nice hardy plant that is easy to maintain and adds a spot of color and life into any room. It has nice leaves and it grows like crazy and it is really easy to take care of. So, if anyone wants a little green around the house they should adopt one of these. It will not fail the experienced house plant parent or the beginner. The Wandering Jew Plant. For more information on how to take care of plants and helpful hints go to our website for best gardening tips thewellco.xyz.