How to Grow Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant
Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant
Tradescantia fluminensis
vineTradescantia fluminensis is a fast-growing, trailing houseplant with small, oval-shaped green leaves on delicate stems. It is highly adaptable, low-maintenance, and commonly used as a hanging basket or shelf plant. The plant is known for its ability to propagate easily from cuttings.
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Example Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant
Around Apr 21≈ 4 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11 for outdoor cultivation; widely grown as a houseplant in all climates
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Propagation / Establishment
1-3 weeksCuttings develop roots in water or soil within 1-2 weeks; very fine root hairs appear.
Keep propagation medium consistently moist. Use 3-4 inch cuttings with 2-3 leaf nodes. Root in water or moist soil at 65-75°F.
Vegetative Growth
4-12 weeksStems elongate and new leaves unfold at regular intervals. Plant develops trailing habit with multiple stems.
Provide bright, indirect light and regular watering. Pinch growing tips occasionally to encourage bushiness. Feed monthly with dilute balanced fertilizer.
Maturation / Trailing
OngoingPlant becomes full and cascading, with stems reaching 12-36 inches or longer depending on variety.
Maintain consistent moisture and light. Reduce fertilizer to every 4-6 weeks. Trim occasionally to maintain shape and prevent legginess.
Flowering
IntermittentTiny, inconspicuous three-petaled white or pale pink flowers appear occasionally; not the main attraction of this plant.
Flowering is sporadic indoors and requires ideal conditions. Focus on foliage maintenance rather than promoting blooms.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, mist foliage regularly, wash leaves with water, or apply neem oil spray every 7 days
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Isolate plant, remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
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Prune affected stems, apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap weekly for 3-4 weeks
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Allow soil surface to dry between waterings, use yellow sticky traps, apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to soil
Uses
Indoor Air Purification
HouseholdTradescantia fluminensis is commonly cited as an air-purifying plant that removes toxins like formaldehyde from indoor environments. While research on this claim is mixed, it makes an excellent low-maintenance houseplant for improving indoor air quality. [source]
Hanging Baskets & Trailing Displays
CraftThe plant's rapid growth and cascading habit make it ideal for hanging baskets, macramé planters, and tall shelving. It creates elegant, flowing displays with minimal effort. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, Tradescantia species have been used to treat minor wounds, inflammation, and coughs, though scientific evidence is limited. Always consult healthcare providers before medicinal use. [source]
Easy Propagation & Sharing
HouseholdThe plant's ability to root effortlessly from cuttings in water or soil makes it perfect for beginners and for sharing with friends and family. [source]
Non-Toxic for Pets
WildlifeTradescantia fluminensis is safe for cats and dogs, making it an ideal choice for pet-owning households. Some varieties are reported to be mildly toxic to cats if ingested in large quantities, so monitoring is recommended. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not applicable for foliage houseplant. Take stem cuttings year-round for propagation; cuttings 3-4 inches long root readily in water or moist soil. Use cuttings for propagation or remove excessive growth to maintain desired shape.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tradescantia fluminensis is native to Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, and was named after the trailing growth pattern of plants in the Tradescantia genus.
- 🌱 The plant's nickname 'Inch Plant' comes from its rapid growth rate—it can grow approximately one inch per week under ideal conditions.
- 🌱 This species is so adaptable and prolific that it has become invasive in some tropical and subtropical regions outside its native habitat, particularly in New Zealand and parts of Australia.
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