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How to Grow Tradescantia (Spiderwort, Wandering Jew)

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Tradescantia (Spiderwort, Wandering Jew)

Tradescantia spp.

flower

Tradescantia is a diverse genus of colorful, easy-to-grow houseplants and garden perennials known for their vibrant foliage in shades of purple, green, silver, and variegated patterns. These trailing or upright plants produce small three-petaled flowers in various colors and are prized for their low-maintenance nature and rapid growth. Popular as both indoor and outdoor plants, Tradescantia varieties range from delicate ornamentals to hardy garden perennials.

Looking for a specific variety?

Tradescantia zebrina Tradescantia pallida Tradescantia fluminensis Tradescantia virginiana Tradescantia cerinthoides Tradescantia sillamontana

When should you plant Tradescantia (Spiderwort, Wandering Jew) in your zone?

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Example Tradescantia (Spiderwort, Wandering Jew) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Tradescantia (Spiderwort, Wandering Jew)

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Tradescantia (Spiderwort, Wandering Jew) blooms

    Around Apr 21

    ≈ 4 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tradescantia (Spiderwort, Wandering Jew) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Bright, indirect light indoors; outdoor varieties tolerate partial shade to full sun (4-6+ hours daily for best color)
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged indoors; allow top inch to dry between waterings. Outdoor varieties are drought-tolerant once established but prefer regular moisture during growing season
📏
Spacing: 12-18 inches for spreading varieties; 6-12 inches for upright types inches
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Days to maturity: Immediate foliage display; flowering begins within 4-8 weeks under good conditions
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Planting depth: Plant cuttings 1-2 inches deep; sow seeds 0.25 inches deep; space transplants at recommended spacing

Soil

Type: Well-draining potting soil or loamy soil
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Perlite or sand for drainage Compost or peat moss for moisture retention Orchid bark for epiphytic varieties

Growing Zones

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Hardy varieties thrive in zones 3-9; tender tropical varieties best grown indoors or in zones 10-11

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Propagation & Establishment

2-4 weeks

Cuttings develop roots rapidly (7-14 days in water or moist soil); new leaves unfurl quickly. Plants are highly propagable from stem cuttings.

Use 3-4 inch cuttings; keep warm and humid. Rooting hormone helps but is not necessary. Change water every 2-3 days if propagating in water.

2

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Rapid stem elongation and leaf production; foliage colors intensify with appropriate light. Trailing varieties cascade over pot edges.

Provide bright light for vibrant coloration; pinch stem tips to encourage bushier growth. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with balanced fertilizer.

3

Flowering

6-12 weeks (spring-summer for most varieties)

Small three-petaled flowers bloom in clusters; colors include pink, purple, white, red, and blue depending on variety. Blooms appear along leaf nodes.

Flowers are short-lived (one day) but bloom continuously in season. Deadheading not necessary but removes spent flowers. Continue regular fertilizing.

4

Mature Growth

Ongoing (perennial)

Plant reaches full size and develops dense foliage. Established outdoor perennials spread via rhizomes. Indoor plants maintain compact or trailing form with pruning.

Prune back leggy growth anytime to rejuvenate. Reduce water and fertilizer in winter for dormant varieties. Repot annually or bi-annually as needed.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Pothos Philodendron Ferns Hostas Impatiens Begonias Coleus Peperomia

Avoid planting near:

Dry-soil lovers like succulents (in same pot) Highly competitive vigorous growers that overtake space

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly for 2-3 weeks. Increase humidity to prevent infestations.

  • Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap. Isolate affected plant to prevent spread.

  • Scrape off manually; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray every 7-10 days until resolved.

  • Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply sand layer on top of soil. Use beneficial nematodes if severe.

  • Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency. Repot in fresh soil; trim affected roots. Ensure pots have drainage holes.

Uses

🏠

Indoor Air Purification & Decoration

Household

Tradescantia species help remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene while adding vibrant color to living spaces. Trailing varieties are perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, and as living wall elements. [source]

🍳

Edible Ornamental Garnish

Culinary

Tradescantia pallida (Purple Heart) and T. zebrina leaves are edible and add visual interest to salads and cocktails. They have a mild, slightly tart flavor. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Tradescantia species have been used in traditional medicine for treating wounds, inflammation, and respiratory issues, particularly in South American and Mexican folk medicine. [source]

🎨

Propagation & Sharing

Craft

Tradescantia's ease of propagation makes it ideal for plant swaps, gifting to friends, and experimenting with propagation techniques (water, soil, soil propagation boxes). [source]

🦋

Attracts Pollinators

Wildlife

Outdoor Tradescantia varieties produce flowers that attract bees and small pollinators, supporting garden ecosystems while providing continuous blooms throughout the growing season. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Tradescantia is not harvested but propagated by cutting 3-4 inch stem segments any time of year; cut just below a node. Cuttings root readily in water or moist soil. For foliage display, prune back leggy growth to encourage bushier, fuller plants. Some gardeners use fresh cuttings for arrangements.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Tradescantia earned the common name 'Wandering Jew' due to its vigorous trailing growth habit and rapid spread, though this name is now considered outdated; modern terms include 'Spiderwort' and 'Inch Plant'.
  • 🌱 Tradescantia is one of the fastest-rooting plants available—cuttings can develop roots in plain tap water in just 7-10 days, making it perfect for beginner propagators.
  • 🌱 Some Tradescantia varieties exhibit remarkable color-changing behavior: foliage becomes more deeply pigmented when exposed to bright light and reverts to greener tones in shade, allowing gardeners to 'design' their plants' appearance.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Deadhead Full Sun Partial Shade Perennial
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