purple wandering jew plant benefits

Wandering Jew Plant – Ultimate Care Guide

By: Author Daniel

Posted on Last updated: September 18, 2023

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You are reading this guide to learn more about the Wandering Jew Plant and its care . I have had this plant at home for many years and write about all the growing aspects in this guide.

Wandering Jew Plant Care Takeaways

What is the wandering jew plant.

The Wandering Jew, or Tradescantia zebrina, by its scientific name (old name = Zebrina pendula) is native to Mexico. It is not to be confused with Tradescantia albiflora, which also goes by Wandering Jew and has very similar care needs. 

Tradescantia zebrina has attractive foliage, sporting exciting zebra-patterned leaves. It also flowers. But when kept as a houseplant, this rarely ever happens. It is a fast-growing and excellent groundcover, according to the University of Florida .

W andering Jew Plant Care

To keep your Wandering Jew plant thriving, ensure it receives bright, indirect sunlight. Keep it in average room temperatures of 60-75°F (16-24°C). Fertilize once a month during spring and summer. In winter, relocate the plant to a cooler area with temperatures of 54-59°F (12-15°C).

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Tradescantia zebrina Growing guide

Tradescantia zebrina care is pretty straightforward, but it certainly can’t hurt to glance at the most important things to consider when caring about this herbaceous perennial plant. 

So, without further ado, let’s see how you can make your Wandering Jew, aka the Inch plant, as happy as possible.

Any good potting soil will do for your Wandering Jew. For instance, this could be Miracle Gro potting soil readily available online in stores like Amazon. 

But these plants not only feel very comfortable in soil but can also be kept in hydroponics .

Sunlight is a vital aspect when it comes to the well-being of most houseplants. Some houseplants do well with moderate sunlight, while others only thrive (or flower) when a certain level of sunlight is guaranteed.

The Wandering Jew does best in bright, indirect sunlight . 

If you are unsure what that means, please look at our Light Levels article.   

The Wandering Jew, a tropical native, thrives best when the root ball is always well moisturized. Still, waterlogging should be avoided whenever possible, as this could lead to root rot .

This tropical plant does not enjoy limy water. Use soft water whenever possible. Rainwater and distilled water are very good choices. 

Temperature

People who own an Inch plant and keep it outside run the risk of exposing it to cold temperatures. This is where indoor plant owners have the upper hand.

Wandering Jews can thrive with average room temperatures of 60 to 75°F (16 to 24°C) if it doesn’t drop for long periods. Anything below 12°C for an extended period could be fatal for your Wandering Jew.

Wandering Jews prefer a humidity of around 70%

The perennial, herbaceous Wandering Jew plant is native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia, so it should not surprise you that it likes a good deal of humidity. 

To ensure high humidity levels, regularly misting your plant is a very good idea. A hand mister filled with water does the trick. 

As for the location, you may want to keep your Wandering Jew in the bathroom , as this is usually the place in the house with the highest humidity. 

Feed your plant once a month during spring and summer. In winter, fertilizing is not necessary. 

Also, fertilization of the Wandering Jew is only necessary from the second year of cultivation or after repotting. 

Propagation

It is best propagated through stem tip cuttings. Propagating the Wandering Jew is an easy task.

Wandering Jews don’t get very tall. They might reach a height of about 14 inches (36 cm) when kept indoors. They spread to about 10 inches (25 cm).

(Re)potting

The thing with the Wandering Jew is that it grows fast , hence its nickname “Inch plant.” Because of its fast-growing pace, the plant usually gets very leggy, and leaves are often lost near the base of the plant. 

Repotting is pivotal for keeping the root system healthy regardless of the actual plant species. However, how often a houseplant needs to be repotted depends on various factors.

Some houseplants grow incredibly fast, so they need to be repotted often. Others, on the other hand, grow very slowly, so repotting is not a top priority. 

That said, repotting your Wandering Jew occasionally is a good idea. 

How long does a Wandering Jew live?

As far as the longevity of Wandering Jews goes, they often don’t get older than 2 to 3 years.  

Wandering Jew Watering

Water about once every 5-7 days in spring and summer. Keep the soil slightly humid. Do not let the Wandering Jew dry out between waterings. Use your index finger to check if the soil is dry down 1-2 inches of soil (2.5 – 5 cm).

Reduce watering to every 10-14 days in autumn and winter.

Wandering Jew Propagation

The Wandering Jew roots very easily . The plant can easily be propagated through stem tip cuttings.

When propagating your Wandering Jew, make sure that your plant is in a healthy condition. 

Please follow our step-to-step guide to propagate your Wandering Jew through stem tip cuttings.

Propagation through stem tip cuttings

• Identify the plant that you want to replicate. It should have healthy growth and plenty of stems. 
• Make clean cuts on sections that are three to six inches in length . 
• Use a sharp knife and carefully cut the leaves on the stem’s bottom half.
• If you want, you can dip the exposed end of the stem in a rooting hormone . This will speed up the rooting process. However , it is unnecessary . 
• Place your stem tip cuttings into a pot with fresh soil after thoroughly watering the potting mixture. 
• Use a clear plastic bag to hold in moisture, taking it off to water weekly . 
• Keep your eyes on the plant for new growth . You should start to see roots in about two to three weeks . Once this happens, transfer the plant babies to a larger pot. 

Note: Instead of rooting your stem tip cuttings directly in soil, you could also root them in water .

Wandering Jew Pest Control

Wandering Jews are prone to aphids and spider mites attacks. So, you will need to look out for these two little pests. 

Some of these are known to cause defoliation, while others can kill the plant altogether. Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may need to use chemicals or insecticides .

Aphids on my Inch Plant

The Wandering Jew is not particularly susceptible to plant diseases or pests. Yet, you might have to deal with an aphid attack at some point. These parasites pierce the leaves of their host plant and suck their sap.

Like scale insects, they excrete sticky honeydew, by which you can immediately recognize the infestation.

Aphids can multiply explosively, especially in warm , dry environments.

As a preventive measure, ensure regular watering and occasional misting of your Wandering Jew.

The best way to combat aphids is to control them mechanically by rinsing them off the plant with water . Isolate the plant from the rest of the collection.

Pest Prevention

To prevent the Wandering Jew from pest infestations, plucking dried leaves regularly makes sense as well as using neem oil. The dried leaves lying on the substrate must be removed. Otherwise, there is a risk of rotting or infestation by parasites and fungi .

Wandering Jew Problems

Brown leaf tips.

Brown leaf tips is a very common problem with a wide variety of houseplant. Depending on the species, the causes for this problem can be very different, though. 

So what causes leaves to turn brown with Wandering Jews?

My Wandering Jew has only green leaves (not enough variegation)

If you do own a variegated Wandering Jew but only see a great amount of non-variegated leaves, chances are that your plant does not get enough sunlight . 

To solve the problem, allow your Wandering Jew some bright, indirect sunlight by placing it in a sunnier location. 

Fading leaves

If your inch plant’s foliage is suddenly losing color and sports fading leaves, this is another sign that it does not get enough sunlight . 

Dropping leaves

Dropping leaves is another very common problem many plant parents must deal with regularly . If your Wandering Jew drops leaves, this is usually due to too low or too high temperatures . 

In summer , ensure your Wandering Jew is exposed to average room temperatures.

In winter , it should be kept in a cooler environment.

Is Wandering Jew care difficult?

Wandering Jews are considered low-maintenance plants and are perfectly suitable for beginners. 

They do well at average room temperatures, don’t demand a very high level of humidity (which is sometimes difficult to achieve in a home environment), and it is very easy to propagate them through stem tip cuttings. 

Which plant species are commonly referred to as “Wandering Jew”?

Tradescantia zebrina as well as Tradescantia albiflora. 

What is the difference between Tradescantia zebrina and Zebrina pendula?

There is no difference between Tradescantia zebrina and Zebrina pendula. Zebrina pendula is just the old name for Tradescantia zebrina. 

Does my Wandering Jew flower at all?

Wandering Jews are indeed flowering plants. However, when kept indoors, they very rarely flower. 

How long can you keep a Wandering Jew?

If you don’t propagate your Wandering Jew, you can keep it for about three years. After that period, the quality of your Wandering Jew will most likely decrease. If you regularly propagate your leafy friend through stem tip cuttings, you can keep it indefinitely.

Any display tips for Wandering Jews?

Wandering Jews look great in hanging planters!

Is the Wandering Jew toxic to cats?

The Wandering Jew plant is toxic to cats. Therefore, you have to keep your cat away from this plant. 

Is the Wandering Jew toxic to dogs?

Yes, the Wandering Jew plant is toxic to dogs. Therefore, you must ensure your dog does not come in contact with this plant. 

What are the health benefits of Tradescantia zebrina, if any?

Not only is The Wandering Jew a beautiful houseplant famous for its striking foliage, but it also presents several health benefits for humans. It is especially known for its antioxidant and antibacterial activity, and it is widely used in Traditional Medicine in several countries. Tradescantia zebrina is also believed to be a valuable source for treating kidney diseases.

The Last Zebrina

The Wandering Jew is a great houseplant that looks stunning in hanging planters. Its care is easy apart from its humidity-loving nature.

Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.

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19 Wandering Jew Plant Benefits Every Plant Owner Must Know

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Today’s interior decor is leaning on biophilic designs that give plants a special and much-deserved spotlight. That’s why plants like Wandering Jew and its countless varieties are also gaining recognition. However, Wandering Jew plant benefits aren’t limited to aesthetics; they’re helpful in various subtle ways.

This article explores all the benefits that Wandering Jew provides to plant owners and the environment.

19 Wandering Jew Plant Benefits You Must Know

Wandering Jews, also known as inch plants or spiderworts, are widely renowned for their aesthetics. Therefore, many interior design and landscaping projects also capitalize on these gorgeous plants. However, they offer more than what meets the eye.

Here are some Wandering Jew plant benefits every plant owner must know to correctly utilize.

Beginner Friendly Plants

Many novice plant owners are scared regarding plants’ maintenance. However, Wandering Jew is pretty beginner friendly and doesn’t require constant attention to thrive. They naturally adapt to their environment and can forgive amateur gardeners’ neglect.

Easy Maintenance

As discussed above, Wandering Jews are beginner friendly due to low maintenance. Therefore, all you need to make these plants grow and bless your home’s space with the utmost beauty is to offer it regular watering.

Wandering Jews love well-draining soil with the perfect watering to avoid overly damp soil. Since there’s no need for purely soaking the soil, people with busy schedules who forget to water the plants can get away with Wandering Jews.

Besides the watering schedule, Wandering Jews also need some sunlight. However, the sunlight mustn’t be direct as the Wandering Jews’ leaves are prone to get burned. Hence, place them indoors near a window that lets a perfect amount of gorgeous sun rays into the room.

The slightly translucent sunlight paired with proper watering can help Wandering Jews thrive and add a touch of sophistication to the interior. Thus, the plant is known for its easy maintenance.

Easy Propagation

Many plant owners are often worried about creating a tiny garden space which can be costly as they need more plants to create an ecosphere. However, with Wandering Jew’s easy propagation, plant owners don’t need to spend extra dollars and can use their existing plants to work wonders.

All you need to propagate Wandering Jews is an inch or two of the plant’s cutting. Ensure that the cutting has at least 1 leaf node for proper flourishing. You can use moist soil or a properly filled water container to propagate the eye-catching indoor plants. Place the plant in front of a window that offers ample indirect sunlight.

Low-Cost Options for Interior Decor

Another incredible benefit of Wandering Jew is its low cost. Compared to other home décor options in the market, Wandering Jews are relatively budget-friendly. Moreover, since you can easily propagate these lasting plants, you don’t need to constantly spend money on new ones.

You also don’t need to fear killing the plants without proper maintenance, saving money in the long run. Hence, the low-cost Wandering Jews are additionally beneficial for your budget. 

Highly Sustainable for Home and Office Decor

Whether you view Wandering Jews as an aesthetic piece or a major part of your indoor garden, you can rest assured of its sustainability. These plants are highly resilient, thrive, and last for years with extra care. Therefore, you don’t need constant reworking on your home or workspace’s interior design and can rely on these sustainable plants to add beauty to the area. 

Improves Humidity Level

Regulating humidity levels around your home or office can be challenging, especially in regions with high humidity. However, instead of investing in large dehumidifiers, you can easily opt for indoor plants such as Wandering Jews.

The gorgeous plants are known for their colors, but they also help regulate the humidity levels of the environment around them through transpiration. Hence, the colorful leaves of these plants soak in the moisture and release it around to keep the air fresh and the temperature low.

Natural Air Purifier

Plants are natural air purifiers too. However, Wandering Jew is one of the leading plants in this category and is known to absorb numerous harmful gasses. Carbon dioxide is a toxic gas for humans, and Wandering Jews readily absorb this gas, keeping the environment fresh.

Other than carbon dioxide, Wandering Jews are also skilled at absorbing other toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde, common chemicals found in paints. These toxic chemicals can suffocate humans and cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues. Hence, by having Wandering Jews in your household or around your office with paintwork, you can quickly purify the air.

Aesthetically Appealing for Various Spaces

You can’t go wrong with Wandering Jews when you want to create a harmonious feel around a massive space. These plants can work wonders for homes and look just as good in offices. Moreover, the endless variety offers vivid colors and adds lividness to the space.

Hence, regardless of the room or the building, Wandering Jews look like they belong. They adapt to the environment, work their dehumidifying and air-purifying magic and look stunning. You can place them as the centerpiece with other complimentary plants and flowers or let them peek from a pillar’s corner; they’ll look exquisite regardless. 

Diverse Uses as a Decor Item

Having hanging baskets filled with mesmerizing Wandering Jews can be an excellent way to instantly amp up your balcony. The trailing vines overflowing from the basket will add movement and offer an interesting piece to onlookers. However, that’s not the only way to keep Wandering Jews around the house.

Wandering Jews are known for their role in picturesque landscapes too. Hence, if you have a colorful garden, adding Wandering Jews will elevate it. Moreover, many people using the plants indoors or outdoors love to pot these flowers and wrap the vines around less aesthetic structures. 

You can also let your windowsill become home for Wandering Jews and let them beautify your workspace or room.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Whether you look up history or check today’s scientific studies, you’ll realize that the effects of plants on stress reduction are highly strong. Many plants are also known to reduce stress through their unique smell, especially as they blossom, while others are simply pleasing to the eye.

Wandering Jews are one of those distinct species that reduce stress in both ways. While the striking bright colors calm down jittery nerves, their smell also acts as a nerve relaxant. Hence, with Wandering Jews around your workspace, you can keep your stress and anxiety somewhat in check.

Normalizes Heart Rhythm

Many plant owners with Wandering Jews also swear by this plant to bring their heart’s rhythm back to normal. There is still no scientific evidence to support the claims of Wandering Jews’ antiarrhythmic properties. Hence, whether these plants work directly or indirectly by mood regulation is still a black hole.

Improves Mood

There’s no doubt that plants are best for regulation and improvement of mood. Many studies support these claims that even during depression, a few minutes in nature worked wonders to improve mood.

Wandering Jews provide the same advantage to plant owners, especially as these breathtakingly beautiful plants can also be kept indoors. Hence, even during winters, especially if you’re prone to seasonal depression, you can rely on these tricolor plants to offer some liveliness.

Promotes Internal Healing

Many people aren’t aware of it, but Wandering Jews aren’t pretty on the outside. Instead, they offer some internal healing powers, which are also popular for herbal teas.

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of Wandering Jews have made it a traditional ingredient in teas. Whether you have digestive issues or can’t curb your skin’s infection, you can rely on these soothing plants to offer comfort and relief from these problems. Other than that, Wandering Jews are also known for curing respiratory infections.

Enhances Productivity

The soothing presence of Wandering Jews is one factor contributing to this plant’s endless benefits for improving productivity. Stress and anxiety reduction also play a great role, making these plants perfect for your workspace. Whether you work in a stressful office or are a creative genius, Wandering Jews can help you in both conditions.

Therefore, as stress reduces and creativity increases, so does your productivity. 

Enhances Brain Function

Wandering Jews, like every other plant species, are known for their ample oxygen supply in the environment. Therefore, this plant is also known for improving your brain’s cognitive functions.

Since appropriate oxygen levels in the brain can help reduce brain fog, it can help make wise decisions, think rationally, and even solve problems. Moreover, as discussed earlier, the reduced stress level can help you become productive, too, and enhanced cognitive function only adds to the equation. 

Improves Sleep Quality

Having plants around their space can be extremely advantageous for people with insomnia. Wandering Jews create a peaceful environment and offer calmness around their placement. Due to this soothing effect and anxiety reduction, you can have a calm and unstressed sleep for hours. 

Improved sleep quality will also make your mind less stressed and more focused in the morning, enhancing your productivity throughout the day. Hence, Wandering Jews can create a win-win situation for you with its day and night benefits.

Relieves Stubborn Allergies

Wandering Jews are also widely known for relieving allergies. Many allergens in the air, such as dust and pollen, can make breathing stressful and lead to various other allergies. Congestion and itchy eyes are common among these health issues, making you feel down.

With Wandering Jews, you can reduce these allergens as these beautiful plants are known for their allergen-absorption properties. Hence, when they purify the air and capture all the allergens, you can breathe freely and have fewer allergic reactions.

Boosts Immune System

Remember the herbal tea we discussed earlier? It’s highly effective for fighting several health issues and strengthening your immune system. The flavonoids in Wandering Jews are chemical compounds known for their distinct effects boosting the immune system.

Flavonoids have antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals and keep inflammation minimal. Moreover, these properties enhance and boost your immune system to keep major diseases such as cancer and diabetes away.

Aid in Breathing

Wandering Jews are known for absorbing pollutants and purifying the air, as discussed earlier. However, this property works wonders for people with bronchial issues such as asthma. Hence, Wandering Jews are the perfect home decor addition for people with asthma, as these plants reduce the pollutants that keep the attacks away.

To Sum It Up!

The countless Wandering Jew plant benefits make this plant a must-have for every plant owner. Whether you want to enjoy its benefits in your workspace or make your home look more aesthetic and purified, Wandering Jew plants can work wonders. You can enjoy the incredible benefits of Wandering Jews by planting them or even having them in your regular herbal tea.

The medicinal and other health benefits of Wandering Jews still require research and scientific studies. However, history is filled with references to Wandering Jew, which makes it popular today. 

• Indoor Gardening
• Houseplants
• Hydroponics
• Houseplants Made Easy Book

How To Care For A Wandering Jew Plant (Your Complete Guide)

When it comes to houseplants able to brighten up indoor spaces, it doesn’t get much more colorful than the variegated foliage of a Wandering Jew plant ( Tradescantia zebrina ). With their hardy nature and ease of care, they are a perfect choice for those feeling they kill everything they bring indoors. We’ve listed a quick summary of their care below.

How To Care For A Wandering Jew Plant: Grow your Wandering Jew in well-drained soil, kept moist but not soggy through regular watering. Create humidity, keep indoor temperatures between 50°F (10°C) to 85°F (29°C) and fertilize monthly.

Continue reading because we’ve taken all the guesswork out of caring for your Wandering Jew and keeping it healthy and happy for years to come.

How To Care For A Wandering Jew Plant

Wandering Jew plants belong in the Commelinaceae family, which includes around 652 different species. The family is made up of herbs, climbers and several epiphytes, with some used as outdoor and indoor ornamentals like Wandering Jew.

There are three different plants commonly known as Wandering Jews; Tradescantia fluminensis , Tradescantia pallida , and Tradescantia zebrina. Of the three, Tradescantia zebrina is the most common one grown and has the most eye-catching and colorful foliage. All three have the same requirements for care and good growth.

Native to Mexico and Guatemala, Wandering Jew is classified as a tender evergreen perennial that performs well planted outdoors in frost-free regions. Those living in cooler environments can easily grow it as an indoor plant planted either in containers or in hanging baskets. Outdoors it’s typically used as a quick-growing groundcover.

Although a common name shared with several very different plants, Wandering Jew is often called Inch Plant , due to the leaf margins being spaced about an inch apart. You may also find Wandering Jew listed as Zebrina Pendula , but is synonymous with Tradescantia zebrina and is the same plant.

When it comes to Wandering Jew plants, it’s all about the attention-grabbing foliage. The succulent stems give way to leaves that are a deep purple on their undersides with the upper portion striped in silvery-gray and greenish-blue. The oval leaves grow to about 2.5 inches long and the stems grow about 2 feet long. It makes a beautiful plant used in hanging baskets, with the long stems cascading over the side.

Even grown indoors, Wandering Jews have a fast rate of growth and before you know it, the plants will be spilling over your container’s or hanging basket’s sides. Whereas some indoor plants seem to take forever to fill out, this isn’t a problem with properly cared for Wandering Jew plants.

There are several other cultivars (varieties) of Wandering Jew, which include:

• ‘Purpusii’ has unstriped, hairy foliage that is either solid red or reddish-green.
• ‘Quadricolor’ produces metallic-green foliage striped in red, white and green.

Wandering Jew plants are the ideal candidates for beginner houseplant gardeners due to their hardiness and robust growth. Below we’ve outlined all the basics of their proper care, as well as identifying and preventing any potential problems so you can enjoy your Wandering Jew for years to come. The best indoor plants are those that are happy and healthy.

Soil Conditions For Wandering Jew Plants

Wandering Jew plants tolerate growing in a wide range of soils provided they drain well. Although they do tolerate and prefer moist conditions, the soil must drain properly to prevent root and stem rot from occurring. Therefore, it is necessary to use a lighter weight soil mixture in your pots rather than heavier soils that don’t provide proper drainage.

Straight potting soils are usually too heavy, retain too much moisture and have a tendency to leave the soil soggy. You can use a heavier potting soil in your soil mixture, just be sure to incorporate a lighter soil mix to provide the Wandering Jew the drainage required for healthy growth.

Commercial potting mixes work well and many have a slow-release fertilizer mixed in, which cuts down on the need for frequent feedings. The slow-release blends usually continue to fertilize the Wandering Jew for about three months.

You can also make your own soil by mixing several ingredients together such as:

• Using equal parts of compost and a potting mix.
• Mixing equal portions of compost, peat and potting soil or a potting mix.
• Using equal portions of a course sand, compost and potting soil or a potting mix.

Whatever soil you choose to use, just make sure it drains well and contains a bit of fertility for the best performance of your Wandering Jew plants.

Preferred Light Conditions

Although Wandering Jew plants tolerate lower light conditions than many houseplants, to help retain those striking colors the plant is known for, place the container in a location indoors receiving filtered sunlight. If your plant starts losing some of the color in the foliage, move it to a location that receives a bit more light.

In addition, if the lower portion of the stems start suffering leaf drop, the Wandering Jew isn’t get enough light and needs to be relocated to a brighter area inside the home.

Once the warm weather of spring arrives and if you’d like to give your Wandering Jew a bit of a break from its indoor location, place it in an outdoor spot that receives partial sun to partial shade. Moving it to an outdoor location with too much sun may leave the foliage sunburned.

Indoor Temperature Requirements

In the Wandering Jew’s native environment, temperatures are consistently warm without the threat of frosts or freezes. Generally, if the indoor temperatures inside your home are comfortable for you, they will also be comfortable for your Wandering Jew plant.

Indoor temperatures between 50°F (10°C) to 85°F (29°C) are a good range for your Wandering Jew plants. Plants grown in this temperature range produce the healthiest growth.

If you gave your plants a break from their indoor location, just make sure to bring them back indoors before the cold weather of winter strikes.

Water Requirements

Wandering Jews prefer soils that are regularly kept moist, not soggy, compared to many indoor houseplants. However, this doesn’t mean the soil should be kept so wet they never begin to dry out. Keeping the soil too wet for too long promotes rot to set in and you may end up killing your Wandering Jew plants. Your Wandering Jew is more likely to forgive you if you forget to water over watering too much and too often.

A good rule to follow is if the soil starts to feel like it’s about to become very dry, apply water. It’s easy to know exactly when to water by:

• Sticking your finger into the soil and if the top inch is starting to feel dry, water until it runs from the container’s bottom drain holes.

During the warm growing season of spring through summer, you can probably expect to water once each week. However, during winter when the Wandering Jew goes into dormancy (its growth slows), you will probably only need to water about every other week.

Humidity Requirements

Compared to many tropical plants grown indoors, Wandering Jew plants aren’t quite as fussy about humid conditions , but still need some humidity for the best growth and performance. Don’t let the thought of creating a humid environment stress you out because replicating humidity for your indoor plants is relatively easy and basic.

• Fill a spray bottle with room temperature water and mist the Wandering Jew several times each week.
• If you’re growing the Wandering Jew in a container and not in a hanging basket, you can set the pot on a tray of pebbles. As you water, the water seeps from the bottom drain holes onto the tray of pebbles and as it evaporates, it creates a humid environment around the plant.
• If your bathroom gets the appropriate amount of light for the Wandering Jew, you can allow it to grow there. Due to the regular use of water in a bathroom, moisture is created, creating the humidity the Wandering Jew requires.

Fertilizer Needs

Unless the soil mixture contains a slow-release fertilizer blend, which feeds the Wandering Jew for about three months, fertilizing monthly is sufficient for proper growth. You have several choices when it comes to fertilizer you can use for your Wandering Jew plant.

• Use a houseplant fertilizer applied at half-strength, applied when you do your regular watering.
• Use an all-purpose, water-soluble blend for outdoor and indoor plants, applied at half-strength and used during your regular watering schedule.
• If your soil mixture didn’t contain a slow-release fertilizer or it’s been about three months, if one was contained in the soil, you can reapply slow-release fertilizer granules sprinkled over the top of the soil. Follow the package directions on amounts.

When it comes to the appropriate time of year to fertilize the Wandering Jew, only fertilize while it’s actively growing, which is spring throughout summer. In winter, the plant goes through a dormant stage and all growth slows, so there is no need to apply fertilizer. Wait until spring arrives before you resume fertilizing the plant.

The one thing you will need to pay attention to when it comes to fertilizing is the buildup of salts in the soil, which can result in foliage burns. Wandering Jew plants have a low tolerance to salty soils. Preventing any salt buildup is relatively simple:

• If the plant isn’t too big, you can take the entire pot to your sink or bathtub and allow water to run slowly through the soil for about five minutes, flushing out any salts.
• If the plant is too big for indoor flushing, take it outside and allow water from the hose to run slowly through the soil for about five minutes. Allow the water to drain and then bring the plant back indoors.

Pruning Requirements

The pruning needs of Wandering Jew plants are low. If you want to control the size of the plant and promote bushier growth, you can pinch off the tips of the stems. To keep the plant always looking its best, you can trim off any broken, dead or damaged stems and leaves throughout the year.

When using pruning tools to trim your Wandering Jew always make sure they are clean so you don’t transfer any diseases or pests to your plant. This is as easy as wiping off the blades with alcohol.

Some people experience skin irritations when handling the cuttings due to the sap , so if you are unsure if you are one of these unlucky gardeners, it might be best to wear gardening gloves when pruning or handling Wandering Jew cuttings.

Potting Needs

If you purchased your Wandering Jew already potted in a hanging basket or 1-gallon container, it should thrive as is for a year or more before it requires repotting. However, if you received rooted cuttings in smaller containers like 4- to 6-inch pots, you most likely need to repot them into something a bit larger so they can grow properly.

This also cuts down on the need for repotting in a month or two as the Wandering Jew begins to outgrow its present pot.

When it comes to the pot’s material, any type works quite well for growing this plant from clay to plastic. However, if you grow your Wandering Jew in a pot made of a porous material like terra cotta, the soil is going to dry quicker than if it was growing in a plastic pot. This means you will need to water more frequently.

Once your Wandering Jew starts getting too big for its present container, it’s time to repot it into one that is around 1- to 2-inches larger. Although the plant likes a moist soil, make sure the pot has bottom drainage to prevent the possibility of rot due to conditions that are too wet.

If you like, you can dress the container up by placing the draining one inside a decorative pot without bottom drain holes, but be sure to empty out any additional water once the inner pot thoroughly drains.

I think a decorative outer pot can add so much to the beauty of your houseplants, so I do this with almost all of my houseplants. Read this article which discusses my favorite decorative planters if you need some inspiration.

Potting and repotting your Wandering Jew is basic:

• Gently remove the Wandering Jew from its present container, being careful not to break the succulent stems.
• Fill the new container that drains about a quarter of the way full with a fertile, well-drained potting mix.
• Check the Wandering Jew’s root system and if it’s growing bunched together and filled the previous pot, gently tease the roots apart with your hands.
• Place the Wandering Jew into the new container and finish filling it with soil.
• Water the Wandering Jew until it runs from the bottom drain holes and place in a bright location indoors.

Propagating New Plants

When it comes to propagating new plants, Wandering Jew is about as easy as it gets. Even if you have never done this before you should have success starting its cuttings. When you trim to control its size, don’t throw those cuttings away but use them to start additional plants.

You have two choices when it comes to rooting your cuttings and both are easy. The first thing you will want to do is obtain your cuttings. Trim off a 4- to 6-inch cutting from the mother plant and you’re ready to start rooting.

Rooting in Soil

• Fill a 6-inch to 1-gallon container that drains with a rich, well-drained potting mix. Water the soil to settle it.
• Make about a 2-inch indentation in the soil where you want to place the Wandering Jew cutting.
• Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting where you will be inserting it into the soil. You can do this by pinching them off with your fingers.
• Place the cutting into the indentation and firm the soil up around it with your fingers.
• Water the soil again and place the cutting in the same light conditions where the mother plant was thriving. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Roots should form in about four weeks and after about eight weeks, the Wandering Jew cuttings should form a new root system.

Rooting in Water

• Fill a glass jar or plastic container with about 3-inches of room temperature water.
• Pinch off any leaves from the section of the Wandering Jew cutting that will be submerged in the water.
• Place the cutting in the water and situate the container in a bright indoor location.
• Change the water in the container about every other week, or when cloudy.

You should start seeing new roots form on the cuttings in several weeks. Once the roots are several inches long, you can repot the cuttings into a draining container filled with fertile, well-drained soil.

Disease Problems

Wandering Jew plants grown indoors are hardy and don’t have major diseases that plague them. However, rot is their biggest enemy and caused by soils that are too heavy and do not drain properly, retaining too much water. Overwatering and planting in pots that don’t drain are other causes of rot problems.

When rot rears its ugly head you’ll notice the bottom stems, as well as the foliage turning black, becoming mushy and the entire plant collapses. If this happens and seems to start affecting the entire Wandering Jew plant, you can trim off healthy, unaffected sections of the stems and repot into fresh, clean soil. Since there is no saving the rot-infected sections, you will have no choice but to discard those portions of the plant.

Steps for preventing problems with rot include:

• Using lightweight potting mixes that drain well and aren’t too heavy, which leads to the soil remaining too wet for too long. Some types of potting soils have a tendency to be heavy and need mixing with a potting mix, compost, coarse sand or peat.
• Don’t overwater your Wandering Jew. Although they prefer growing in moist soils, this doesn’t mean constantly soggy soil. Stick your finger into the soil and if the top inch is starting to become dry, apply water until it runs from the bottom of the pot.
• Make sure the pot you are growing your Wandering Jew in has bottom drainage. If you have placed the pot inside a decorative one that doesn’t drain, make sure to empty all the water from it after you have watered.

Pest Problems

Although indoor Wandering Jew plants are not big candidates for problems with pests, several can cause an infestation and problems. As with any pest problem indoors or outside in the garden, quick control is always the best option to keep your plants healthy. It also assures the pests do not migrate to your other plants causing even bigger problems and headaches.

The pests most likely to infest your indoor Wandering Jew plants are:

• Aphids: Aphids come in a host of different colors and are tiny, pear-shaped, sap-sucking insects that usually congregate in large masses along the Wandering Jew’s stems. In large infestations, they can kill the plant or severely weaken it. If the infestation is small, you can wipe the pests off the stems with a moist cloth. However, if the infestation is large, you will probably have to spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or Neem, reapplying as suggested on the package.
• Spider Mites: Spider mites are another sap-sucking pest that if left unchecked can quickly kill or weaken the Wandering Jew. It is easy to tell if you have a spider mite problem as these tiny, white pests spin fine webbing that covers the plant. Spider mites can be the bane of houseplants so quick control is necessary. Use an insecticidal soap or Neem and spray the entire plant, reapplying as suggested on the product label.
• Whiteflies:   Whiteflies are other sap-sucking pests that can quickly kill or weaken your Wandering Jew if not quickly controlled. They are another easily identifiable pest, as just touching the plant sends the tiny whiteflies from the plant’s foliage and into the air, hovering right above it. Control the problem with an insecticidal soap or Neem, spraying the entire plant and reapplying as suggested on the product’s label.
• Mealybugs:   Sap-sucking mealybugs show up on the Wandering Jew as cottony masses covering the stems and crotches of the foliage. Control the problem by spraying the entire plant with insecticidal soap or Neem, reapplying as suggested on the product’s label. If the infestation is small, you can also wipe them from the stems and leaves with a damp cloth.

Is Wandering Jew A Perennial?

Wandering Jew plants are considered a tender, evergreen perennial. Unlike annuals, and if grown in preferred conditions with proper care, Wandering Jews should live and keep on growing for quite a few years, both indoors and outside.

Why Are My Wandering Jew Plant’s Leaves Losing Their Color?

If your Wandering Jew is growing in light conditions that are too low, the leaves will start to lose their color and become duller. When grown indoors and to keep the bright color on the foliage, make sure the Wandering Jew is growing in a location receiving bright light.

Why Are My Wandering Jew’s Leaves Dropping?

Wandering Jew plants grown in light conditions that are too low will start dropping leaves at the base of their stems. Solve the problem by moving the plant to an indoor location that is brighter. For the best leaf color and growth, they prefer an indoor location receiving bright light.

Why Are My Wandering Jew Cuttings Rotting In Soil?

If your Wandering Jew cuttings are rotting in soil it could be one of two things causing the problem. The soil you are growing the cuttings in may be infected with a fungus that is infecting them with rot.

You can solve the problem by planting the cutting in a sterile, well-drained potting mix. Another cause might be the soil is remaining too soggy and the container doesn’t drain.

Make sure you are using a soil that drains well and doesn’t remain soggy, do not overwater and use a container with bottom drainage. Water the cuttings when to top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Can I Root Wandering Jew Cuttings In Water?

Wandering Jew cuttings root quite well in water. Fill a container with several inches of water, remove any leaves that would be submerged and stick the cut end into the water.

Fill the container with fresh, clean water about every other week. You should start seeing root form on the cuttings in several weeks. Once the roots get several inches in length, you can repot the cuttings in a draining container with rich, well-drained soil.

Are Wandering Jew Plants Toxic?

When it comes to humans, Wandering Jew’s sap can cause skin irritation in humans that are allergic to it. Therefore, it’s best to wear gardening gloves when handling or pruning the plant.

The plant is listed as toxic to dogs and cats, due to its tendency to cause skin allergies and dermatitis. To keep your pets and children safe, make sure you situate your indoor Wandering Jew out of the reach of both.

If you’d like some indoor plants that are non-toxic, check out this article which discusses my favorite non-toxic houseplants.

Do Wandering Jew Plants Produce Blooms?

When grown outdoors, Wandering Jews produce small, three-petaled, lavender flowers, but the plant rarely ever blooms grown indoors as a houseplant.

Can I Grow Wandering Jew Outdoors?

Wandering Jew plants grow as perennials planted outdoors in frost-free climates, however, those with cooler weather can plant outdoors and treat it as an annual.

What’s The Growth Rate For Wandering Jew Plants?

When grown in proper conditions with proper care, Wandering Jew plants are considered fast growers.

Many thanks for reading my guide to Wandering Jew care. This really is a great indoor plant for your home. Beautiful and easy to care for, its hard to go wrong.

If you want more help with looking after your indoor plants, check out the rest of my articles , and head over to my resources section , where I have some great recommended resources, books and equipment to help you grow healthier, more beautiful plants.

Grow. Play. Every Day!

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• Houseplants

Wandering Jew Plant Care: Complete Growing Guide for Tradescantia Zebrina (Inch Plant)

Tradescantia zebrina (commonly known as wandering Jew, spiderwort, or inch plant) is popular for a reason: This beginner-friendly houseplant is low-maintenance and grows quickly. It’s also super easy to propagate more plants so you can fill your home with more of the colorful striped foliage the species is known for.

Written by Linda Ly

When it comes to vigorous, colorful, and easy-to-grow hanging houseplants, there aren’t many that can compare to Tradescantia zebrina (known more commonly as wandering Jew—and I’ll touch on the history of that name below). Whether you’re a houseplant beginner or a veteran, most indoor gardeners have owned one of these potted plants at some point. 

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Tradescantia zebrina and growing this stunning houseplant in your own home.

Disclosure: If you shop from my article or make a purchase through one of my links, I may receive commissions on some of the products I recommend.

About inch plants

Natural habitat.

Tradescantia zebrina is a native of Central and South America, from Mexico down to Colombia, as well as the Caribbean. Here, it forms part of the undergrowth in lightly forested and often very moist areas. It can form very dense, wide mats thanks to its creeping growth pattern and ability to throw roots extremely quickly.

Unfortunately, its vigorous growth has also made Tradescantia zebrina an invasive plant in some regions. This includes Hawaii, Brazil, and Australia, where the species easily takes hold in moist, forested areas.

As a 2019 study carried out in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest notes, this is problematic due to the species choking out native plants.

Some of the above was caused by careless gardeners allowing bits of the plant to get into the wild, where they quickly root. If you’d like to grow spiderworts like this one in your garden, please make sure to dispose properly of any trimmings left after pruning!

This also applies to zebrina’s popular cousins, like Tradescantia fluminensis, T. pallida, and T. spathacea.

Description

It’s not difficult to see why Tradescantia zebrina gained popularity as a houseplant. Wandering spiderwort plants (not to be confused with spider plants , another beginner-friendly species) are low-maintenance and grow just about anywhere—they even just grow in water !

Easy care and quick growth aside, spiderworts are also just good-looking plants. The pointed, oval leaves on thin, fleshy stems overlap slightly and are characterized by their zebra pattern in purple and silvery green. The leaf undersides are deep purple in color and the tiny, three-petaled flowers are bright pink.

Although this species is naturally a creeping plant, it’s often grown indoors in hanging planters. As long as the plant is provided with enough light, the foliage will be very dense and brightly colored, forming a spectacular waterfall that can reach more than 3 feet in length.

What’s in a name? In the case of common houseplants, sometimes a lot.

Tradescantia zebrina is a classic houseplant (I found mention of it in a 1964 German book about houseplants, but it’s probably been around longer than that!) and among most English speakers, it has long been known as wandering Jew. This is probably a reference to the “wandering” nature of the plant, as it does have a creeping growth pattern.

The legend of the wandering Jew is hundreds of years old and is now commonly considered to be rooted in antisemitism. It describes a Jewish man cursed to walk the planet until the Second Coming because he taunted Jesus on his way to the cross.

Because of this, the plant name has partly fallen out of fashion and has been the source of much debate in the plant world over the past few years. 

Some plant enthusiasts have embraced the alternative “wandering dude,” which I personally think is a great option.

“Inch plant” (houseplant enthusiasts don’t agree on whether this refers to the fact that it can grow an inch a day, or that you only need an inch of stem to propagate it), “spiderwort,” or “wandering spiderwort” are also popular alternatives, though these are common names for other Tradescantia varieties, such as Tradescantia Nanouk.

The best way to avoid any confusion is to just stick to the scientific name.

Inch plant varieties

There are three subspecies of inch plant (wandering Jew): Tradescantia zebrina var. zebrina, var. flocculosa, and var. mollipila. Unsurprisingly, after it having been a popular houseplant for so many years, nurseries have also managed to create a whole bunch of cultivars through selective cultivation.

A few of the popular Tradescantia zebrina cultivars you may come across in your local plant store include, but are certainly not limited to:

• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Quadricolor’: Yep, as the name suggests, this one adds an extra color to the mix. The leaves are cream, pink-purple, light green, and dark green.
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Burgundy’: Characterized by its very dark purple coloration.
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Silver Plus’: Less purple, more shiny silver.
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Red Gem’: Less silver, more intense (light) purple.
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Purple Joy’: Less silver, more dark purple. 
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Tikal’: A rare, naturally occurring variety that collectors pay a pretty penny for.

Do keep in mind that most of these cultivars aren’t patented and the amount of mislabeling and variation within a cultivar are both huge. Just growing your wandering Jew in lower-light conditions can completely change the way it looks, so it’s not surprising that confusion sometimes reigns supreme.

Luckily, care is the same across all cultivars, so your best bet is to just enjoy your plant even if you’re not sure what Tradescantia variety you’re dealing with!

Where to buy wandering Jew plants:

• California Tropicals
• Daylily Nursery
• The Green Escape

Caring for an inch plant

Light and temperature.

It’s important to provide your Tradescantia zebrina with enough light. It’s tempting to use plants to brighten up dark, shaded spots in your home, but that just doesn’t work with this one: It loses its dense growth pattern and beautiful coloration in low light.

To prevent your wandering dude plant from growing sparse and green, place it near a window that gets bright indirect light. Some full sun isn’t a problem either, but do make sure you acclimate it gradually to a higher light location.

Temperature-wise, this species is a lot hardier than many of the tender tropicals we like to grow in our homes (like Anthurium andraeanum and Begonia maculata ).

Wandering dude plants can handle a very wide range of temps, making it perfect for those chillier windowsills that your other plants may not appreciate. Room temperature is ideal, but anything between 50°F to 85°F will keep them happy.

Water and humidity

Your Tradescantia zebrina will appreciate lightly moist soil. You can water a bit more during the summer months, when the plant is actively growing and needs a lot of moisture, and less during winter, when soil tends to take significantly longer to dry. 

If you’re not sure whether it’s time to water your wandering Jew plant yet, you can always turn to the age-old trick of sticking a finger in the soil.

• If it still feels damp, wait a little longer, until the first inch or two has dried. 
• If it feels bone dry, you’ve waited too long; you may also see limp leaves on your plant at this point. It’ll bounce back, but not always without lasting damage. 
• If the soil feels wet, you watered too much and need to keep an eye out for root rot.

As for humidity, given its rather wet natural habitat, wandering Jew does appreciate higher air moisture levels. The great thing is, though, that it doesn’t demand it. As long as you keep its soil lightly moist and the air isn’t extremely dry, your plant should do well.

Soil and planting

Wandering Jew is not fussy about its potting mixture at all. I’ve grown it in pure houseplant potting soil with no additives. If you do want to take things to the next level, you can add some perlite and/or peat moss, although this is really not a must. 

Most houseplant enthusiasts like to place their wandering Jew in a hanging planter so they can enjoy the look of the leaves cascading down. This is not a must, though. You can also emphasize the species’ creeping growth habit by filling up a large, shallow planter, growing it in a terrarium, or even keeping it in water on a semi-permanent basis.

Recommended products for wandering Jew plant care:

• FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
• Espoma Organic Potting Mix
• Perfect Plants Organic Perlite

Fertilizing

Like most other houseplants, Tradescantia zebrina appreciates a bit of fertilizer during the growing season, which extends from spring to early fall. You can use a normal houseplant fertilizer according to the instructions on the bottle.

Don’t fertilize during the winter months unless your plant is growing well. It doesn’t need extra nutrients if it’s inactive.

Recommended fertilizers for wandering Jew plants:

• Houseplant Resource Center Liquid Fertilizer for Houseplants
• Instant Biologics Instant Plant Food (Fizzing Nutrient Tablets)
• Maxsea All-Purpose Seaweed Plant Food

Pruning 

There’s a good chance you’ll have to prune your Tradescantia zebrina regularly, because as I mentioned, this is a very quick grower. It also roots very easily, so any trimmings can be replanted! I’ll describe how to do this in the section on propagation below.

Aside from stem trimming, you can remove any dead leaves, which are bound to pop up from time to time in very dense plants like this species.

Dividing or repotting

Inch plants don’t grow by producing plantlets at their base like many other houseplants (such as spider plants ) do. Instead, inch plants spread by rooting along the stems.

This means that division is not really the way to go; keeping these plants manageable is usually done through pruning. You can shape your plant by pinching off any long, leggy stems to create a fuller appearance and control its spread.

You’ll notice that Tradescantia really doesn’t mind being a bit cramped in its planter. Still, it’s a good idea to provide your plant with some fresh soil every year or two by repotting it.

Propagating an inch plant

If you’ve never propagated a houseplant before, this is truly one of the best species to start with. It’s known for rooting extremely quickly in both water and soil, meaning it’s easy to fill endless planters to keep or give away.

All you need to propagate your Tradescantia zebrina is a pair of clean scissors. Here’s how you do it:

• Snip the ends off existing branches. An inch or two with a few leaves works best.
• Remove the leaves at the bottom so part of the stem is exposed.
• Place the cutting in a glass of water to root or plant it directly in soil. You can put cuttings back in the mother plant’s pot to give her a fuller appearance on top.
• It can take a little longer during the winter months, but the first roots should appear within a week or so. You can give soil cuttings a slight tug to verify they’ve rooted.
• Once the first signs of new foliage appear, you’ll know your propagation attempt has been a success! 
• If you propagated in water, you can leave the rooted cuttings in water almost indefinitely, although you can also pot them up in fresh soil.

Common questions about inch plant care

How do i make a wandering jew plant bushy.

By their very nature, wandering Jew plants are not bushy. Their creeping growth habit means they naturally grow leggy over time, especially in containers.

However, you can mimic a fuller appearance by strategically pinching off any long, spindly stems to shape the plant more. These stems can also be replanted near the mother plant.

As the baby plants grow, they’ll help fill in sparse areas and create the illusion of a bushy wandering Jew.

How long do wandering Jew plants live?

Wandering Jew plants have a limited lifespan of just a few years, and as a potted plant, you’ll notice your wandering Jew becoming very leggy after just two to three years.

Unlike other fast-growing plants that benefit from pruning, cutting back a wandering Jew doesn’t work well to renew its growth; it simply controls the spread.

The best way to keep your plant coming back year after year is to propagate new plants from stem cuttings, which—fortunately—is super easy with a high success rate.

Is wandering Jew perennial?

Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) is a trailing evergreen perennial in its native habitat (USDA hardiness zones 9 through 12). Where it’s not winter hardy, wandering Jew is grown year-round as a houseplant.

Are wandering Jew plants toxic to cats and dogs?

Wandering Jew is not considered outright toxic, but it can cause some skin irritation. If your pet gets into your plant, don’t worry too much, although it can be a good idea to have a look in its mouth to make sure there’s no excessive swelling. Be sure to offer water. To prevent skin rash, it can be a good idea to wear gloves if you need to handle your wandering Jew plant. This especially applies if you have sensitive skin.

https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/110354

Racism in Taxonomy: What’s in a Name?

Chiba de Castro, W. A., Xavier, R. O., Garrido, F. H., Romero, J. H., Peres, C. K., & da Luz, R. C. (2019). Fraying around the edges: negative effects of the invasive Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse (Commelinaceae) on tree regeneration in the Atlantic Forest under different competitive and environmental conditions. Journal of Plant Ecology, 12(4), 713-721.

Encke, F. (1964). Pflanzen fur Zimmer und Balkon; Auswahl, Pflege, Vermehrung.

I'm a plant lover, passionate road-tripper, and cookbook author whose expert advice and bestselling books have been featured in Time, Outside, HGTV, and Food & Wine. The National Parks Cookbook is my latest book. Garden Betty is where I write about modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and outdoor adventuring—all that encompass a life well-lived outdoors. After all, the secret to a good life is... Read more »

We bought a full grown Bolivian Jewel mid summer last year. It was in a 14” raised pot and flowing 2 foot over the sides. It was beautiful next to our fountain outside. We live in Minnesota so we had to discard it in the late fall since we had no place to care for it in the house. Since we can’t find another like it we’d like to plant one from scratch but how. We still have the pot and riser but have no idea how to start from that. One plant, a few or just how many to make a bushy over grown plant so it looks like the one we purchased last year. Does this make sense or should we just forget it since it is already the middle of May. The greenhouse that we bought it from last summer doesn’t have any this year, just small ones in 4” pots. Thanks

If you can only grow it as an annual (and won’t be overwintering it indoors), you can plant a few smaller ones together to make them look fuller as they grow.

It seems counterproductive to talk about the problematic origin of the name wandering Jew, recommend multiple alternative names (including scientific), but then continue to call it wandering Jew in the rest of the article. If the name is anti-Semitic just set a good example and use a different name.

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Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia zebrina): Types, How to Grow and Care

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Plants with trailing and creeping habits are some of the best plants to keep. They are fast-growing and make thick carpet of groundcovers for gardens in no time and they also create striking hanging indoor plants. 

Among the all-time best trailers to grow is the wandering jew. Easy to maintain and drapes beautifully, this colored plant will make any space more inviting and interesting.

Medicinal Properties

Propagation and maintenance, what is a wandering jew plant.

Tradescantia is one of the 37 genera under the plant family Commelinaceae (1). Some of its 75 species are commonly called ‘wandering jew’ (also known as inch plant), a name they adapted due to their long lifespan like the Jewish character from a Christian folklore.

Another name for this group of herbaceous perennial plants is ‘spiderwort’ after the spiderweb-like sap they produce when the stem breaks. They are native to Canada, Mexico, and Argentina and have been naturalized in other parts of the world (2).

The most common tradescantia grown ornamentally is the T. zebrina also previously called Zebrina pendula . It has long fleshy stems where the wandering jew plant leaves and roots appear. The lance-like leaves are a mixture of green and purple with silver stripes on the upper side and deep purple under (3). The plant grows close to the ground and can only reach 20 to 30 cm high.

Does Tradescantia Zebrina Flower?

The wandering jew is considered an ornamental plant primarily because of its showy colorful foliage but the plant does produce pink flowers.

Small three-petaled pinkish purple flowers appear sporadically throughout the year (4). The resulting fruit is a capsule containing tiny brown seeds.

Is it Toxic to Pets?

Spiderworts are normally harmless plants but they contain toxic properties that may cause mild gastric problems and dermatitis to pets. Although they don’t lead to anything serious, it will be safe to keep the plants out of reach of pets and to keep the hands protected when dealing with the sap of the plant.

Because of the plant’s hardiness and adaptability to different environments, the wandering jew establishes well, in fact so well that it can be considered an invasive species. In countries like Australia, the plant has the capacity to invade natural vegetation. Although growing them is not prohibited, everyone is obliged to keep the plant’s growth under control (5).

Studies showed that Tradescantia has significant effects as an anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial medicinal plant. In traditional Chinese medicine, the wandering jew plant is highly valued as treatment for kidney failure.

The extract from the whole plant is cooked with dates, ginger, and water and consumed by patients. The plant is also known to treat high blood pressure, cough, urinary tract infection and tuberculosis (1).

How to Grow and Care for a Tradescantia

Here’s how to care for a wandering jew plant, one of the easy house plants to own.

Light and Water

In the wild, the wandering jew plant thrives without assistance but under the right conditions. It likes filtered sun so indoor fluorescent light is enough. Placing them by the window and turning the plant every two weeks will keep the leaves colorful and the growth even on all sides (3).

The plant spreads easily in damp areas that’s why it naturally grows along riverbanks and roadsides. When potted, the soil should be kept moist but well-drained. Saturated soil often causes root rot.

Fertilize your Tradescantia plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Over-fertilizing can lead to fertilizer burn and damage the plant, so follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully.

Temperature and Humidity

Spiderworts like it warm but there should be enough air circulation or else the leaves will sag. During the heat of the summer, taking the plant outside under shade will provide the necessary cool to the plant.

Mist the hanging plant early in the morning and late in the afternoon. If the plant is on a table, place a glass of water beneath the leaves or put the pot on a wet pebble tray. This will humidify the immediate vicinity of the plant aiding in its photosynthesis and transpiration processes.

Pests and Diseases

The most common living enemies of the wandering jew are aphids, mealybugs, scale, white flies, and spider mites. Manual removal at the onset of infestation is effective but they should be closely monitored as serious attack may lead to the plant’s death. If left unnoticed and the infestation has become severe, get rid of the plant by burning to avoid contamination.

Since the creeping inch plant is mainly soft almost like a succulent, soggy soil and too wet conditions lead to root and stem rot (4). As long as the plant is receiving just enough moisture, this disease will be avoided.

Propagating wandering jew plants is very easy. They can grow from seeds but will take years to establish so the more convenient stem cutting is best. The trailing or creeping stems form nodules where the roots will eventually grow as it comes in contact with the potting soil (2). When the hanging plant has longer trails than intended, it can be trimmed and the resulting stem cuttings can be rooted to form new plants.

There will be times that the potted wandering jew will become leggy, especially if it’s been receiving more shade. To promote a bushier growth pinch back by literally pinching the tip of the plant where the new growth occurs (4). This practice allows the formation of lateral stems.

In two or three years, these hardy plants may become pot bound, with the roots taking up most of the space in the pot. Repot in a larger container with a good mixture of soil, coarse sand, and compost to replenish the nutrients and provide room for the roots to breathe. Additionally, fertilize once every two months by foliar application just to improve plant vigor.

Common Varieties of Wandering Jew

The oldest and most common indoor wandering jew, this species has leaves alternating, often overlapping when young, purple leaves with silvery green thick stripes and solid purple underside. The stem is also a mixture of purple and green.

T. blossfeldiana

The leaves of this species are quite thicker, glossy, and covered in miniscule hairs called trichomes. The three-petalled flower is an ombre of white and pinkish purple with yellow anthers.

T. fluminensis ‘Tricolor’

This attractive variety showcases leaves with white, lilac, and green variegation. It appears smaller than the common wandering jew but bushier in form.

T. sillamontana

This whimsical species looks frosted with its silvery trichomes covering the entire plant. The green leaves are still alternately arranged but more compact which make a potted plant look more bushy than trailing. The light color of the leaves provide a complementing backdrop to the bright purple flowers.

The leaves and stems of this species are in striking deep purple color hence the common name ‘ purple heart ’. Under shaded, they turn a hint of dull green. The leaves are also longer and have wider space in between.

Does Wandering Jew plant need full sun?

Wandering Jew plants (Tradescantia zebrina) prefer bright indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun, especially in the morning or late afternoon. However, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight may cause their dark green leaves to scorch.

How do you care for a wandering Jew plant indoors?

To care for a Wandering Jew plant indoors, place it in a location with bright, indirect sunlight, such as near a window. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks, and provide well-draining soil. Additionally, mist the plant occasionally to increase humidity and remove dust from the leaves.

How do I make my Wandering Jew fuller?

To make your Wandering Jew plant fuller, prune it regularly to encourage branching and bushier growth. Pinch off the tips of the stems or trim back leggy growth to promote new growth and create a more compact appearance. You can also propagate wandering jew cuttings to create new plants and fill out the pot.

How long do Wandering Jew plants live?

Wandering Jew plants are generally long-lived when provided with proper care. With the right growing conditions indoors, they can thrive for several years, often becoming fuller and more lush over time with regular pruning and maintenance.

Reference List

(1) Dash, G., et. al. Tradescantia zebrina: A Promising Medicinal Plant. 2017. IAJPS, 4 (10). P. 3498-3502 .

(2) Arakelyan, H. Tradescantia zebrina- Mother Nature Healing. 2019. Researchgate.

(3) Vermeulen, N. Encyclopedia of House Plants. Taylor and Francis. 1999. P. 320.

(4) North Carolina State Extension. Tradescantia zebrina. NC State University. 2018. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tradescantia-zebrina/ . Accessed on 12 August 2020.

(5) The State of Queensland. IPA-Zebrina. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. 2020. https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/51284/IPA-Zebrina-PP102.pdf . Accesed on 12 August 2020.

Photo by Wirestock/depositphotos

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Purple Heart, Tradescantia pallida

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Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia or Spiderwort): Care, Types, Images and More

The wandering Jew plant is a common name for different species of plants that belong to the Tradescantia genus. There are around 75 different types of plants in Tradescantia genus and some are called inch plants, spiderwort, striped wandering Jew, Boat Lily, Purple Queen, or flowering inch plant. Wandering Jew plants are great house plants because they are relatively easy to care for. They are also easy to grow because the wandering Jew plant propagates easily from cuttings.

Some types of wandering Jew plants have green and gold leaves, some have reddish leaves, and others have green fuzzy leaves. There are also types of wandering Jew plants that flower. Depending on the species, the wandering Jew plant could have purple, white, or pink flowers.

How to care for wandering Jew plant : For the Tradescantia or spiderwort plant to thrive, grow in a plenty of indirect light and plant in fertile, moist potting soil with good drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t too dry or too damp and keep medium humidity levels. The ideal temperature range is between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (23°C). You can fertilize every four weeks during the growing season with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer.

In this article, you will find all you need to know about this delightful houseplant. You will also get tips and ideas on how to care for your wandering Jew plants.

Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia or Spiderwort) – Overview of the Plant and Its Flowers

The botanical name for wandering Jew plant is Tradescantia zebrina and is also called the inch plant. However, the name wandering Jew is given to many herbaceous perennial plants in the Tradescantia genus. ( 1 )

Species of Tradescantias naturally grow outdoors in countries in Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Australia. Varieties of wandering Jew plants also thrive well indoors, where, like their garden varieties, they grow well when it is warm, sunny, and moderately humid.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, various varieties of Tradescantias are regarded as invasive plants in the wild. However, it is the fast-growing nature of spiderworts, wandering Jews, and inch plants that makes them perfect houseplants. ( 2 )

Many people like to grow wandering Jews or spiderworts in hanging baskets or grow them in pots to decorate a garden.

What does a wandering Jew look like?

Plants from the Tradescantia varieties have leaves that seem to grow in all directions (hence the term “wandering Jew”).

One of the distinct features about foliage on wandering Jews is that many of them have striped leaves. Sometimes, the leaves can be purple and silver stripes, whereas other types of Tradescantias have leaves that are almost all silver. ( 3 )

You may also notice that some varieties of wandering Jew plant have different colors on the underneath of the leaf. For example, the Tradescantia zebrina has green/silver leaves on the upper side and deep red or burgundy colors on the underside.

Wandering Jew flower

Wandering Jew houseplants also produce attractive flowers. These flowers can sometimes be white or can range in color from pink to various shades of lilac and purple. ( 3 )

However, plant lovers don’t usually grow wandering Jews indoors or outdoors for their blooms. It’s the beautiful variation of leaf colors that makes various types of Tradescantias so desirable houseplants.

Types of Wandering Jew (Spiderwort) Plants

The most popular types of Tradescantia plants to keep indoors are Tradescantia fluminensis ( spiderwort ), Tradescantia pallida ( purple heart ), and Tradescantia zebrina ( wandering Jew ).

Wandering Jew or inch plant ( Tradescantia zebrina )

This type of  wandering Jew houseplant has purple and green leaves with a stripe pattern that resembles zebra’s stripes. There are types of wandering Jews that have bluish green leaves and purple hues on the underside.

Tradescantia fluminensis (spiderwort)

There are a number of types of Tradescantia that are called spiderwort. This is distinguished from some Tradescantias as it has ovel shiny dark green leaves with pointed tips which are slightly fleshy .

Picture of wandering Jew plant with white flowers

Tradescantia pallida (purple heart)

This type of spiderwort plant is also commonly referred to as wandering Jew. The T. pallida houseplants have vibrant purple leaves and light pink flowers when they bloom.

Wandering jew plant with deep purple leaves and light purplish-pink flowers

Tradescantia callisia

The leaves of T. callisia varieties are sometimes referred to as creeping inch plants. They have remarkably stripy leaves made up of green and white stripes.

Picture of green wandering jew

Wandering Jew Plant Care (How to Grow Spiderwort or Tradescantia)

Caring for wandering Jew plants is fairly simple and straightforward. All plants in the Tradescantia genus enjoy moist soil, sunny but indirect sunlight, and warm conditions.

So, it doesn’t matter if you have fuzzy leaf Tradescantias, purple queen varieties, spiderworts, or wandering Jews, they all require the same type of care.

Light requirements for Tradescantias

To make sure that wandering Jew plants grow successfully, they require a good amount of light. This ensures that they grow with healthy leaves that have a vibrant green, silver, purple, or lilac colors.

The best place to place wandering Jew plant or spiderworts is in an east- or west-facing location. This means that they get plenty of natural light without being in direct sunlight when the sun is at its strongest.

The only exception is if you have Tradescantia pallida plants with dark purples leaves. They usually thrive in direct sunlight, although you should regularly check them in the summertime to make sure the sun isn’t too strong.

One sign that your Tradescantia isn’t getting enough light is if the color of their leaves starts to fade.

Best growing temperature for Spiderwort or Tradescantia

One of the reasons why wandering Jew plants are good for the home is that they thrive in room temperature.

The best temperatures for growing any type of Tradescantia plant is between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (23°C). The houseplants also thrive in conditions that are described as “average humidity.”

If you grow Tradescantias outdoors, you should be aware of a drop in night temperatures and lower temperatures during winter. You should bring Tradescantias indoors if the temperature drops.

Best watering techniques for wandering Jew plant care

To care for your inch plant, spiderwort, or wandering Jew, you should keep the soil moist.

The best way to water a wandering Jew is to water the soil thoroughly and let the water drain out the bottom. Another way to water your purple house plant is to put water in the plant pot tray and allow the plant to soak up as much as it needs.

Some beginners who start caring for houseplants such as Tradescantias for the first time buy a soil moisture gauge to help get the soil moisture levels just right.

When it comes to proper watering for your wandering Jew, always make sure the soil isn’t too dry or too damp. Usually, weekly watering in the summertime is enough to keep your Tradescantia growing well.

The best fertilizer for wandering Jew houseplants

The reason why Tradescantias are so easy to care for is that they don’t usually require any feeding.

If you decide to encourage your inch plant or spiderwort to grow faster, then choose a liquid organic fertilizer mixed at half strength and use once a month.

Most houseplant growers don’t feed their wandering Jew plants in the fall or winter as they tend to become “leggy” or “straggly.”

Which type of soil to use for Tradescantias

To properly care for wandering Jew varieties of houseplants, you only need to plant them in regular potting soil.

How to prune wandering Jew plants

In time, Tradescantia plants require some cutting back and pruning. This helps to give your houseplant a bushier appearance and also gives you plenty of cuttings to propagate.

For Tradescantia pruning, you just need to pinch off the stem tips to leave about ¾ of the length. This will encourage your plant to grow better and become more attractive.

Growing Plants from Wandering Jew Cuttings

Even for the most novice of houseplant owners, propagating any type of Tradescantia plant is very easy. After you have cut back your “leggy” wandering Jew stems, you will have a large number of cuttings that you can use to grow new house plants.

How to propagate wandering Jew plant leaves

To prepare your wandering Jew cuttings or purple heart plant cuttings for propagation, you need a couple of stems about 1-2 inches long. Remove all the leaves apart from 2 or 3 at the end of the stem.

There are 2 ways you can grow wandering Jew plants from cutting:

• The first way is to just put a cutting in potting soil and wait for it to grow. All you have to do is make sure that the soil is kept moist and not overly damp.
• The other way to grow a Tradescantia from a cutting is to put the stem in water. You should notice that new roots start to grow within a week. When you notice new roots growing, you can transfer your cuttings to a pot to grow a new houseplant.

Wandering Jew Outdoor Plant Care

Tradescantia plants are great garden plants and grow well outdoors in warmer zones in the U.S. (USDA growing zones 9-11). In fact, it is because they grow so well outside in warmer countries and are quite invasive that they are classed as a weed in certain countries.

You can easily care for any Tradescantia plants to add color and beauty to your garden. Purple hanging plants or wandering Jew vines with stripy leaves can grace any patio, doorway, or garden area.

As with caring for wandering Jews or spiderworts indoors, Tradescantia plants growing outdoor should be protected from direct sunlight. So, place your plants in shady areas of the garden. But it’s good to remember that some bright light will help the wandering Jew plant produce more flowers.

Temperature

Also, frost can damage the plant, so, if you live in areas where fall and winter temperatures drop below 10°F (12°C), you should take them indoor and continue to grow them as houseplants.

Problems with Wandering Jew Plant (Spiderwort)

Even though it is relatively easy to care for wandering Jew plants, you can still come across certain problems.

Let’s look at some growing tips for Tradescantia plants to avoid or remedy some common problems.

The most common pest when growing wandering Jews indoors are bugs such as spider mites or aphids . The appearance of these pests on your bushy spiderwort or inch plant may be a sign that conditions are too dry.

To help remedy the problems of pests on your Tradescantia, mist the leaves regularly and make sure the soil is moist enough. You may need to wash off the mites with water to help get rid of the infestation.

One of the beauties about caring for wandering Jew plants indoors or outdoors is that they are not susceptible to disease. Usually, any discoloration of the leaves or poor growth is connected to the soil being too dry or too damp.

Fungal infections

Overwatering spiderworts, inch plants, or wandering Jews can cause a fungal growth called botrytis to develop in the roots.

Brown leaves

As with most problems associated with caring for Tradescantias, brown leaves can also indicate that the growing environment isn’t right. The leaves of your wandering Jew could have turned brown because of too much or too little sunlight. Also, too much watering can affect leaf health.

Where to Buy Wandering Jew Plants

Many garden centers and online stores stock many different varieties of wandering Jews. You will also find that Tradescantia cuttings are available online.

Because many different types of wandering Jews are so easy to grow yourself, you could ask a friend for a cutting if they have the plant. You can also get more Tradescantia houseplant or garden plants by propagating cuttings from plants you already have.

FAQ Related to Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia)

Do they need any pruning.

To properly care for wandering Jews, the leaves and stems require pruning. The stems can grow quite long and start losing their leaves from the base. The best time to prune any Tradescantia plant is just before the growing season in late winter or early spring.

You may also find that Tradescantias grow better if you give them a mild prune in late summer.

How to prevent wandering Jew roots from rotting?

Go easy on the watering to stop Tradescantia plants’ roots from rotting. Water them enough to keep the soil moist during summertime and only occasionally in the winter.

Are wandering Jew plant leaves toxic to animals?

While not toxic to cats or dogs, the leaves of wandering Jew plants can cause irritation. If you have pets that like to nibble on leaves, you can still benefit from the beauty of Tradescantias if you grow the outdoor plant in hanging baskets.

Can I grow my Tradescantia plant outdoors?

Yes, you certainly can. Wandering Jew plants grow well out of doors in warm climates. During the summertime, you can move your indoor houseplants to the garden and place them away from direct sunlight.

Dashes of purple colors, bright pinks, or interesting green and purple stripped leaves can make an interesting feature in any garden or balcony.

Can you train a wandering Jew plant?

Tradescantia plants are easy to train because their stems can grow very long and you can wrap them around objects. Wandering Jew plant stems can grow up on trellises or obelisks or up around any other item.

Heavily pruning wandering Jews in late winter can also help to train the plant to grow into a colorful bush.

How fast does wandering Jew plant grow?

Tradescantia cuttings should start growing roots within a week or so. Once the plant is established, you can expect it to grow about an inch every week. Some people claim this is the reason that some Tradescantias are called inch plants.

Can Tradescantia houseplants cause allergies?

The sap of wandering Jew plants or prolonged skin exposure to its leaves could cause allergic reactions.

The journal Allergy reports that indoor plants such as Tradescantia can also cause symptoms such as itching of the throat, swelling, wheezing, and runny eyes and nose. ( 4 )

Do wandering Jew varieties have any health benefits?

Although not widely used, extracts from Tradescantia zebrina have certain medicinal properties. You can buy inch plant herbal liquid extracts that are said to have many antioxidant properties.

Researchers have found that therapeutic compounds in Tradescantia extracts have antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant uses. ( 5 )

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• Moses In Cradle Care: How to Grow Tradescantia spathacea
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Home » House Plants » Wandering Jew

Tradescantia Pallida Care: Growing The Purple Heart Plant

Tradescantia pallida [trad-es-KAN-tee-uh, PAL-lid-duh] has striking purple evergreen leaves, providing a splash of color throughout the year.

The purple Tradescantia is part of the Tradescantia genus (spiderwort) of plants found throughout South and Central America, including northeast Mexico.

This tender evergreen perennial belongs to the Commelinaceae family, sometimes called the spiderwort or dayflower family.

Tradescantia pallida has several common names, including  wandering Jew  or walking Jew.

These common names are shared with other species from the Tradescantia genus:

• Tradescantia fluminensis
• Tradescantia zebrina

Additional common names include:

• Purple Queen
• Purple heart plants
• Purple secretia
• Purple spiderwort
• Purple heart spiderwort
• Purple wandering jew
• Tradescantia purple heart

These indicate the purple foliage and its heart-shaped leaves.

The common name Tradescantia purple heart refers to the fact that this plant is part of the spiderwort family.

In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about proper purple heart wandering jew care.

Grooming Purple Leaf Tradescantia Plants

To propagate purple heart with cuttings, tradescantia pallida care.

Caring for Tradescantia pallida is relatively easy, making it a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

Size and Growth

Tradescantia pallida (synonym Setcreasea pallida) is a relatively delicate plant with thin stems. It grows in short mounds, reaching a height of just 8″ inches.

The trailing stems spread up to 18″ inches or more and produce shockingly purple evergreen leaves.

The v-shaped leaves are narrow and measure 4″ to 6″ inches long. When grown outdoors, this purple queen wandering jew can provide weedy ground covers.

The stems of Purple Heart are fragile, especially with younger plants. If kicked or stepped on, the stems may break.

Flowering and Fragrance

The spiderwort purple plant blooms throughout the warmer months, producing small, three-petaled flowers.

The small pink flowers rarely measure more than 1.5″ inches in diameter.

They appear in clusters and don’t produce a scent.

Light and Temperature

Tradescantia pallida purple heart grows best in partial shade and will tolerate full sun areas.

It shouldn’t receive direct afternoon sunlight for over an hour or two. Too much direct sunlight causes the leaves to fade or scorch.  

While purple spiderwort Tradescantia thrives in the shade, full sun or bright lighting helps bring out the color in the purple leaves.

NOTE:  If the plant receives a lot of sunlight, the soil should be kept moist.

The tender purple queen plant can’t survive freezing conditions.

It’s often grown in gardens as an annual in regions with mild climates and indoors as a houseplant in cooler areas.

The purple snake plant is winter hardy to USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.

When grown indoors, it should receive filtered light for at least eight hours per day.

If possible, try to move the spiderwort purple plant outdoors during the warmer months of spring and summer to encourage brighter foliage.

Watering and Feeding

Water moderately during the warmer months and sparingly during the winter.

The purple heart plant is drought tolerant and thrives on neglect.

When watering, ensure there are adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot. 

Lack of humidity can also result in brown leaf tips. You can encourage humidity by moving your plant into the bathroom when showering or using a humidifier.

Add a liquid fertilizer every four weeks throughout the spring and summer.

Soil and Transplanting

Grow tradescantia pallida in loamy soil. It should offer decent water retention and good drainage.

Add organic matter, such as peat moss, perlite, or compost, to improve the quality of regular garden soil and improve drainage.

If the soil is too rich, add small amounts of sand. Transplant as needed or every few years to refresh the soil.

Moreover, if the roots extend to the edge of its current container, repotting is needed.

Proper grooming is important when caring for an tradescantia pallida.

Trim the purple leaf tradescantia plant back after flowering in the fall to manage its growth. Yearly grooming also encourages bushier growth.

Trimming plants before bringing them indoors for the winter also helps produce bushier growth the following year.

Related:   Assorted Inch Plants to Grow and Collect

However, be careful when handling this trad purple plant, as the juice from the stems and leaves can cause skin irritation.

How To Propagate Purple Heart Plant

Purple heart wandering jew is easily propagated using stem cuttings.

Take cuttings from a healthy, mature Purple heart plant using a clean, sharp knife or a pair of scissors when the plant is actively growing.

Indoor plants may grow year-round, while outdoor plants mostly grow in the spring and summer.

• Cut a section measuring at least 4″ inches long and containing several leaves.
• Place the cutting in a glass of water and set it on a windowsill with bright sunlight.
• Within a week or two, the cutting should grow roots.
• After the roots appear, prepare a small pot for the cutting.
• Use loamy soil with good drainage.
• Water the soil thoroughly.
• Use a finger to press a hole big enough for the bottom portion of the cutting.
• Place the cutting in the hole and lightly pack the surrounding soil so the plant sticks up.
• Set the plant in a bright spot and keep the soil moist.
• When temperatures warm in the spring, move the plant outdoors.
• Keep the wandering jew purple heart plant indoors throughout the winter.
• When grown outdoors, young shoots are susceptible to damage from strong winds.
• Allowing it to overwinter gives the plant time to grow stronger roots and stems.
• Wait until new growth develops before transplanting in-ground or moving to a larger container or hanging basket.

Purple Heart Plant Care: Pests or Diseases

Tradescantia pallida doesn’t suffer from any serious insect or disease issues.

It’s a tough plant and grows easily in most conditions.

A few potential issues include damage from common pests like caterpillars,  snails , aphids, vine weevils, and mealybugs when growing young plants outdoors.

Remove these critters by hand or add a layer of gravel, wood chips, or  diatomaceous earth  around the plant.

The barrier may keep caterpillars and snails away.

While the plant has an aggressive root system and trailing growth, it’s not invasive.

Tradescantia pallida aren’t toxic, but the foliage may cause mild skin irritation.

Wear gloves when handling the wandering jew purple heart plant, such as during grooming or transplanting.

Suggested Tradescantia Pallida Uses

The short, trailing growth of the purple heart plant makes it a good choice for ground cover.

The downward growth of the stems also works well in hanging baskets.

More From The World Of Tradescantia

• Have you ever asked the question:  Is Wandering Jew Poisonous ?
• The patented Wandering Jew –  Nanouk Tradescantia Plant
• Caring For The Tricolor Tradescantia
• Caring For The  Purple Oyster Plant

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Purple Wandering Jew

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• Full Shade to Full Sun (0 - 6+ Hours Direct Sunlight)
• Mature Height 10-14 Inches
• Mature Width 10-14 Inches
• Growing Zone 9-11
• Use as a Spiller in Containers

A traditional landscape or container plant, Purple Wandering Jew also makes a wonderful house plant, bringing that rare purple/green to pink indoors year round depending on what species you plant. It is native to East Mexico along the Gulf Coast where it is a ground cover and grows in Zones 9 through 11b as a perennial. The heart shaped leaves of T. zebrinus are striped purple and silver green and the underside of the leaf is a deep purple color.

There are not too many times that purple and stripes come together in one plant. Use it as a trailer in your large containers, hanging baskets or rock walls/terraces and as a ground cover in your landscape. Wandering Jew is grown as an annual in Zones 3-7. In parts of the Southern US homeowners plant this around their mailbox posts as it has pretty pink/purple flowers in spring and summer and its low growing habit does not interfere with the mail carrier.

Purple Wandering Jew Care

Easy to care for, Wandering Jew requires moderate to moist soil, with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2, slightly acidic. A regular fertilizing program is recommended for container plants and houseplants and only occasionally for landscape plantings. Be sure to plant out after all danger of frost has passed to minimize cold damage. Wandering Jew prefers part to full shade and that is where it maintains its best color.

No deadheading is needed as this plant self cleans. The three-lobed dainty pink/purple flowers are present during the warm parts of spring into summer and appear from within the slightly overlapped leaves. Trimming your plant may be required if it really likes where it is planted as it spreads easily. Pinch back to keep within bounds and promote branching. As a member of the spiderwort family, the sap is mildly toxic to pets, so keep the plant out of their reach as a precaution.

Purple Wandering Jew Spacing

Since this annual grows prolifically in ideal conditions, spacing plants properly is important for plant health. Growing up to 14 inches tall at maturity and spreading up to 14 inches wide, it needs 10 to 14 inches of space between plants. Wandering Jew pairs wonderfully with other partial to full shade plants like impatiens and begonia, as well as a ground cover around ferns.

Purple Wandering Jew Information

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

4.5" Pot  Also Known As:    4.5" Container  Plant Age:    ~ 6 months  Plant Size:    ~ 3"-6"  Pot Size:    ~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W  Volume:    1.42 quarts

Quart Pot  Also Known As:    Quart  Plant Age:    ~ 6 months - 1 year  Plant Size:    ~ 4"-8"  Pot Size:    ~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W  Volume:    1.50 quarts

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#2 Pot  Also Known As:    #2 Container     2 Gallon  Plant Age:    ~ 1.5 - 3 years old  Plant Size:    ~ 12"-18"  Pot Size:    ~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W  Volume:    1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot  Also Known As:    #3 Container     3 Gallon  Plant Age:    ~ 2 - 4 years old  Plant Size:    ~ 12"-30"  Pot Size:    ~9.5"H x 11"W  Volume:    2.32-2.76 gallons

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Antioxidant Content, Antioxidant Activity, and Antibacterial Activity of Five Plants from the Commelinaceae Family

Commelinaceae is a family of herbaceous flowering plants with many species used in ethnobotany, particularly in South America. However, thus far reports of their bioactivity are few and far between. The primary aim of this study was to quantify the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of five Commelinaceae methanolic leaf extracts. The antioxidant content was evaluated by the total phenolic content (TPC), total tannin content (TTC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) assays. The antioxidant activities measured were DPPH free radical scavenging (FRS), ferric reducing power (FRP), and ferrous ion chelating (FIC); of the five plants, the methanolic leaf extract of Tradescantia zebrina showed the highest antioxidant content and activity, and exhibited antibacterial activity against six species of Gram-positive and two species of Gram-negative bacteria in a range of 5–10 mg/mL based on the broth microdilution method.

1. Introduction

The Commelinaceae family comprises 37 genera and over 600 species [ 1 ] of monocotyledonous herbaceous flowering plants [ 2 , 3 ], notably the spiderworts ( Tradescantia sp.). They are believed to have originated from the old world tropics, but now they are widely distributed throughout the sub-tropics and tropics of both hemispheres, with some species surviving even in more temperate climates [ 4 ]. These plants are often grown for ornamental purposes due to their bluish or purplish leaves and/or flowers, but are also known to be used ethnobotanically to treat many diseases, including mycosal infections [ 5 ], venereal diseases [ 6 ], wounds [ 7 ], gastrointestinal disorders, and cancer [ 8 ], which may be linked to their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. However, reports on the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of these plants have remained rare so far.

Plants of this family are a good source of renewable bioactive compounds, as members of the Commelinaceae are generally evergreen, perennial, hardy, and prolific. Like other silicon-accumulating plant families such as the Gramineae (rice/wheat) and Cucurbitales (pumpkin/squash), Commelinaceae are less prone to growth, development, and reproduction abnormalities than plants with less efficient silicon accumulation [ 9 ]. In fact, many species of the Commelinaceae are considered weeds and pests due to their rapid growth, hardiness, and ability to root at the nodes. They are also resilient to most herbicides, and able to rapidly regenerate if left untreated [ 4 ]. However, these same traits also make them an ideal renewable and abundant resource for bioactive compounds.

The antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Rhoeo spathacea (Swartz) Stearn leaves had been previously reported by our group [ 10 ]. In the present paper, two other cultivars of R. spathacea are reported; this represents the first time the bioactivity of these cultivars has been studied. The first is Rhoeo bermudensis , a dwarf cultivar of R. spathacea that is also known as Tradescantia spathacea “Hawaiian Dwarf”, or Rhoeo spathacea nana. It is physically similar to R. spathacea (Swartz) Stearn, albeit much smaller—its leaves are a mere 10–20 cm long, compared to 15–30 cm for R. spathacea (Swartz) Stearn. The overall plant grows to 30–45 cm tall, approximately 60% of the height of R. spathacea (Swartz) Stearn. Unlike R. spathacea , it lacks flowers, but is able to root readily at the nodes and spread across the ground rapidly, like many other species of the Commelinaceae family [ 4 ]. It is colloquially known as the Hawaiian dwarf, or dwarf oyster plant [ 11 ]. The second cultivar, Rhoeo spathacea var. variegata, is also known as Rhoeo spathacea vittata and bears resemblance to R. spathacea (Swartz) Stearn, but with yellow striations on the upper side of the leaves instead of the stark green upper side of the original cultivar [ 12 ].

Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D. R. Hunt., also known as purple heart or wandering jew, is a low-growing tetraploid plant that is shade-tolerant, able to thrive on various soil conditions, and possesses strong resistance to insects and parasites. These traits allow it to rapidly colonize various environments, acting as an invasive weed [ 13 , 14 ]. Therefore, it is well adapted and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions [ 15 , 16 ] and is commonly being grown as an ornamental, ground-covering, or hanging plant. Although also renowned for its ability to effectively remove volatile organic pollutants from the air [ 17 ], T. pallida has also been traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-toxic supplement, and to improve blood circulation [ 18 ].

Similarly, Tradescantia zebrina Bosse var. zebrina , a close relative to T. pallida , is similarly categorized as an invasive plant species, and commonly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions [ 19 ]. It has oval, pointed leaves, variegated green and silver stripes on the upper surface, with a purple underside [ 20 , 21 ]. T. zebrina is traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal disorders [ 22 ].Other studies have also reported that T. zebrina exhibits insecticidal properties [ 23 ] and can inhibit the 15-lipoxygenase pathway involved in asthmatic attacks [ 24 ].

Callisia fragrans Wood. (basket plant) is an all-green plant of the Commelinaceae family. Its leaves and runners contain phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and phytosteroids. C. fragrans is traditionally used to treat burns, arthritis, skin and oncological diseases, tuberculosis, and asthma [ 25 ]. Amongst the phenolic compounds reported to be present in C. fragrans are gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, scopoletin, and chicoric acid [ 26 ].

Thus far, antioxidant and antibacterial activity studies on plants from the Commelinaceae family have been relatively limited. The antioxidant and antibacterial activity of R. spathacea variegata, R. bermudensis , T. pallida , and T. zebrina leaves have never been reported. The antioxidant activity of the juice pressed from C. fragrans has been reported by Misin and Sazhina [ 27 ] and Olennikov et al. [ 28 ]. However, the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of C. fragrans methanolic leaf extracts has never been reported. This is therefore the first report of the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the methanolic leaf extracts for all five Commelinaceae plants.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. samples.

Fresh leaf samples of all five species were obtained from Selangor, Malaysia, within a 10 km radius. All plants were grown under similar conditions: a monthly mean minimum temperature from 20.8 °C to 25.0 °C, with a monthly mean maximum temperature from 29.6 °C to 32.8 °C; grown on soil; exposed to sunlight (mean daily solar radiation of 19.70 MJ/m 2 ) and rain (300–400 mm/month) [ 29 ]; and with no fertilizer. For the antioxidant tests, for each species, leaves of similar size were collected from three different individual plants ( n = 3).

Bacterial isolates were obtained from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), with the exception of Proteus vulgaris, which was obtained from the Institute of Medical Research (IMR), Malaysia. A total of 12 strains of bacteria were used: six Gram-positive bacteria ( Bacillus cereus (ATCC 14579), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 8188), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 4698), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 33591), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228)) and six Gram-negative bacteria ( Aeromonas hydrophila (ATCC 49140), Enterobacter aerogenes (ATCC 13048), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 10145), Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 12453), Proteus vulgaris (clinical), and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium (ATCC 14028)). All bacteria were grown on nutrient agar at 37 °C.

2.2. Chemicals and Reagents

The various reagents used throughout this project were purchased from suppliers as follows. TPC analysis: Folin-Ciocalteu’s phenol reagent (2N, R and M Chemicals, Essex, UK), gallic acid (98%, Fluka, Steinheim, France), anhydrous sodium carbonate (99%, J. Kollin, UK), diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (90%, Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA), ferric reducing power (FRP) assay: ferric chloride hexa-hydrate (100%, Fisher Scientific, Loughborough, UK), potassium ferricyanide (99%, Unilab, Auburn, Australia), trichloroacetic acid (99.8%, HmbG Chemicals, Barcelona, Spain), potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate (99.5%, Fisher Scientific), dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (99%, Merck, Darmstadt, Germany), iron chloride (99%, RandM Chemicals), ferrous ion chelating (FIC) assay: ferrozine (98%, Acros Organics, Morris Plains, NJ, USA), ferrous sulphate hepta-hydrate (HmbG Chemicals), ethylenediaminetetraacetic (99.5%, Bendosen Laboratory Chemicals, Bendosen, Norway), potassium acetate (99%, R and M chemicals), rutin (98%, Sigma), phytochemical screening: sulfuric acid (95%–97%, HmBG Chemicals), hydrochloric acid (37%, Merck, Darmstadt, Germany), Dragendorff reagent (Fluka), α-naphthol (99%, Sigma), antimicrobial activity: nutrient broth (Oxoid, Hampshire, England), nutrient agar (Oxoid, Hampshire, England), and vancomycin (Sigma).

2.3. Extraction of Samples

The fresh leaves were gently washed and dabbed dry before being processed. One gram of leaf sample was subjected to liquid nitrogen-aided crushing with a mortar and pestle, followed by extraction with 50 mL of solvent for an hour at room temperature. Different compositions of methanol (50%, 70%, or 100%) were chosen for the extraction from the different species based on the best extraction efficiency (as determined by TPC). R. bermudensis and C. fragrans were extracted with 50% methanol (84.2% and 88.6% extraction efficiency, respectively), R. spathacea variegata with 70% methanol (89.9% extraction efficiency), and T. zebrina and T. pallida with 100% methanol (92.3% and 83.1% extraction efficiency, respectively). Extracts were filtered and stored at 8 °C when not in use. All analyses were conducted in triplicates.

2.4. Determination of Total Phenolic Content (TPC)

The TPC assay was modified from [ 30 ] utilizing the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. Samples (300 μL, in triplicate) were mixed with 1.5 mL of the 10% Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, followed by an addition of 1.2 mL of 7.5% (w/v) sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ) solution. The test tubes were then left to stand for 30 min in the dark at room temperature before the absorbance values were measured at 765 nm with a Hitachi U-1800 spectrophotometer (Shimadzu Corporation, Kyoto, Japan). The total phenolic content was expressed as mg gallic acid equivalent per 100 g of fresh sample (mg GAE/100 g).

2.5. DPPH Free Radical Scavenging (FRS) Assay

The DPPH assay was based on the procedures described in Leong and Shui [ 31 ] and Miliauskas et al. [ 32 ], where the reduction of the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical was measured spectrophotometrically to determine the radical scavenging activity of the extract. Two mL of DPPH solution (5.9 mg in 100 mL methanol) was added to 1 mL of three different concentrations of the sample extract. The absorbance of the solution was measured at 517 nm after a 30 min incubation time. The free radical scavenging (FRS) activity was expressed as ascorbic acid (AA) equivalent antioxidant capacity (mg AA/100 g) using the equation: FRS = IC 50(AA) /IC 50(sample) × 10 5 . IC 50(AA) was 0.00387 mg/mL [ 33 ].

2.6. Ferric Reducing Power (FRP) Assay

The FRP was determined with potassium ferricyanide, as in the procedure described by Tan and Chan [ 34 ]. This assay assessed the ability of any antioxidants present in the extracts to reduce ferric ions (Fe 3+ ) to ferrous ions (Fe 2+ ). One mL of sample extract of different dilutions was added with 2.5 mL of 0.2 M phosphate buffer (pH 6.6) and 2.5 mL of 1% (w/v) potassium ferricyanide. The mixture was incubated in a 50 °C water bath for 20 min. Subsequently, 2.5 mL of 10% (w/v) trichloroacetic acid was added to stop the reaction. Next, the mixture in each test tube was separated into aliquots of 2.5 mL, added to 2.5 mL of miliQ water and 0.5 mL of 0.1% (w/v) FeCl 3 . The mixtures were incubated at room temperature for 30 min before the absorbance was measured at 700 nm. FRP was expressed as mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of sample, mg GAE/g using a gallic acid standard curve.

2.7. Ferrous Ion Chelating (FIC) Assay

The ferrous ion chelating activity of the extract was based on the procedures described in Mau et al. [ 35 ], and Singh and Rajini [ 36 ]. One mL of 0.1 mM FeSO 4 was added to 1 mL of sample of different dilutions (0.2, 0.5, and 1 mL of extract, corresponding to 4 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg of leaf material, respectively), followed by 1 mL of 0.25 mM ferrozine. The mixtures were incubated at room temperature for 10 min before the absorbance was measured at 562 nm. It was expressed as the percentage of iron chelating activity. EDTA (0.017–0.067 mg/mL) was used as a positive control.

2.8. Determination of Total Flavonoid Content (TFC)

The flavonoid content was determined with the aluminum chloride colorimetric method as described in Chew et al. [ 37 ]. Equal volumes of 10% aluminum chloride and 1.0 M potassium acetate (0.1 mL each) were added to 0.5 mL of extract, followed by 2.8 mL of distilled water. The solutions were mixed well and incubated at room temperature for 30 min before the absorbance was taken at 435 nm. The flavonoid concentration was expressed as mg rutin equivalent per 100 g sample, mg RE/100 g.

2.9. Total Tannin Content (TTC)

Total tannins were determined based on the method described by Makkar et al. [ 38 ], which compares the TPC extracts treated with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) with those untreated. Tannins, being protein-binding phenolic compounds, would bind to the PVPP.

The TPC was determined via the Folin–Ciocalteau method as detailed previously. For PVPP treatment, 1 mL of distilled water was added to 100 mg PVPP before adding 1 mL of extract. The mixture was vortexed, incubated at 4 °C for 15 min, vortexed again, and centrifuged at 3000 g for 10 min. The supernatant (consisting of simple phenolics other than tannins) was collected and the phenolic content was determined using the TPC assay. Tannic acid was used to plot the standard curve. Results were expressed as mg equivalent per 100 g sample (mg TAE/100 g).

2.10. Determination of Antimicrobial Activity

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the samples was determined using the broth microdilution technique in 96-well flat bottom microtiter plates as described by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute [ 39 ], with a few modifications. Nutrient broth (180 μL) was loaded into all the wells of the first column of the 96-well plate, followed by 100 μL of nutrient broth in all the other wells. Twenty μL of each sample type (200 mg/mL stock concentration of leaf extract) was loaded into the first column in triplicate, enabling two samples to be run concurrently on a single plate. Serial doubling dilution was then performed nine times, keeping the volume of each well at 100 μL. One hundred μL of nutrient broth inoculated with bacteria the day before was standardized with the McFarland standard and then loaded into these wells for a final working concentration of sample ranging from 10 mg/mL to 0.02 mg/mL. The plates were then incubated overnight. The lowest concentration, where complete inhibition was observed with the unaided eye, was noted as the MIC. Vancomycin (10–0.02 mg/mL) was used as a positive control.

2.11. Statistical Analysis

One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a post-hoc Tukey range test were performed to determine significance. A probability value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Analysis was done using SPSS 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

3. Results and Discussion

According to Table 1 , T. zebrina exhibited the highest TPC, TTC, TFC, FRS, and FRP of all the plants tested in this study. T. zebrina methanolic leaf extracts also contained higher TPC, FRS, FRP, and TFC than R. spathacea (Swartz) Stearn methanolic leaf extracts [ 10 ], showing the highest antioxidant content amongst the Commelinaceae reported to date. Moreover, T. zebrina has a TPC comparable to lemon myrtle tea, which was previously reported as the herbal tea with the highest TPC in a study comparing 18 tropical and temperate herbal teas [ 33 ]; our extract was prepared from 1 g fresh leaf while the lemon myrtle decoction was prepared from 1 g powder. This finding is relevant, as T. zebrina is traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal cancer and disorders [ 8 ], and consumed as a tea called “Matali” in Mexico. It is therefore worthy of further investigation and promotion as an herbal tea. In addition, approximately 82% of its phenolic content consisted of tannins, a class of phenolic compounds with potent antioxidant and antibacterial activities [ 40 ].

Total phenolic content (TPC), total tannin content (TTC), total flavonoid content (TFC), free radical scavenging (FRS), and ferric reducing power (FRP) of the various Commelinaceae leaf extracts.

Results are expressed as mean ± S.D. ( n = 3); For each column, values followed by the same letter are not significantly different at p < 0.05 as measured by the Tukey HSD test; All gram measurements are expressed in terms of fresh weight; * Values in parentheses are in terms of mg TAE/100 g.

C. fragrans and R. bermudensis had the second-highest TPC, which was half that of T. zebrina . The antioxidant content of the juice pressed from C. fragrans leaves has been previously reported as being 73.2 mg/L of juice sample [ 27 ] with an IC 50 of 1.07 mg/mL, based on the DPPH radical scavenging assay [ 28 ]. In comparison, the methanolic leaf extract of C. fragrans in our study had an IC 50 of 1.5 ± 0.4; a comparable result with the previously reported value. On the other hand, comparing the antioxidant content was less straightforward because the juice yield was not reported by Misin and Sazhina [ 27 ], and it was unclear if the values reported had factored in the 100-fold dilution of their sample. However, using the juice yield reported by Olennikov et al. [ 28 ] (0.8 L juice per kilogram of leaves), and assuming that the value reported by Misin and Sazhina [ 27 ] was based on the undiluted juice, the antioxidant content of the juice would have been 5.85 mg/100 g. Although this value took into account all antioxidants, including non-phenolic antioxidants, it was over 45-fold lower than our methanolic leaf extract. The TPC of the juice has also been reported as 7.12 μg GAE/mL [ 26 ], which is equivalent to 0.6 mg GAE/100 g—almost 450 times lower than the TPC of the methanolic leaf extract. Methanolic extraction of C. fragrans is therefore more efficient than squeezing tissues for juice, and the leaves of C. fragrans contain a higher phenolic content than the runners reported by Olennikov et al. [ 26 ].

The methanolic extract of C. fragrans also exhibited by far the highest FIC activity ( Figure 1 ), with a chelating EC 50 of 17.3 mg leaf material. R. spathacea variegata exhibited the second highest FIC, but did not achieve EC 50 at the concentrations tested, thus indicating reasonably weak FIC activity. The other species exhibited practically no FIC activity. This indicates that the antioxidants present in some of the Commelinaceae leaves lack the ability to chelate ferrous ions when compared to ferrozine and thus have low or no secondary antioxidant activity, which implies the low ability of the extracts to prevent the Fenton reaction. This shows that the primary antioxidant activity of a plant (as measured by the FRS and FRP assays) does not necessarily reflect its secondary antioxidant activity due to the differences in mechanisms [ 41 ]. The primary antioxidant activities of the five species did, however, show a strong positive correlation with the TPC (FRS: R = 0.98, p < 0.001; FRP: R = 0.97, p < 0.001) and a good positive correlation with the TTC (FRS: R = 0.85, p < 0.001; FRP: R = 0.85, p < 0.001), but not with the TFC (FRS: R = 0.61, p = 0.020; FRP: R = 0.65, p = 0.012). This shows that tannins play a stronger role than flavonoids in single electron transfer-based primary antioxidant activity.

Ferrous ion chelating (FIC) activity of the various Commelinaceae leaf extracts.

R. bermudensis and R. spathacea variegata showed: (1) lower TPC, FRS, and FRP and (2) higher TFC than R. spathacea (Swartz) Stearn [ 10 ], despite being closely related. Almost 80% of R. spathacea variegata’s phenolic compounds are in the form of tannins, while only a third of the phenolic compounds in R. bermudensis were tannins. Although the TPC of R. bermudensis was similar to C. fragrans and not much higher than R. spathacea variegata, R. bermudensis exhibited exceptionally high FRS and FRP activity. It is therefore likely that the phenolic compounds present in R. bermudensis are more effective antioxidants and free radical scavengers than those present in the other species.

All five Commelinaceae species demonstrated antibacterial activity against most of the strains, although the six Gram-negative strains proved more resistant to treatment, with only two showing susceptibility at an extract concentration of 10 mg/mL or below ( Table 2 ). The lower susceptibility of the Gram-negative strains can be attributed to their higher outer layer impermeability [ 42 ], an observation consistent with the antibacterial activity of R. spathacea (Swartz) Stearn [ 10 ]. Of the five Commelinaceae species, T. zebrina exhibited the best antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with a MIC of 5 mg/mL against three strains, while the other four Commelinaceae leaf extracts had a MIC of 5 mg/mL on fewer than three strains. T. zebrina also showed antibacterial activity against two of the six Gram-negative strains, with a MIC of 5 mg/mL. The superior antibacterial activity of T. zebrina compared to the other tested species may be attributed to its exceptionally high phenolic and tannin content. The superior antioxidant and antibacterial activity of T. zebrina compared to the other Commelinaceae may explain several of its ethnopharmalogical applications, particularly its anti-inflammatory and anti-infective activity [ 43 , 44 ]. Surprisingly, T. pallida was similarly active against Gram-negative bacteria (MIC of 5 mg/mL against the same two Gram-negative strains) despite having the lowest antioxidant content and activity. It is likely that the phenolic compounds present may be more potent anti-Gram-negative agents in T. zebrina than in T. pallida , and/or the anti-Gram-negative compounds present may not necessarily be phenolics (for example, terpenoids or alkaloids). The leaves of T. zebrina and T. pallida warrant future isolation and identification work given their activity against Gram-negative bacteria, as the isolated compound(s) are likely to have a lower MIC than the crude extracts used in this experiment.

MIC of Commelinaceae leaf extracts against 12 species of bacteria.

MIC expressed as mg/mL; Vancomycin MIC < 0.02 mg/mL; P. aeruginosa (ATCC 10145), P. mirabilis (ATCC 12453), S. typhimurium (ATCC 14028), and E. aerogenes (ATCC 13048) have MIC exceeding 10 mg/mL for all the crude fractions.

4. Conclusions

T. zebrina exhibited the highest antioxidant content and antioxidant activity of the five Commelinaceae plants studied, higher than the previously-reported antioxidant content and activity of R. spathacea (Swartz) Stearn leaves. All five leaf extracts exhibited varying degrees of antibacterial activity against many of the bacteria tested, with T. zebrina being the most active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Monash University Malaysia for the financial support.

Author Contributions

This project was conceived and designed by Tan Joash Ban Lee and Lim Yau Yan. Tan Joash Ban Lee, Tan Shen Yeng, and Yap Wei Jin performed the experiments. Tan Joash Ban Lee and Lim Yau Yan analyzed the data. Tan Joash Ban Lee, Lim Yau Yan and Lee Sui Mae jointly supervised Tan Shen Yeng and Yap Wei Jin, and provided the resources required for the experiments (reagents/facilities/materials). Tan Joash Ban Lee wrote the paper, and all parties contributed to the editing process.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Home » Lifestyle » Gardening » Tradescantia Pallida: The Purple Wandering Jew Plant

Tradescantia Pallida: The Purple Wandering Jew Plant

What is Tradescantia Pallida?

Tradescantia Pallida is a species of spiderwort, a group of 85 species of herbacenous perennial wildflowers of the Commelinaceae family. The name comes from Latin specific epithet pallida meaning pale.

Table of Contents

History of Tradescantia Pallida

Tradescantia Pallida is native to Mexico. The plant was introduced and widely grown for its ornamental purposes as houseplants across tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, the species is planted in gardens across the islands. It is starting to escape from cultivated areas into adjacent natural areas.

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Tradescantia Pallida – Description

Tradescantia pallida is an evergreen perennial native of northeast Mexico, grown as an ornamental for its striking purple foliage. The scientific name has been changed from the previous Secretase pallida to Tradescantia pallida . The plant may be treated as a succulent because the leaves, stems and roots are thick. Commonly known as purple hearts, these plants can be used as a ground cover, cascading in baskets, or as a houseplant. In tropical and semi-tropical areas, it is commonly grown outdoors as a popular, albeit weedy, ground cover. It has a trailing habit and features thick but fragile stems clad with pointed, narrow-oblong, V-shaped leaves. The stems can trail to 18” or more. The flower is small, three-petaled and pale lavender or pink in colour. Tradescantia Pallida (Purple heart plant) has distinctive flowers that usually bloom during warm weather emerging from their stem tips. They appear in clusters and do not have a scent.

See also:  Purple fleabane : Physical features, cultivation, uses and toxicity

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Tradescantia Pallida: Facts 

Can Tradescantia pallida (Purple heart) grow indoors?

Purple heart is an adaptable plant. It is often used as ground cover to add colour and flowers to the garden landscape. Tradescantia pallida can thrive as a container plant on the patio or in a hanging basket indoors all year round. If you move it outdoors for the summer, keep it shaded from direct sun during the hottest part of the day. Growing purple heart in full sun will help it develop the bright purple colour. When growing it indoors, keep the plant where it can get maximum light (at least 8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight or filtered light a day).

How to care for Tradescantia pallida?

Tradescantia pallida or Purple Heart Plant care is relatively easy. It is one of the best plants for beginners to grow.

Tradescantia pallida (purple heart) grows best in partial shade but can tolerate full sun areas. It should not receive direct afternoon sunlight for more than an hour or two. The plant can grow in partial shade but its stem is more likely to appear green than purple. Place them indoors in a spot where they will receive bright, indirect light. It is best to keep these plants in brighter conditions over time, however, too much direct sunlight can lead to foliage burn.

Tradescantia pallida plants will grow best in soil that is lightweight, porous and moist. Good drainage is a must. The plant tolerates a wide pH range, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.

Tradescantia pallida are considered to be drought-tolerant and would not require a great deal of watering. For best growth, do not let the plant sit dry for long periods. In the winter, Purple Heart will enter its dormancy period, so ensure that it gets just enough water to stay healthy. Younger plants will require more moisture than adults and must be watered weekly. If you grow your Purple Heart in pots or containers, ensure the presence of sufficient drainage holes at the bottom and fill it with soil that offers adequate water retention and good drainage.

Fertili s er

Tradescantia Pallida can be nourished with a diluted liquid balanced fertiliser monthly during the growing season. Dilute the fertiliser to about half its regular strength to avoid leaf burn. The occasional feeding can reinvigorate growth and make the colours more vibrant.

Temperature

Exposure to extreme heat must be avoided in outdoor gardens. This tough plant can thrive in a wide range of temperatures but they prefer normal temperatures, ranging from 60-70°F during the day and 50-55°F at night.

Tradescantia Pallida grows long stems and due to its fast growth rate, it can quickly become leggy. Prune the plant back after flowering in the fall to manage its growth. Yearly grooming encourages bushier growth. Be sure to use sharp scissors and wear gloves as the stem sap can cause skin irritations and burns.

Propagation: Tradescantia pallida in soil and water

You can either propagate Tradescantia Pallida from seeds or through stem cuttings. However, since seeds are rarely available, most gardeners use cuttings.

Cut just below a segment node of the mother plant (about 4-6 inches). With tradescantia pallida, propagating cuttings is simple. Place the stem directly in the moist garden or potting soil and keep it moist until new growth. Water the soil thoroughly. Keep it for 1-2 weeks in a warm and bright place. Once roots or new growth appear, pot them in a container. New growth appears in about 4-5 weeks.

Although soil propagation can be a quicker way to grow new plants, water propagation makes it visually attractive the roots are visible. Remove the bottom leaves on the cuttings and place them in a glass of water. Set the glass on a windowsill with bright sunlight. Change the water regularly and wait for the roots to grow to about two inches. After two weeks, the stem will have grown a solid set of roots and can be transplanted to well-draining potting soil to maintain growth.

Tradescantia pallida: Insects, diseases and other plant problems

Tradescantia pallida, the hardy plant, is unlikely to have too many plant diseases. Overwatering can lead to root rot so ensure that there is no excess water within the plant’s drainage tray. Brown foliage is often due to a lack of moisture or humidity. It can also be due to intense direct sunlight. Ensure that it is getting enough water and is in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight.

Caterpillars and snails can create a problem outdoors so try to place a defensive barrier around it with a layer of gravel or wood chips.

Tradescantia pallida can attract aphids, weevils, scale and mealybugs . If an infestation is spotted, isolate the plant and treat it with neem oil, eucalyptus oil or citrus oil spray for primary treatment.

see also: all about Tradescantia Fluminensis

Tradescantia pallida: Uses and benefits

• A well-placed Tradescantia Pallida will make an immense visual difference in any garden or home space. Tradescantia pallida make for lovely hanging plants or groundcovers and can add a lush texture to the garden. The purple leaves are a nice contrast variegated foliage and complement the pink, light purple or burgundy blossoms of other plant
• Tradescantia Pallida is effective in improving indoor air quality by filtering volatile organic compounds.
• The plant has anti-oxidant, anti-toxic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has traditionally been used as an anti-toxic or anti-inflammatory supplement. It has also been used to treat venereal diseases, wounds, cancer, mucosal infections and gastrointestinal disorders.

Is purple heart plant toxic?

None of its parts is toxic. But when ingested, it may cause digestive tract irritation or irritation of the mouth. Therefore, keep the purple heart plant away from pets. It may cause contact dermatitis in certain individuals. Therefore, it is suggested to use gloves when pruning, repotting or propagating the plant.

Is Tradescantia pallida a perennial?

Tradescantia pallida, Purple Heart, is a tender perennial, commonly used as a houseplant. It has beautiful trailing purple stems with violet-purple leaves and pink flowers.

How long do Tradescantia pallida (purple hearts) last?

Each flower lasts only for a day. It is grown outdoors as a decorative ground cover since it tends to become invasive and lasts longer than most bedding plants.

Which are the other Tradescantia species?

There are over 70 beautiful Tradescantia varieties. Depending on the species, tradescantias are typically purple and often flecked with silvers, greens, creams, pinks and gold. Many of the light foliage varieties have dark purple undersides, which creates a lovely effect. Besides the purple heart plant, Tradescantia pallida, ‘Variegata’, has striped pink-and-red foliage. Rhoeo spathacea, Moses in the Basket, has sword-shaped purple-and-green foliage. Tradescantia virginiana has a grass-like appearance with blue-purple or red flowers. Tradescantia zebrina houseplant has variegated olive and silver foliage with a purple underside. Tradescantia sillamontana has green leaves, densely covered in white hair and magenta-pink flowers.

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Purnima Goswami Sharma is a freelance writer based in Mumbai, who has been contributing to various newspapers, magazines and portals for the last two decades. Besides being a research writer for various TV shows, she has been a visiting faculty at SNDT for Communication Skills. She hold a master’s degree in English Literature from Mumbai University and a diploma in Communications and Journalism. She writes on diverse subjects like real estate, interiors, education, lifestyle, health, entertainment and environment.

Email : [email protected]

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7 Purple House Plants For A Pop Of Color

H ey mommas, are you looking for indoor plants that can add some color to your home? Purple house plants might be the way to go. These gorgeous plants bring more than a pop of color into an indoor space, and they also have several benefits!

Keep reading to explore some of the most beautiful purple house plants that you can have in your home, their benefits, and how to take care of them properly. I have a couple of them at home, and they’re worth caring for!

Why Choose Purple House Plants?

Improves air quality.

Indoor plants, in general, have numerous benefits other than just appearance. For one, they help improve your indoor air quality . These plants aid in removing harmful toxins in the air, including formaldehyde and benzene.

Provides Gorgeous Color

Fun and unconventional, purple leaves on plants add a touch of contrast to the colors of your home, making it feel livelier and more vibrant. If you’re looking for purple house plants, you’ll be glad to know that you can find them in all shapes, shades, and sizes.

Fancy a dark purple or maybe a lavender one? Want a low-maintenance plant or something more of a challenge to grow? You can easily find a purple indoor plant that suits your style and needs. You can even find unique-looking purple plants, such as ones with purple undersides and stems. 

Creating a Relaxing Atmosphere

Having indoor plants with purple leaves at home can help create a calm and relaxed environment. Their gorgeous color is believed to promote calmness and relaxation. On top of that, just adding plants into a room can help lower noise levels . Therefore, they can help create a more serene atmosphere right in your home. 

7 Best Purple House Plants

From dark purple leaves to flowering plants, you can choose from many purple plants that can be added to a room. Here are some of my favorite purple house plants that you can check out!

Purple Passion Plant

Also known as Gyanyura aurantiaca, this striking purple plant is not only pretty, it’s also low maintenance . What makes it an incredible addition to any home is its unique appearance. This interesting plant has green and purple leaves, with the top being a deep green while the underside is a bright color purple.

Its unique leaf coloring is also complemented by its velvet-like texture. On top of this, its purple stems are as striking as its leaves. If you want to take care of this beautiful purple house plant, do note that it thrives in high humidity. It also loves bright but indirect sunlight. 

Purple Heart Plant

Looking for a plant to grow at home? Check out the purple heart plant, a.k.a. Setcreasea pallida or Tradescantia pallida. This houseplant is loved by many for its small deep purple leaves. You’ll adore its cute pink-to-light-purple flowers.

If you’re hunting for a hearty and durable purple plant, you should check this one out. You can keep this plant and easily help it thrive in many different conditions. To keep this plant healthy, place it under bright, indirect sunlight. While it’s commonly placed in containers, it also does well as a hanging plant. 

Purple Waffle Plant

Another popular houseplant that has a purple color is Hemigraphis exotica, also known as the waffle plant. This unique plant’s main draw is its textured foliage resembling waffles. Its leaves have a light purple hue and work well if you want to add both texture and color to a room. 

Help it thrive by imitating humid conditions. Also, remember to water it regularly and place it under bright but indirect light. 

Purple Pearl Succulent

Echeveria, more commonly known as purple pearl is one of the most popular succulents that you can keep at home. This little plant, grows only 6 to 8 inches and features beautiful purple leaves. It produces purple flowers that look incredible with its foliage. 

If you want to add this purple succulent to your home collection, do know that it loves bright indoor lights. Alternatively, you can also put it under low natural light. Also, remember that this small house plant will need well-draining soil. 

Persian Shield Plant

Also called Strobilanthes dyerianus, the Persian Shield plant is an interesting specimen to add to your room. This plant is native to Myanmar and is easily recognizable thanks to its stunning purple leaves.

Looking after this plant is a breeze. Since this is a tropical plant , it thrives in warm and humid environments. 

Purple Shamrock

Add interest to any indoor space with the Purple Shamrock plant, also known as the Oxalis triangularis. This stunning indoor plant is a beautiful option for any home, thanks to its purple foliage and delicate pink or white flowers. This plant is easy to care for and does best in bright, indirect sunlight.

Wandering Jew Plant

Another eye-catching purple stunner grown as houseplants is the Wandering Jew plant or Tradescantia zebrina. It’s a trailing plant, so I think you’d find it works well in a hanging basket. 

The Wandering Jew thrives in full sun, so to help it grow well, make sure to place it in an area where it can get this. However, note that its vibrant purple color may fade if it gets too much sunlight.

Plant Care for Purple House Plants

Provide enough sunlight.

Many species of purple plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. A few of them like full sunlight, but too much and their colorful leaves may look dull.

To help your purple plants thrive, give them the right amount of sun they need. It’s best to put them by a window with access to filtered sunlight. Alternatively, you can use grow lights , especially if you’re in an area with limited sun. 

Most importantly, whether you’re using grow lights or not, make sure to look out for signs that your plant has too much or too little sun. Many of them are low-maintenance, but helping your plants thrive ensures they stay healthy and gorgeous.

Provide Enough Water and Humidity

Purple plants have specific watering needs. In a nutshell, these species love moist soil but hate being waterlogged. So, when you water your plants, make sure to do it when the top inch of the soil is already dry to the touch.

When it comes to humidity, it may depend on the area where your purple plant originally hails from. If you plan on taking care of tropical purple plants, you need to mimic the temperature and environment of the tropical region.

To help them thrive, you may want to invest in a room humidifier . Alternatively, you can do frequent mistings to mimic a humid environment. 

Tips for Growing Beautiful Purple House Plants

Choose the right soil.

When you’re taking care of any plants, choosing the correct type of soil is crucial.

In the case of purple indoor plants, many love well-draining potting soil with a lot of organic matter . As such, you should avoid heavy, clay-filled soils, which can retain too much water and cause root rot. 

Ensure Proper Drainage

Since most purple plants don’t like waterlogging, ensure your plant container or pot has enough drainage. When choosing a container, look for those with drainage holes . That will help you avoid waterlogging and root rot.

This still depends on the plant species. Most purple plants love indirect sunlight, but some thrive in full sun. 

For best results, read up on the specific plant you want to get and learn more about its lighting needs.

Because of its unique and striking appearance, many plant lovers seek house plants in many different shades of purple. Other than just being pretty and unique, purple is also said to be a calming and relaxing color to have at home.

There are times when your plants may struggle with pests and insects. If that’s the case, then the best course of action is to use pesticides, but you must use them safely.

When looking for a pesticide to use against common plant pests, such as mealybugs and spider mites, make sure to get one that’s formulated especially for indoor plants .

When using it, make sure to follow the instructions included carefully. Also, make sure to use the pesticide while wearing protective gloves and in a well-ventilated area.

Make Your Home More Vibrant With Purple House Plants

Purple is a vibrant color, and plants with this color naturally make unique and eye-catching additions to your plant collection at home. Besides their beauty, they also help keep your home’s atmosphere serene and relaxing.

These stunning plants are mostly easy to care for, and all the effort you put into helping them thrive is worth it.