How to Grow Wandering Jew
Wikimedia Commons
Wandering Jew
Tradescantia fluminensis
vineTradescantia fluminensis is a fast-growing, evergreen trailing vine prized for its delicate heart-shaped leaves and ease of care. Commonly grown as a houseplant, it features variegated foliage in green and white, with occasional silvery striping depending on the cultivar. It produces tiny white flowers in spring and summer but is primarily valued for its ornamental foliage.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Wandering Jew in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Wandering Jew timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Wandering Jew
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Wandering Jew
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wandering Jew dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives outdoors in zones 10b-11; grown as a houseplant elsewhere
Sign up free to see if Wandering Jew grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Wandering Jew timeline →Growth Stages
Propagation/Establishment
2-4 weeksSmall cutting or young plant with 2-4 leaf nodes; roots are developing or recently established
Keep soil lightly moist, provide bright indirect light, maintain warmth (65-75°F), mist frequently to encourage rooting and reduce stress
Vegetative Growth
3-8 monthsPlant produces new leaf nodes and stems; vines begin trailing or climbing depending on support; foliage becomes fuller and more vibrant
Maintain consistent moisture and bright indirect light, pinch back stem tips to encourage bushier growth, fertilize bi-weekly with dilute balanced fertilizer
Mature Trailing
Ongoing as maintenance phaseWell-established plant with long cascading vines; dense foliage coverage; variegation is prominent; plant reaches desired size
Maintain regular watering and fertilizing schedule, rotate pot monthly for even growth, trim overly long vines to maintain shape, increase humidity during heating season
Flowering
4-6 weeks in spring/summer (optional)Small white or pale pink flowers appear along stems, typically in warmer months; flowers are inconspicuous but add delicate interest
Flowering is not the primary focus; maintain normal care. Flowers are not necessary for plant health or ornamental value.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity, spray leaves with water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days; isolate infested plant
-
Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, spray with insecticidal soap, apply neem oil weekly until resolved
-
Scrape off manually, treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, inspect regularly for re-infestation
-
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, use sticky traps, apply bottom heat, repot in fresh soil if severe
Uses
Indoor air purification
HouseholdTradescantia fluminensis helps filter indoor air by removing formaldehyde, xylene, and other volatile organic compounds. It is included on NASA's list of plants effective at improving indoor air quality. [source]
Hanging basket and trailing display
CraftThe cascading growth habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets, wall-mounted planters, and shelving where trailing vines create a lush, decorative effect. Its fast growth quickly fills containers and creates dramatic vertical gardens. [source]
Easy propagation and plant sharing
HouseholdCuttings root so readily in water that Tradescantia fluminensis is perfect for propagating new plants to share with friends or establish in multiple locations. A single cutting can become a full plant in just 3-4 weeks. [source]
Non-toxic pet-safe plant
WildlifeTradescantia fluminensis is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets, making it safe for homes with curious animals. However, some pets may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. [source]
Edible ornamental
CulinaryIn some cultures, Tradescantia leaves are used as a mild edible garnish or added to salads for texture and mild flavor. They are completely safe to consume but are more commonly grown for ornamental value. [source]
Harvest Tips
This plant is not harvested for food or material. Trim vines as desired for shaping and propagation. Take 4-6 inch cuttings just below a node to propagate; cuttings root easily in water or moist soil within 1-2 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tradescantia fluminensis is sometimes called 'Inch Plant' because it grows approximately one inch per week under optimal conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing houseplants.
- 🌱 The plant is native to Argentina and Brazil but has naturalized in temperate regions worldwide, sometimes becoming invasive in outdoor settings.
- 🌱 Tradescantia fluminensis has been sent to space multiple times as part of NASA research on plant growth and genetics in microgravity environments.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Wandering Jew planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Wandering Jew seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Wandering Jew timeline →