Wandering Jew Tradescantia zebrina 'Purpusii'

Water

Wandering Jew plants, including Tradescantia zebrina 'Purpusii', should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. The top inch of soil should be allowed to dry out before watering again. Typically, watering once a week is sufficient, but this may vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. When watering, use enough water to saturate the soil until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot; this is often around 16 to 32 ounces, depending on pot size. In winter, reduce watering frequency as plant growth slows.

Light

Wandering Jew plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Place Tradescantia zebrina 'Purpusii' near a window where it can receive plenty of light without direct sun, which can scorch the leaves. A north or east-facing window is ideal, providing the bright, diffused light this plant prefers.

Temperature

Wandering Jew plants do well in temperatures ranging between 50°F and 80°F, making them suitable for most indoor environments. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50°F but should be protected from cold drafts and drastic temperature changes. The ideal temperature range for active growth is between 65°F and 75°F.

Pruning

Prune Wandering Jew plants to encourage bushier growth and to remove any leggy or dead stems. Pinching back the tips can be done at any time of the year to help maintain a fuller appearance. Perform more extensive pruning in the spring or early summer, which is the best time for heavier trimming to rejuvenate the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Inch Plant should be well-draining and rich, a combination of peat, perlite, and potting soil in equal parts. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Inch Plant should be repotted every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Spring or early summer is the ideal time for repotting to encourage new growth.

Humidity & Misting

Inch Plant thrives in high humidity, ideally between 50% to 70%. It is tolerant of average household humidity levels but flourishes with additional moisture.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Inch Plant in bright indirect light and ensure high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Grow Inch Plant in shade and protect from cold, ensuring high humidity.

• Hardiness zone

  9-12 USDA

Life cycle

Tradescantia zebrina 'Purpusii', commonly known as the Inch Plant, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in moist, well-drained soil, typically in the warm and humid conditions it prefers. The seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant with characteristic silvery and purple variegated leaves on trailing stems. As the Inch Plant matures, it enters a phase of vegetative growth, wherein it spreads horizontally and vertically by producing new shoots and leaves, while also potentially developing roots at leaf nodes that contact soil. It may produce small, three-petaled flowers, although it is primarily grown for its attractive foliage rather than for its blooms. The plant can be easily propagated through cuttings that root readily, either in water or directly in soil, thus continuing its cycle without the need for seed production. The Inch Plant does not have a distinct senescence stage as a houseplant, it can live for many years with proper care, though outdoor plants may die back in colder climates and regrow from roots or stems in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Tradescantia zebrina 'Purpusii', commonly known as Wandering Jew, is through stem cuttings. This is most effectively done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select a healthy stem that is about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long and snip it just below a node using clean, sharp scissors. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent them from rotting when planted. The cutting can then be placed directly into moist potting soil or submerged in a glass of water until roots develop, which usually takes about a week. Once rooted, plant the cutting in its own container with fresh potting mix to grow a new Wandering Jew plant.