How to Grow Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant Tricolor
Wikimedia Commons
Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant Tricolor
Tradescantia zebrina
vineA vibrant trailing houseplant with striking purple-and-silver striped foliage on the upper leaf surface and deep purple undersides. Also commonly known as Inch Plant or Spiderwort, it's prized for its rapid growth and ornamental foliage in shades of silver, purple, and green. This tender perennial is perfect for hanging baskets and adds dramatic color to indoor spaces year-round.
When should you plant Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant Tricolor 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 / Spiderwort / Inch Plant Tricolor timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant Tricolor
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant Tricolor
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant Tricolor dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10b-11 outdoors; widely grown as houseplant in all zones
Sign up free to see if Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant Tricolor grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant Tricolor timeline →Growth Stages
Propagation & Rooting
10-14 daysStem cuttings develop tiny white root nodes along cut stems within 1-2 weeks when placed in water or moist soil.
Use 2-3 inch stem cuttings with at least 2 nodes. Maintain high humidity and warm temperatures (65-75°F). Keep substrate consistently moist but not soggy.
Establishment
3-4 weeksYoung plant develops a root system and sends out new growth from leaf nodes. Stems begin to show the characteristic striped foliage.
Maintain bright indirect light and moderate watering. Fertilize lightly every 3-4 weeks with diluted balanced fertilizer. Keep temperatures between 60-75°F.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksRapid stem elongation and leaf production; plant becomes bushier and more trailing. Purple and silver striping becomes more prominent with sufficient light.
Pinch back stem tips every 2-3 weeks to encourage branching and fullness. Water regularly and maintain humidity. Feed every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer during active growth.
Flowering
6-12 weeksSmall, delicate three-petaled flowers in shades of pink or purple appear between leaf nodes, though foliage remains the main ornamental feature.
Flowers are not the primary attraction; continue regular care regimen. Flowering usually occurs in spring and summer with adequate light.
Mature Trailing
OngoingPlant reaches desired trailing length (12-24+ inches) with dense foliage coverage and sustained purple-silver coloration throughout stems.
Maintain regular watering and humidity. Cut back trailing stems if plant becomes leggy. Continue feeding during growing season to sustain vigor.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity through regular misting; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants
-
Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with neem oil every 7 days for 3 weeks
-
Manually remove with soft brush; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
-
Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase air circulation
-
Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering; remove affected portions and repot in fresh soil; improve air circulation
Uses
Indoor Air Purification
HouseholdTradescantia zebrina is documented to remove formaldehyde and other airborne toxins from indoor spaces, making it valuable for improving air quality in homes and offices. [source]
Living Wall & Hanging Display
CraftThe rapid trailing growth and vibrant coloration make it ideal for hanging baskets, wall-mounted planters, and living wall installations, requiring minimal structural support due to light weight. [source]
Traditional Folk Remedy
MedicinalIn traditional medicine, particularly in Central and South American herbalism, Tradescantia species have been used to treat wounds, skin irritations, and digestive issues, though clinical evidence is limited. [source]
Edible Garnish & Salad Green
CulinaryYoung leaves and stems are edible with a mild, slightly tangy flavor and are increasingly used as an ornamental edible garnish in modern cuisine and salads. [source]
Pollinator-Friendly Indoor Plant
WildlifeThe small flowers attract small flying insects indoors and support beneficial pollinators when grown in outdoor warm zones, contributing to garden ecosystem diversity. [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 harvested in traditional sense, but pinch back 2-3 inch stem tips regularly to encourage bushier growth. Trim trailing stems as desired to maintain shape. Stem cuttings root easily and can be used for propagation year-round; water propagation works particularly well.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The plant earns its common name 'Inch Plant' because it grows approximately one inch per week under ideal conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing houseplants available.
- 🌱 Tradescantia zebrina is native to Mexico and displays photoresponsive behavior—the intensity of purple coloration increases with higher light exposure, while lower light causes foliage to become more green.
- 🌱 Despite its delicate appearance, this plant is nearly indestructible; a single leaf node can regenerate into an entire plant, making it perfect for beginners and nearly impossible to kill.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant Tricolor planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Wandering Jew / Spiderwort / Inch Plant Tricolor 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 / Spiderwort / Inch Plant Tricolor timeline →