Wandering Jew

Tradescantia zebrinaAlso known as: Inch Plant, Silver Inch Plant, Wandering Dude

The Wandering Jew is a stunning trailing plant with iridescent leaves striped in silver, purple, and green. Native to Mexico and Central America, it's one of the fastest-growing houseplants and incredibly easy to propagate. Its cascading vines can trail several feet (1+ m), making it perfect for hanging baskets.

Easy Care

Bright Indirect Light

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Bright Indirect Light

Temperature Range
50-80°F (10-27°C)

Ideal Temp
70°F (21°C)

Toxic to Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets, or consider pet-safe alternatives. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 5-7 days, keep soil lightly moist
Summer	Every 4-5 days
Fall	Every 7 days
Winter	Every 7-10 days

Slightly drought tolerant but prefers consistent moisture. Wilting indicates thirst.

Misting Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Weekly
Summer	1-2 times per week
Fall	Weekly
Winter	Weekly

Appreciates humidity but tolerates average conditions well.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 2 weeks with balanced liquid fertilizer
Summer	Every 2 weeks
Fall	Monthly
Winter	No fertilizing

Regular feeding promotes vibrant coloration.

Pruning

Frequency: Regularly to maintain fullness

Best Season: Any time

Pinch tips to encourage branching. Can cut back hard if leggy - regrows quickly.

Repotting

Frequency: Every 1-2 years

Best Season: Spring

Use well-draining potting mix. Fast grower - may need frequent repotting.

Flowering

Season
Spring to summer

Color
Small pink or purple flowers

Tiny three-petaled flowers appear at stem tips. Not showy but adds charm.

Propagation Methods

Stem cuttings root in water within days
Direct planting in moist soil
One of the easiest plants to propagate

Common Problems

Leggy, bare stems: Insufficient light or needs pruning
Faded colors: Too little light
Root rot: Overwatering - let soil dry slightly
Bare center: Normal - propagate new cuttings to fill in

Pro Tips

Bright light intensifies purple and silver colors
Propagate cuttings directly into pot for fuller appearance
Cut back and root cuttings when plant gets leggy
One of the fastest growing houseplants

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