How to Grow Wandering Jew, Spiderwort, Inch Plant
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Wandering Jew, Spiderwort, Inch Plant
Tradescantia zebrina 'Hidcote Purple'
houseplantTradescantia zebrina 'Hidcote Purple' is a trailing houseplant prized for its vibrant purple foliage with contrasting green stripes. This cultivar is more compact and densely foliated than the species, making it ideal for hanging baskets and shelf displays. It produces delicate three-petaled flowers and is exceptionally easy to grow.
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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
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11 outdoors; best grown indoors as a houseplant in zones 3-9
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Propagation
1-2 weeks to root developmentSingle leaf nodes or 2-3 inch stem cuttings are placed in water or moist soil
Use clean, sharp scissors; propagation is nearly foolproof; roots develop within 1-2 weeks in water; provide bright indirect light
Establishment
2-3 weeksNew growth appears as tiny leaves unfurl along the stem; plant begins establishing a root system
Maintain consistent moisture; provide bright indirect light; avoid fertilizing during this phase; mist occasionally to maintain humidity
Vegetative Growth
Ongoing during growing seasonStems elongate and multiply, creating fuller foliage; distinctive purple and green striped leaves develop their full coloration
Pinch back growing tips every 4-6 weeks to encourage branching and bushier growth; fertilize every 2-3 weeks with diluted balanced fertilizer; maintain bright light for color intensity
Flowering
Intermittent throughout the yearSmall, delicate three-petaled flowers emerge along the stems; flowers are typically white, pink, or purple depending on light conditions
Flowers are produced almost year-round under good conditions; deadheading is optional but encourages continued blooming; flowering is a sign of healthy plant but not necessary for plant vigor
Maintenance
OngoingPlant reaches desired size and form; regular pruning maintains shape and encourages fullness
Prune stems back by 1/3 occasionally to rejuvenate; repot every 12-18 months; inspect regularly for pests; provide consistent care year-round
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity through misting; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe; ensure adequate air circulation
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; isolate infested plant from other houseplants; repeat treatment weekly
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Allow top soil to dry between waterings; use sticky traps; apply yellow sticky cards near soil; improve air circulation
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Inspect and remove manually with fingernail or soft brush; spray with horticultural oil; treat every 7-10 days until resolved
Uses
Indoor air purification
HouseholdTradescantia zebrina is reported to filter formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds from indoor air, making it an excellent addition to living spaces for improving air quality. [source]
Hanging basket and living wall décor
HouseholdThe trailing growth habit and striking purple foliage make 'Hidcote Purple' ideal for hanging baskets, wall-mounted planters, and vertical garden installations. It quickly fills spaces and creates lush, cascading displays. [source]
Pollinator support indoors
WildlifeThe small flowers produced throughout the year provide nectar for indoor insect pollinators and can be visited by small insects, supporting local pollinator populations when windows are open. [source]
Traditional folk medicine uses
MedicinalIn some traditional medicine systems, Tradescantia species have been used for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial purposes, though scientific validation is limited. [source]
Propagation and plant sharing
CraftThe extreme ease of propagation makes 'Hidcote Purple' perfect for creating additional plants to share with friends or use in other rooms, serving as a sustainable source of living plant material. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
This ornamental houseplant is harvested primarily through propagation. Pinch or cut healthy stems (2-4 inches long) just below a leaf node for propagation year-round. Remove dead or leggy growth as needed to maintain shape. Stems can be propagated indefinitely to create new plants.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Hidcote Purple' is named after Hidcote Manor Garden in England, a famous garden known for its colorful plantings; the cultivar was selected for its superior purple coloration and compact growth habit.
- 🌱 Tradescantia zebrina is native to Mexico and Central America and has become naturalized in many warm regions worldwide, sometimes considered invasive in tropical areas due to its vigorous growth.
- 🌱 This plant is sometimes called 'Spiderwort' because the delicate three-petaled flowers faintly resemble spider bodies, and stems are said to resemble spider web-like structures when trailing from hanging baskets.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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