How to Grow Wandering Jew / Spiderwort
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Wandering Jew / Spiderwort
Tradescantia zebrina
vineTradescantia zebrina is a popular trailing houseplant known for its striking purple and green striped foliage. This fast-growing, low-maintenance vine produces delicate three-petaled flowers and thrives in bright indoor conditions. It's widely cultivated for its ornamental foliage and ability to cascade elegantly from hanging baskets or shelves.
When should you plant Wandering Jew / Spiderwort in your zone?
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Example Wandering Jew / Spiderwort timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Wandering Jew / Spiderwort
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
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wandering Jew / Spiderwort dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives outdoors in zones 10-12; widely grown as a houseplant in all zones
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Propagation
1-2 weeksSingle stem cuttings develop roots in water or soil within 1-2 weeks, showing small white root nodes along the stem.
Keep propagation medium consistently moist and warm (65-75°F). Use 3-4 inch cuttings with at least 2-3 nodes. Change water every 3-4 days if propagating in water.
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung plants develop new leaf nodes and establish root systems; foliage begins showing characteristic purple and green striping.
Provide bright, indirect light and consistent moisture. Begin light feeding with diluted balanced fertilizer. Keep temperature between 60-75°F.
Vegetative Growth
Ongoing (6+ weeks)Plant produces abundant trailing stems with increasingly vibrant striped leaves; vines elongate rapidly.
Feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced, dilute fertilizer. Maintain bright indirect light for best coloration. Pinch stem tips to encourage bushier growth if desired.
Flowering
Several months (spring-summer)Small, delicate three-petaled flowers appear in pink, purple, or white along the stems, typically during spring and summer.
Continue regular feeding and watering. Flowers are ephemeral, lasting only a few hours. Remove faded flowers to maintain plant appearance.
Maintenance
OngoingMature plant enters a maintenance phase where growth slows; regular grooming maintains shape and appearance.
Reduce fertilizer frequency in fall and winter. Prune leggy stems to encourage new growth. Repot every 1-2 years into fresh soil.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate plant; wipe leaves with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
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Remove manually with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with neem oil weekly for 2-3 weeks
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
Uses
Ornamental Indoor Décor
HouseholdTradescantia zebrina is one of the most popular trailing houseplants, prized for its striking purple and silver-striped foliage. It adds visual interest to shelves, hanging baskets, and windowsills throughout the year. [source]
Air Purification
HouseholdResearch suggests Tradescantia species may help filter indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene. Its dense foliage can contribute to improved indoor air quality in small spaces. [source]
Easy Propagation Project
CraftThe extreme ease of propagating Tradescantia zebrina from cuttings makes it ideal for plant enthusiasts of all levels, including children learning plant propagation techniques. A single cutting can become a full plant in weeks. [source]
Bird-Friendly Foliage
WildlifeWhen grown outdoors in tropical zones, Tradescantia zebrina provides shelter and nesting cover for small birds and beneficial insects. [source]
Traditional Ethnobotanical Use
MedicinalTradescantia species have been used in traditional medicine in Central and South America for various minor ailments, though scientific evidence is limited. Always consult healthcare providers before use. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For propagation, harvest 3-4 inch stem cuttings year-round, preferably in spring or early summer. Cut just below a node using sterile scissors. Cuttings root readily in water or moist soil within 1-2 weeks. Remove any lower leaves before propagating in water.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Tradescantia zebrina is sometimes called the 'Wandering Jew' or 'Inch Plant' due to its rapid growth—vines can grow several inches per month under ideal conditions.
- 🌱 The plant's striking purple undersides of leaves intensify under bright light, while lower light causes them to appear more green; this is a pigment response to light intensity.
- 🌱 Tradescantia zebrina is considered invasive in some warm regions of Australia and South Africa, where it spreads rapidly in moist, shaded habitats and outcompetes native vegetation.
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