Introduction

The Wandering Jew plant scientifically known as Tradescantia zebrina is one of the most beautiful house plants because of the lovely coloured leaves that grow downwards. This plant has nice design from its broad shallow leaves with green, purplish and silver toned colors, thus it is a beautiful addition to any interior. The wandering Jew is creeping, undersized bush which should be at least 15cm (6 inches) high. The succulent stems carry half-moon shaped leaves which can reach a length of 2.5 inches.

The Wandering Jew plant, aside from drawing your attention with its charm, is low maintenance, so even beginners and the most experienced plant collectors will find it hard to resist. This care guide is an overview of everything you need to learn to keep your Wandering Jew plant healthy and alive. 

Botanical Background:

The tradescantia genus or False Rex is a type of plant having triangular and sectioned flowers that grow in the form of a leaf. Peta is one of the most attractive types of Tradescantia zebrina that can be commonly selected from the Mayan area in Mexico and Central America. The shrub is full of leaves and deadwood, on which golden eagles perch and cowbirds alight. Vines grow out from the trailheads. Apart from its scientific name, the Wandering Jew plant is also called by various other common names including Inch Plant or Spiderwort indicating its adaptability to most places and its widespread appeal among gardeners.

Different Varities of Wandering Jew Plant

Several cultivars of Wandering Jew plant are very famous; however, those cultivars can be identified by the leaves which differ according to the respective variety. The Zebrina type gives green foliage leaves that are shiny, and silvery striped that resembles the zebra stripes. The Tricolor type wealth with greens, purples and pinks truly makes it look very attractive. The Nanouk variety differs from the other one in its compact plant feature and pastels-colored foliage, which is certainly beautiful and to be found only in indoor settings. No matter what pattern you decide to choose within the Wandering Jew group, there will be a version that will please everyone.

Ideal Indoor Environment

Light Requirements:

Good lighting in the form of natural and artificial illumination is a big demand for your wandering jew to be healthy and green. Under the indirect light, it can grow well although extended direct sunlight tends to burn and destroy the fragile leaves. Indirect light provides an even equilibrium of the right intensity of light and such is an excellent enhancer of the bright growth of greenery and detonation. The signal of deficiency is pallor of leaves and “legginess”, indicating the necessity of relocation or addition of growth-promotion light for better growth. In these situations, Wandering Jew plants will do just fine but lack the bright colors of young growth and will have the reduced growth since they are living in the shade rather than the light of the sun.

Temperature and Humidity:

For your Wandering Jew to be in perfect health, its temperature and humidity levels have to be maintained at a constant or an ideal level. It thrives in a temperature of 50-80 Fahrenheit (10-27 Celsius), which is ideal for indoors. Any change in temperature that is different from the average temperature of the household would retard its growth and make it unfavorable. One of the factors is a moderate humidity on which, however, the emphasis is not so great because the Tradescantia zebrina prefers a wide range of humidity levels. Nevertheless, pebble trays and humidifiers are also used by people who want to complement the moist environment. Most of these are best in the dry winter season.

Potting and Soil

Choosing the right pot and soil mix are essential in providing the best growth conditions for your Wandering Jew plant. See that you select a pot with drainage holes, because without proper drainage, the plant may start to experience such problems as waterlogging which will lead to root rot, among other things. A bigger pot (but one should make sure it is larger than the root ball) lets the plants breathe, grow and spread their root system in comfort, as opposed to being restricted. To take care of your plants, always use potting mix for good drainage, for instance, basic houseplant mix with added perlite or orchid; it allows for air circulation and enables the roots to grow healthier. Proper soil moisture level will be maintained through intelligent water management resulting in non-bleached roots and ultimately in the robust and healthy plant growth.

Watering and Feeding

Watering Regimen

Watering of a plant is essential for its health since without proper watering a plant will not germinate or grow. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry and be careful not to overwater as this can result in root rot among other issues. Symptoms of roots being affected with over watering are yellow leaves and a swamped soil surface; meanwhile insufficient water may be the reason for wilting and dry leaves. Consider the watering frequency depending on the season and type of light available. Do not over-water in the winter period when growth is reduced. Another effective watering method to prevent overwatering is the bottom watering, or the watering-from-below approach, where the pot is placed in the upright position over a tray filled with water and allowed to absorb water from the bottom, so that the water would not be wasted or overflow the soil.

Fertilization:

Applying a complete water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) on your Wandering Jew plant once a month during the growing season, diluted water-soluble fertilizer (one-half strength) during the active growing season (spring and summer) shows healthy growth and nice foliage color. Conceptions of fertilizing once a month would be ideal for plants since they will meet all nutrients required and avoid the them from over-fertilizing and burning, which may cause them to destroy. To vector the soil, we suggest leaching with mixture of water and chemically laden fertilizers from time to time. This will prevent accumulation of salt which might cause root to suffer hypoxia or reduce nutrient uptake.

Maintaining a Healthy Plant
Pruning and Pinching

To be able to manage the form and appearance of the Wandering Jew plant, pruning is an obligatory routine practice. Pruning results in a more bushy growth, prevents legginess and a compact plant at the end of the season. Pruning of the stem tips and its side leaves and removing yellow and sick foliage initiates the growth of new leaves. 

Pest and Disease Control

To keep common pests and diseases in check, vigilance by you is the key for the enduring health and prosperity of your plant. The typical pests are mealy bugs, spider mites, and aphids which can be controlled by neem oil spray or insecticidal soap. Pests are indicated by webs, sticky substances and discolored leaves. Another issue that may occur is fungal infections; also through soak fronting or bad drainage. Proper watering and knowledge about drainage can prevent development of fungus but fungicides spores present in the fungicides may be used to treat an already established infection.

Propagation: A Bounty of Wandering Jews

Propagation

Since the stem cutting is the fastest and easiest propagation method, this is the water or soil propagation type. Select healthy stems having more than one node, cut the lower leave parts. Insert the cutting in a glass of water or directly into the wet soil, leaving the nodes in water or soil contact. Keep cutting in temperature, humidity-filled room with bright but not direct sunlight. Observe the root system developing and then plant them in the chosen potting mix. With good care, this plant will grow to be a source of delight for you and an adornment of your environment for many years.

Conclusion

Growing a rex begoniac for the indoor environment is an interesting and challenging work that will bring brightness and glamour in any part of the indoors. With the help of detailed requirements on light, temperature, watering, food and other, you may create the most advisable conditions circumstances that will provide a suitable growth of plants and eventually strong and healthy harvests. Routine maintenance, involving pruning, pest control, and the reproduction, will ensure a decent lifespan and appearance of your plant. Considered to be one of the best plants for indoor gardening, whatever level of experience you possess as a plant lover it brings you happiness and brightness, and enhances the quality of indoor life. Give it a try and own a beautiful plant which will always remain beautiful and charming in your home for quite some time.