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How To Care For A Wandering Jew Plant (Your Complete Guide)

When it comes to houseplants able to brighten up indoor spaces, it doesn’t get much more colorful than the variegated foliage of a Wandering Jew plant ( Tradescantia zebrina ). With their hardy nature and ease of care, they are a perfect choice for those feeling they kill everything they bring indoors. We’ve listed a quick summary of their care below.

How To Care For A Wandering Jew Plant: Grow your Wandering Jew in well-drained soil, kept moist but not soggy through regular watering. Create humidity, keep indoor temperatures between 50°F (10°C) to 85°F (29°C) and fertilize monthly.

Continue reading because we’ve taken all the guesswork out of caring for your Wandering Jew and keeping it healthy and happy for years to come.

How To Care For A Wandering Jew Plant

Wandering Jew plants belong in the Commelinaceae family, which includes around 652 different species. The family is made up of herbs, climbers and several epiphytes, with some used as outdoor and indoor ornamentals like Wandering Jew.

There are three different plants commonly known as Wandering Jews; Tradescantia fluminensis , Tradescantia pallida , and Tradescantia zebrina. Of the three, Tradescantia zebrina is the most common one grown and has the most eye-catching and colorful foliage. All three have the same requirements for care and good growth.

Native to Mexico and Guatemala, Wandering Jew is classified as a tender evergreen perennial that performs well planted outdoors in frost-free regions. Those living in cooler environments can easily grow it as an indoor plant planted either in containers or in hanging baskets. Outdoors it’s typically used as a quick-growing groundcover.

Although a common name shared with several very different plants, Wandering Jew is often called Inch Plant , due to the leaf margins being spaced about an inch apart. You may also find Wandering Jew listed as Zebrina Pendula , but is synonymous with Tradescantia zebrina and is the same plant.

When it comes to Wandering Jew plants, it’s all about the attention-grabbing foliage. The succulent stems give way to leaves that are a deep purple on their undersides with the upper portion striped in silvery-gray and greenish-blue. The oval leaves grow to about 2.5 inches long and the stems grow about 2 feet long. It makes a beautiful plant used in hanging baskets, with the long stems cascading over the side.

Even grown indoors, Wandering Jews have a fast rate of growth and before you know it, the plants will be spilling over your container’s or hanging basket’s sides. Whereas some indoor plants seem to take forever to fill out, this isn’t a problem with properly cared for Wandering Jew plants.

There are several other cultivars (varieties) of Wandering Jew, which include:

• ‘Purpusii’ has unstriped, hairy foliage that is either solid red or reddish-green.
• ‘Quadricolor’ produces metallic-green foliage striped in red, white and green.

Wandering Jew plants are the ideal candidates for beginner houseplant gardeners due to their hardiness and robust growth. Below we’ve outlined all the basics of their proper care, as well as identifying and preventing any potential problems so you can enjoy your Wandering Jew for years to come. The best indoor plants are those that are happy and healthy.

Soil Conditions For Wandering Jew Plants

Wandering Jew plants tolerate growing in a wide range of soils provided they drain well. Although they do tolerate and prefer moist conditions, the soil must drain properly to prevent root and stem rot from occurring. Therefore, it is necessary to use a lighter weight soil mixture in your pots rather than heavier soils that don’t provide proper drainage.

Straight potting soils are usually too heavy, retain too much moisture and have a tendency to leave the soil soggy. You can use a heavier potting soil in your soil mixture, just be sure to incorporate a lighter soil mix to provide the Wandering Jew the drainage required for healthy growth.

Commercial potting mixes work well and many have a slow-release fertilizer mixed in, which cuts down on the need for frequent feedings. The slow-release blends usually continue to fertilize the Wandering Jew for about three months.

You can also make your own soil by mixing several ingredients together such as:

• Using equal parts of compost and a potting mix.
• Mixing equal portions of compost, peat and potting soil or a potting mix.
• Using equal portions of a course sand, compost and potting soil or a potting mix.

Whatever soil you choose to use, just make sure it drains well and contains a bit of fertility for the best performance of your Wandering Jew plants.

Preferred Light Conditions

Although Wandering Jew plants tolerate lower light conditions than many houseplants, to help retain those striking colors the plant is known for, place the container in a location indoors receiving filtered sunlight. If your plant starts losing some of the color in the foliage, move it to a location that receives a bit more light.

In addition, if the lower portion of the stems start suffering leaf drop, the Wandering Jew isn’t get enough light and needs to be relocated to a brighter area inside the home.

Once the warm weather of spring arrives and if you’d like to give your Wandering Jew a bit of a break from its indoor location, place it in an outdoor spot that receives partial sun to partial shade. Moving it to an outdoor location with too much sun may leave the foliage sunburned.

Indoor Temperature Requirements

In the Wandering Jew’s native environment, temperatures are consistently warm without the threat of frosts or freezes. Generally, if the indoor temperatures inside your home are comfortable for you, they will also be comfortable for your Wandering Jew plant.

Indoor temperatures between 50°F (10°C) to 85°F (29°C) are a good range for your Wandering Jew plants. Plants grown in this temperature range produce the healthiest growth.

If you gave your plants a break from their indoor location, just make sure to bring them back indoors before the cold weather of winter strikes.

Water Requirements

Wandering Jews prefer soils that are regularly kept moist, not soggy, compared to many indoor houseplants. However, this doesn’t mean the soil should be kept so wet they never begin to dry out. Keeping the soil too wet for too long promotes rot to set in and you may end up killing your Wandering Jew plants. Your Wandering Jew is more likely to forgive you if you forget to water over watering too much and too often.

A good rule to follow is if the soil starts to feel like it’s about to become very dry, apply water. It’s easy to know exactly when to water by:

• Sticking your finger into the soil and if the top inch is starting to feel dry, water until it runs from the container’s bottom drain holes.

During the warm growing season of spring through summer, you can probably expect to water once each week. However, during winter when the Wandering Jew goes into dormancy (its growth slows), you will probably only need to water about every other week.

Humidity Requirements

Compared to many tropical plants grown indoors, Wandering Jew plants aren’t quite as fussy about humid conditions , but still need some humidity for the best growth and performance. Don’t let the thought of creating a humid environment stress you out because replicating humidity for your indoor plants is relatively easy and basic.

• Fill a spray bottle with room temperature water and mist the Wandering Jew several times each week.
• If you’re growing the Wandering Jew in a container and not in a hanging basket, you can set the pot on a tray of pebbles. As you water, the water seeps from the bottom drain holes onto the tray of pebbles and as it evaporates, it creates a humid environment around the plant.
• If your bathroom gets the appropriate amount of light for the Wandering Jew, you can allow it to grow there. Due to the regular use of water in a bathroom, moisture is created, creating the humidity the Wandering Jew requires.

Fertilizer Needs

Unless the soil mixture contains a slow-release fertilizer blend, which feeds the Wandering Jew for about three months, fertilizing monthly is sufficient for proper growth. You have several choices when it comes to fertilizer you can use for your Wandering Jew plant.

• Use a houseplant fertilizer applied at half-strength, applied when you do your regular watering.
• Use an all-purpose, water-soluble blend for outdoor and indoor plants, applied at half-strength and used during your regular watering schedule.
• If your soil mixture didn’t contain a slow-release fertilizer or it’s been about three months, if one was contained in the soil, you can reapply slow-release fertilizer granules sprinkled over the top of the soil. Follow the package directions on amounts.

When it comes to the appropriate time of year to fertilize the Wandering Jew, only fertilize while it’s actively growing, which is spring throughout summer. In winter, the plant goes through a dormant stage and all growth slows, so there is no need to apply fertilizer. Wait until spring arrives before you resume fertilizing the plant.

The one thing you will need to pay attention to when it comes to fertilizing is the buildup of salts in the soil, which can result in foliage burns. Wandering Jew plants have a low tolerance to salty soils. Preventing any salt buildup is relatively simple:

• If the plant isn’t too big, you can take the entire pot to your sink or bathtub and allow water to run slowly through the soil for about five minutes, flushing out any salts.
• If the plant is too big for indoor flushing, take it outside and allow water from the hose to run slowly through the soil for about five minutes. Allow the water to drain and then bring the plant back indoors.

Pruning Requirements

The pruning needs of Wandering Jew plants are low. If you want to control the size of the plant and promote bushier growth, you can pinch off the tips of the stems. To keep the plant always looking its best, you can trim off any broken, dead or damaged stems and leaves throughout the year.

When using pruning tools to trim your Wandering Jew always make sure they are clean so you don’t transfer any diseases or pests to your plant. This is as easy as wiping off the blades with alcohol.

Some people experience skin irritations when handling the cuttings due to the sap , so if you are unsure if you are one of these unlucky gardeners, it might be best to wear gardening gloves when pruning or handling Wandering Jew cuttings.

Potting Needs

If you purchased your Wandering Jew already potted in a hanging basket or 1-gallon container, it should thrive as is for a year or more before it requires repotting. However, if you received rooted cuttings in smaller containers like 4- to 6-inch pots, you most likely need to repot them into something a bit larger so they can grow properly.

This also cuts down on the need for repotting in a month or two as the Wandering Jew begins to outgrow its present pot.

When it comes to the pot’s material, any type works quite well for growing this plant from clay to plastic. However, if you grow your Wandering Jew in a pot made of a porous material like terra cotta, the soil is going to dry quicker than if it was growing in a plastic pot. This means you will need to water more frequently.

Once your Wandering Jew starts getting too big for its present container, it’s time to repot it into one that is around 1- to 2-inches larger. Although the plant likes a moist soil, make sure the pot has bottom drainage to prevent the possibility of rot due to conditions that are too wet.

If you like, you can dress the container up by placing the draining one inside a decorative pot without bottom drain holes, but be sure to empty out any additional water once the inner pot thoroughly drains.

I think a decorative outer pot can add so much to the beauty of your houseplants, so I do this with almost all of my houseplants. Read this article which discusses my favorite decorative planters if you need some inspiration.

Potting and repotting your Wandering Jew is basic:

• Gently remove the Wandering Jew from its present container, being careful not to break the succulent stems.
• Fill the new container that drains about a quarter of the way full with a fertile, well-drained potting mix.
• Check the Wandering Jew’s root system and if it’s growing bunched together and filled the previous pot, gently tease the roots apart with your hands.
• Place the Wandering Jew into the new container and finish filling it with soil.
• Water the Wandering Jew until it runs from the bottom drain holes and place in a bright location indoors.

Propagating New Plants

When it comes to propagating new plants, Wandering Jew is about as easy as it gets. Even if you have never done this before you should have success starting its cuttings. When you trim to control its size, don’t throw those cuttings away but use them to start additional plants.

You have two choices when it comes to rooting your cuttings and both are easy. The first thing you will want to do is obtain your cuttings. Trim off a 4- to 6-inch cutting from the mother plant and you’re ready to start rooting.

Rooting in Soil

• Fill a 6-inch to 1-gallon container that drains with a rich, well-drained potting mix. Water the soil to settle it.
• Make about a 2-inch indentation in the soil where you want to place the Wandering Jew cutting.
• Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting where you will be inserting it into the soil. You can do this by pinching them off with your fingers.
• Place the cutting into the indentation and firm the soil up around it with your fingers.
• Water the soil again and place the cutting in the same light conditions where the mother plant was thriving. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Roots should form in about four weeks and after about eight weeks, the Wandering Jew cuttings should form a new root system.

Rooting in Water

• Fill a glass jar or plastic container with about 3-inches of room temperature water.
• Pinch off any leaves from the section of the Wandering Jew cutting that will be submerged in the water.
• Place the cutting in the water and situate the container in a bright indoor location.
• Change the water in the container about every other week, or when cloudy.

You should start seeing new roots form on the cuttings in several weeks. Once the roots are several inches long, you can repot the cuttings into a draining container filled with fertile, well-drained soil.

Disease Problems

Wandering Jew plants grown indoors are hardy and don’t have major diseases that plague them. However, rot is their biggest enemy and caused by soils that are too heavy and do not drain properly, retaining too much water. Overwatering and planting in pots that don’t drain are other causes of rot problems.

When rot rears its ugly head you’ll notice the bottom stems, as well as the foliage turning black, becoming mushy and the entire plant collapses. If this happens and seems to start affecting the entire Wandering Jew plant, you can trim off healthy, unaffected sections of the stems and repot into fresh, clean soil. Since there is no saving the rot-infected sections, you will have no choice but to discard those portions of the plant.

Steps for preventing problems with rot include:

• Using lightweight potting mixes that drain well and aren’t too heavy, which leads to the soil remaining too wet for too long. Some types of potting soils have a tendency to be heavy and need mixing with a potting mix, compost, coarse sand or peat.
• Don’t overwater your Wandering Jew. Although they prefer growing in moist soils, this doesn’t mean constantly soggy soil. Stick your finger into the soil and if the top inch is starting to become dry, apply water until it runs from the bottom of the pot.
• Make sure the pot you are growing your Wandering Jew in has bottom drainage. If you have placed the pot inside a decorative one that doesn’t drain, make sure to empty all the water from it after you have watered.

Pest Problems

Although indoor Wandering Jew plants are not big candidates for problems with pests, several can cause an infestation and problems. As with any pest problem indoors or outside in the garden, quick control is always the best option to keep your plants healthy. It also assures the pests do not migrate to your other plants causing even bigger problems and headaches.

The pests most likely to infest your indoor Wandering Jew plants are:

• Aphids: Aphids come in a host of different colors and are tiny, pear-shaped, sap-sucking insects that usually congregate in large masses along the Wandering Jew’s stems. In large infestations, they can kill the plant or severely weaken it. If the infestation is small, you can wipe the pests off the stems with a moist cloth. However, if the infestation is large, you will probably have to spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or Neem, reapplying as suggested on the package.
• Spider Mites: Spider mites are another sap-sucking pest that if left unchecked can quickly kill or weaken the Wandering Jew. It is easy to tell if you have a spider mite problem as these tiny, white pests spin fine webbing that covers the plant. Spider mites can be the bane of houseplants so quick control is necessary. Use an insecticidal soap or Neem and spray the entire plant, reapplying as suggested on the product label.
• Whiteflies:   Whiteflies are other sap-sucking pests that can quickly kill or weaken your Wandering Jew if not quickly controlled. They are another easily identifiable pest, as just touching the plant sends the tiny whiteflies from the plant’s foliage and into the air, hovering right above it. Control the problem with an insecticidal soap or Neem, spraying the entire plant and reapplying as suggested on the product’s label.
• Mealybugs:   Sap-sucking mealybugs show up on the Wandering Jew as cottony masses covering the stems and crotches of the foliage. Control the problem by spraying the entire plant with insecticidal soap or Neem, reapplying as suggested on the product’s label. If the infestation is small, you can also wipe them from the stems and leaves with a damp cloth.

Is Wandering Jew A Perennial?

Wandering Jew plants are considered a tender, evergreen perennial. Unlike annuals, and if grown in preferred conditions with proper care, Wandering Jews should live and keep on growing for quite a few years, both indoors and outside.

Why Are My Wandering Jew Plant’s Leaves Losing Their Color?

If your Wandering Jew is growing in light conditions that are too low, the leaves will start to lose their color and become duller. When grown indoors and to keep the bright color on the foliage, make sure the Wandering Jew is growing in a location receiving bright light.

Why Are My Wandering Jew’s Leaves Dropping?

Wandering Jew plants grown in light conditions that are too low will start dropping leaves at the base of their stems. Solve the problem by moving the plant to an indoor location that is brighter. For the best leaf color and growth, they prefer an indoor location receiving bright light.

Why Are My Wandering Jew Cuttings Rotting In Soil?

If your Wandering Jew cuttings are rotting in soil it could be one of two things causing the problem. The soil you are growing the cuttings in may be infected with a fungus that is infecting them with rot.

You can solve the problem by planting the cutting in a sterile, well-drained potting mix. Another cause might be the soil is remaining too soggy and the container doesn’t drain.

Make sure you are using a soil that drains well and doesn’t remain soggy, do not overwater and use a container with bottom drainage. Water the cuttings when to top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Can I Root Wandering Jew Cuttings In Water?

Wandering Jew cuttings root quite well in water. Fill a container with several inches of water, remove any leaves that would be submerged and stick the cut end into the water.

Fill the container with fresh, clean water about every other week. You should start seeing root form on the cuttings in several weeks. Once the roots get several inches in length, you can repot the cuttings in a draining container with rich, well-drained soil.

Are Wandering Jew Plants Toxic?

When it comes to humans, Wandering Jew’s sap can cause skin irritation in humans that are allergic to it. Therefore, it’s best to wear gardening gloves when handling or pruning the plant.

The plant is listed as toxic to dogs and cats, due to its tendency to cause skin allergies and dermatitis. To keep your pets and children safe, make sure you situate your indoor Wandering Jew out of the reach of both.

If you’d like some indoor plants that are non-toxic, check out this article which discusses my favorite non-toxic houseplants.

Do Wandering Jew Plants Produce Blooms?

When grown outdoors, Wandering Jews produce small, three-petaled, lavender flowers, but the plant rarely ever blooms grown indoors as a houseplant.

Can I Grow Wandering Jew Outdoors?

Wandering Jew plants grow as perennials planted outdoors in frost-free climates, however, those with cooler weather can plant outdoors and treat it as an annual.

What’s The Growth Rate For Wandering Jew Plants?

When grown in proper conditions with proper care, Wandering Jew plants are considered fast growers.

Many thanks for reading my guide to Wandering Jew care. This really is a great indoor plant for your home. Beautiful and easy to care for, its hard to go wrong.

If you want more help with looking after your indoor plants, check out the rest of my articles , and head over to my resources section , where I have some great recommended resources, books and equipment to help you grow healthier, more beautiful plants.

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A Complete Guide to Wandering Jew Plant Care

Last Updated: March 27, 2024 Fact Checked

• Potting Your Plant
• Caring for Your Plant

Preventing Pests & Disease

Expert q&a, things you'll need.

This article was co-authored by Chai Saechao and by wikiHow staff writer, Dev Murphy, MA . Chai Saechao is the Founder and Owner of Plant Therapy, an indoor-plant store founded in 2018 based in San Francisco, California. As a self-described plant doctor, he believes in the therapeutic power of plants, hoping to keep sharing his love of plants with anyone willing to listen and learn. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 633,037 times.

Wandering Jews are beautiful vining plants known for their solid or variegated leaves. These hardy perennials thrive outdoors as groundcover or in pots that allow their tendrils to cascade. They’re relatively easy to care for and incredibly simple to propagate, making them great houseplants! Keep reading for an easy step-by-step guide to Wandering Jew maintenance, from planting to watering to pruning.

Things You Should Know

• Keep your Wandering Jew in a warm spot (around 50–80 °F (10–27 °C)) with lots of bright, indirect sunlight.
• Pot your plant in well-draining potting soil in a container with drainage holes. Keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet.
• Pinch or prune the leaves when the plant gets leggy to promote bushiness, or when any leaves or vines begin to brown or rot.

Potting Your Wandering Jew Plant

• Refer to this map to see if your area's temperatures are warm enough to support a Wandering Jew plant, if you're planning on keeping it outside. According to the USDA, the Wandering Jew plant grows best in zones 9-11.
• If you don’t live in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, keep in mind that you may not be able to keep your plant outside during the winter. You may want to grow it inside instead.

• If you use a hanging basket, remember to turn it daily so it gets equal amounts of sunlight.
• If you’re hanging your plant, choose a lightweight or plastic pot so it won’t fall. This also makes it easier to move inside in case of frost.

• Be careful not to use soil that’s too heavy, as Wandering Jews need light soil that drains well. [3] X Research source
• Buy well-draining soil, or, if you already have heavier soil, mix equal parts soil with compost, or equal parts soil, compost, and peat.
• Purchase a Wandering Jew plant at a gardening or home improvement center, or propagate cuttings from established plants . Wandering Jew cuttings grow very quickly.

Watering, Fertilizing & Pruning Your Plant

• If you’re growing your plant indoors, an eastern facing windowsill is a good spot. The plant will receive bright indirect light throughout the day, but watch to make sure the space doesn't become too hot in the afternoon. If so, move the pot a few feet away or use a curtain to filter the light. [5] X Research source
• If the plant primarily remains outside, find a spot that receives indirect sunlight. This could be on a porch that gets morning sun for several hours. Just make sure that it's not sitting in direct sunlight without any shade for most of the day.

• If you've set your pot on a saucer, empty the saucer when it fills.
• The plant's growth will slow in the winter months, meaning it needs to be watered less often. Simply let it remain a little dry for a bit longer before watering.
• Some people find it convenient to put self-watering aqua globes in their plant pots; however, these glass globes require cleaning and regular filling. You'll still need to monitor your plant's moisture if you choose to use them.

• Read the container's instructions carefully before fertilizing, as some liquid fertilizers may actually be powders requiring you to mix in water.

• The best time to prune is during the spring and summer months, when the plant is putting on the most growth. After you've pruned, give the plant a chance to put on new shoots and fill in.
• If you find your plant is too dense and bushy, you'll need to prune around the base so that the plant can get adequate circulation and sunlight.

• Generally, expect to repot your plant annually, but keep an eye out for signs your plant has outgrown its container within that time frame: once you see roots creeping out from under the plant through the drainage holes, or popping up through the soil, it’s time to repot. [10] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source

• Try to use distilled or bottled water when misting the leaves for the best results.
• Brown leaves can also be a sign that your plant is getting too much sunlight. In this case, make sure your plant is not directly in the sun by moving the pot or placing a filter, such as a curtain, in between the plant and the window.

• Root rot can spread very quickly, so act fast when you see signs of it. It can be heartbreaking to cut away a large chunk of your plant, but if you wait too long, you could lose the whole plant. [14] X Research source
• Other signs of root rot include spongy, black roots.

• Though "Wandering Jew" is the most common name for this plant, some people may find this term offensive. Consider using "wandering dude" or "inch plant" instead. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
• "Wandering Jew" doesn't refer to just one plant: it refers to a variety of Tradescantia species, the 3 most common of which include Tradescantia fluminensis ("Quicksilver"), Tradescantia pallida ("Purple Heart"), and Tradescantia zebrina ("Tricolor"). Care is the same for all 3. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1

• Be careful when pinching or pruning your plant. Wandering Jew sap can cause skin irritation in some people and allergic reactions in dogs. To be safe, wear gardening gloves when pruning your Wandering Jew. [15] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Wandering Jew cuttings or a plant
• Well-draining potting soil
• Pot or hanging basket
• 10-10-10- fertilizer
• Aqua globes (optional)
• Pruning shears (optional)
• Gardening gloves

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://houseplantcentral.com/tradescantia-zebrina-care-info/
• ↑ https://www.almanac.com/plant/inch-plants
• ↑ https://getbusygardening.com/wandering-jew-plant-care/
• ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/indirect-light-plants-18005506.php
• ↑ http://www.almanac.com/plant/wandering-jew
• ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/use-101010-fertilizer-garden-18057536.php
• ↑ http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/wandering-jew/growing-wandering-jew-plants.htm
• ↑ https://extension.psu.edu/repotting-houseplants
• ↑ http://www.houseplantsforyou.com/wandering-jew/
• ↑ http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/treating-root-rot-gardening-tips-for-housplants.htm
• ↑ https://www.wildinteriors.com/blog/2019/10/30/treating-root-rot-and-soft-rot-in-houseplants
• ↑ https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/wandering-jew-plants-dangerous-dogs-18063157.php

About This Article

To take care of your Wandering Jew plant, place it by an east-facing window so that it gets a combination of direct and indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but not soaked, and water the soil instead of the top of the plant to avoid rot. You should also fertilize the Wandering Jew plant every two weeks with a liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer. To keep the plant from getting leggy, trim back the stems in the spring and summer. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• Full Shade to Full Sun (0 - 6+ Hours Direct Sunlight)
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• Use as a Spiller in Containers

A traditional landscape or container plant, Purple Wandering Jew also makes a wonderful house plant, bringing that rare purple/green to pink indoors year round depending on what species you plant. It is native to East Mexico along the Gulf Coast where it is a ground cover and grows in Zones 9 through 11b as a perennial. The heart shaped leaves of T. zebrinus are striped purple and silver green and the underside of the leaf is a deep purple color.

There are not too many times that purple and stripes come together in one plant. Use it as a trailer in your large containers, hanging baskets or rock walls/terraces and as a ground cover in your landscape. Wandering Jew is grown as an annual in Zones 3-7. In parts of the Southern US homeowners plant this around their mailbox posts as it has pretty pink/purple flowers in spring and summer and its low growing habit does not interfere with the mail carrier.

Purple Wandering Jew Care

Easy to care for, Wandering Jew requires moderate to moist soil, with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2, slightly acidic. A regular fertilizing program is recommended for container plants and houseplants and only occasionally for landscape plantings. Be sure to plant out after all danger of frost has passed to minimize cold damage. Wandering Jew prefers part to full shade and that is where it maintains its best color.

No deadheading is needed as this plant self cleans. The three-lobed dainty pink/purple flowers are present during the warm parts of spring into summer and appear from within the slightly overlapped leaves. Trimming your plant may be required if it really likes where it is planted as it spreads easily. Pinch back to keep within bounds and promote branching. As a member of the spiderwort family, the sap is mildly toxic to pets, so keep the plant out of their reach as a precaution.

Purple Wandering Jew Spacing

Since this annual grows prolifically in ideal conditions, spacing plants properly is important for plant health. Growing up to 14 inches tall at maturity and spreading up to 14 inches wide, it needs 10 to 14 inches of space between plants. Wandering Jew pairs wonderfully with other partial to full shade plants like impatiens and begonia, as well as a ground cover around ferns.

Purple Wandering Jew Information

Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

4.5" Pot  Also Known As:    4.5" Container  Plant Age:    ~ 6 months  Plant Size:    ~ 3"-6"  Pot Size:    ~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W  Volume:    1.42 quarts

Quart Pot  Also Known As:    Quart  Plant Age:    ~ 6 months - 1 year  Plant Size:    ~ 4"-8"  Pot Size:    ~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W  Volume:    1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart  Also Known As:    2.5 Quart Pot  Plant Age:    ~ 1.5 - 2 years old  Plant Size:    ~ 8"-12"  Pot Size:    ~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W  Volume:    2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot  Also Known As:    #1 Container     1 Gallon  Plant Age:    ~ 1.5 - 2 years old  Plant Size:    ~ 10"-14"  Pot Size:    ~ 7"H x 7.75"W  Volume:    2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot  Also Known As:    #2 Container     2 Gallon  Plant Age:    ~ 1.5 - 3 years old  Plant Size:    ~ 12"-18"  Pot Size:    ~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W  Volume:    1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot  Also Known As:    #3 Container     3 Gallon  Plant Age:    ~ 2 - 4 years old  Plant Size:    ~ 12"-30"  Pot Size:    ~9.5"H x 11"W  Volume:    2.32-2.76 gallons

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Wandering Jew Plant – Ultimate Care Guide

By: Author Daniel

Posted on Last updated: September 18, 2023

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You are reading this guide to learn more about the Wandering Jew Plant and its care . I have had this plant at home for many years and write about all the growing aspects in this guide.

Wandering Jew Plant Care Takeaways

What is the wandering jew plant.

The Wandering Jew, or Tradescantia zebrina, by its scientific name (old name = Zebrina pendula) is native to Mexico. It is not to be confused with Tradescantia albiflora, which also goes by Wandering Jew and has very similar care needs. 

Tradescantia zebrina has attractive foliage, sporting exciting zebra-patterned leaves. It also flowers. But when kept as a houseplant, this rarely ever happens. It is a fast-growing and excellent groundcover, according to the University of Florida .

W andering Jew Plant Care

To keep your Wandering Jew plant thriving, ensure it receives bright, indirect sunlight. Keep it in average room temperatures of 60-75°F (16-24°C). Fertilize once a month during spring and summer. In winter, relocate the plant to a cooler area with temperatures of 54-59°F (12-15°C).

Table of Contents

Tradescantia zebrina Growing guide

Tradescantia zebrina care is pretty straightforward, but it certainly can’t hurt to glance at the most important things to consider when caring about this herbaceous perennial plant. 

So, without further ado, let’s see how you can make your Wandering Jew, aka the Inch plant, as happy as possible.

Any good potting soil will do for your Wandering Jew. For instance, this could be Miracle Gro potting soil readily available online in stores like Amazon. 

But these plants not only feel very comfortable in soil but can also be kept in hydroponics .

Sunlight is a vital aspect when it comes to the well-being of most houseplants. Some houseplants do well with moderate sunlight, while others only thrive (or flower) when a certain level of sunlight is guaranteed.

The Wandering Jew does best in bright, indirect sunlight . 

If you are unsure what that means, please look at our Light Levels article.   

The Wandering Jew, a tropical native, thrives best when the root ball is always well moisturized. Still, waterlogging should be avoided whenever possible, as this could lead to root rot .

This tropical plant does not enjoy limy water. Use soft water whenever possible. Rainwater and distilled water are very good choices. 

Temperature

People who own an Inch plant and keep it outside run the risk of exposing it to cold temperatures. This is where indoor plant owners have the upper hand.

Wandering Jews can thrive with average room temperatures of 60 to 75°F (16 to 24°C) if it doesn’t drop for long periods. Anything below 12°C for an extended period could be fatal for your Wandering Jew.

Wandering Jews prefer a humidity of around 70%

The perennial, herbaceous Wandering Jew plant is native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia, so it should not surprise you that it likes a good deal of humidity. 

To ensure high humidity levels, regularly misting your plant is a very good idea. A hand mister filled with water does the trick. 

As for the location, you may want to keep your Wandering Jew in the bathroom , as this is usually the place in the house with the highest humidity. 

Feed your plant once a month during spring and summer. In winter, fertilizing is not necessary. 

Also, fertilization of the Wandering Jew is only necessary from the second year of cultivation or after repotting. 

Propagation

It is best propagated through stem tip cuttings. Propagating the Wandering Jew is an easy task.

Wandering Jews don’t get very tall. They might reach a height of about 14 inches (36 cm) when kept indoors. They spread to about 10 inches (25 cm).

(Re)potting

The thing with the Wandering Jew is that it grows fast , hence its nickname “Inch plant.” Because of its fast-growing pace, the plant usually gets very leggy, and leaves are often lost near the base of the plant. 

Repotting is pivotal for keeping the root system healthy regardless of the actual plant species. However, how often a houseplant needs to be repotted depends on various factors.

Some houseplants grow incredibly fast, so they need to be repotted often. Others, on the other hand, grow very slowly, so repotting is not a top priority. 

That said, repotting your Wandering Jew occasionally is a good idea. 

How long does a Wandering Jew live?

As far as the longevity of Wandering Jews goes, they often don’t get older than 2 to 3 years.  

Wandering Jew Watering

Water about once every 5-7 days in spring and summer. Keep the soil slightly humid. Do not let the Wandering Jew dry out between waterings. Use your index finger to check if the soil is dry down 1-2 inches of soil (2.5 – 5 cm).

Reduce watering to every 10-14 days in autumn and winter.

Wandering Jew Propagation

The Wandering Jew roots very easily . The plant can easily be propagated through stem tip cuttings.

When propagating your Wandering Jew, make sure that your plant is in a healthy condition. 

Please follow our step-to-step guide to propagate your Wandering Jew through stem tip cuttings.

Propagation through stem tip cuttings

• Identify the plant that you want to replicate. It should have healthy growth and plenty of stems. 
• Make clean cuts on sections that are three to six inches in length . 
• Use a sharp knife and carefully cut the leaves on the stem’s bottom half.
• If you want, you can dip the exposed end of the stem in a rooting hormone . This will speed up the rooting process. However , it is unnecessary . 
• Place your stem tip cuttings into a pot with fresh soil after thoroughly watering the potting mixture. 
• Use a clear plastic bag to hold in moisture, taking it off to water weekly . 
• Keep your eyes on the plant for new growth . You should start to see roots in about two to three weeks . Once this happens, transfer the plant babies to a larger pot. 

Note: Instead of rooting your stem tip cuttings directly in soil, you could also root them in water .

Wandering Jew Pest Control

Wandering Jews are prone to aphids and spider mites attacks. So, you will need to look out for these two little pests. 

Some of these are known to cause defoliation, while others can kill the plant altogether. Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may need to use chemicals or insecticides .

Aphids on my Inch Plant

The Wandering Jew is not particularly susceptible to plant diseases or pests. Yet, you might have to deal with an aphid attack at some point. These parasites pierce the leaves of their host plant and suck their sap.

Like scale insects, they excrete sticky honeydew, by which you can immediately recognize the infestation.

Aphids can multiply explosively, especially in warm , dry environments.

As a preventive measure, ensure regular watering and occasional misting of your Wandering Jew.

The best way to combat aphids is to control them mechanically by rinsing them off the plant with water . Isolate the plant from the rest of the collection.

Pest Prevention

To prevent the Wandering Jew from pest infestations, plucking dried leaves regularly makes sense as well as using neem oil. The dried leaves lying on the substrate must be removed. Otherwise, there is a risk of rotting or infestation by parasites and fungi .

Wandering Jew Problems

Brown leaf tips.

Brown leaf tips is a very common problem with a wide variety of houseplant. Depending on the species, the causes for this problem can be very different, though. 

So what causes leaves to turn brown with Wandering Jews?

My Wandering Jew has only green leaves (not enough variegation)

If you do own a variegated Wandering Jew but only see a great amount of non-variegated leaves, chances are that your plant does not get enough sunlight . 

To solve the problem, allow your Wandering Jew some bright, indirect sunlight by placing it in a sunnier location. 

Fading leaves

If your inch plant’s foliage is suddenly losing color and sports fading leaves, this is another sign that it does not get enough sunlight . 

Dropping leaves

Dropping leaves is another very common problem many plant parents must deal with regularly . If your Wandering Jew drops leaves, this is usually due to too low or too high temperatures . 

In summer , ensure your Wandering Jew is exposed to average room temperatures.

In winter , it should be kept in a cooler environment.

Is Wandering Jew care difficult?

Wandering Jews are considered low-maintenance plants and are perfectly suitable for beginners. 

They do well at average room temperatures, don’t demand a very high level of humidity (which is sometimes difficult to achieve in a home environment), and it is very easy to propagate them through stem tip cuttings. 

Which plant species are commonly referred to as “Wandering Jew”?

Tradescantia zebrina as well as Tradescantia albiflora. 

What is the difference between Tradescantia zebrina and Zebrina pendula?

There is no difference between Tradescantia zebrina and Zebrina pendula. Zebrina pendula is just the old name for Tradescantia zebrina. 

Does my Wandering Jew flower at all?

Wandering Jews are indeed flowering plants. However, when kept indoors, they very rarely flower. 

How long can you keep a Wandering Jew?

If you don’t propagate your Wandering Jew, you can keep it for about three years. After that period, the quality of your Wandering Jew will most likely decrease. If you regularly propagate your leafy friend through stem tip cuttings, you can keep it indefinitely.

Any display tips for Wandering Jews?

Wandering Jews look great in hanging planters!

Is the Wandering Jew toxic to cats?

The Wandering Jew plant is toxic to cats. Therefore, you have to keep your cat away from this plant. 

Is the Wandering Jew toxic to dogs?

Yes, the Wandering Jew plant is toxic to dogs. Therefore, you must ensure your dog does not come in contact with this plant. 

What are the health benefits of Tradescantia zebrina, if any?

Not only is The Wandering Jew a beautiful houseplant famous for its striking foliage, but it also presents several health benefits for humans. It is especially known for its antioxidant and antibacterial activity, and it is widely used in Traditional Medicine in several countries. Tradescantia zebrina is also believed to be a valuable source for treating kidney diseases.

The Last Zebrina

The Wandering Jew is a great houseplant that looks stunning in hanging planters. Its care is easy apart from its humidity-loving nature.

Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.

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Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia zebrina): Types, How to Grow and Care

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Plants with trailing and creeping habits are some of the best plants to keep. They are fast-growing and make thick carpet of groundcovers for gardens in no time and they also create striking hanging indoor plants. 

Among the all-time best trailers to grow is the wandering jew. Easy to maintain and drapes beautifully, this colored plant will make any space more inviting and interesting.

Medicinal Properties

Propagation and maintenance, what is a wandering jew plant.

Tradescantia is one of the 37 genera under the plant family Commelinaceae (1). Some of its 75 species are commonly called ‘wandering jew’ (also known as inch plant), a name they adapted due to their long lifespan like the Jewish character from a Christian folklore.

Another name for this group of herbaceous perennial plants is ‘spiderwort’ after the spiderweb-like sap they produce when the stem breaks. They are native to Canada, Mexico, and Argentina and have been naturalized in other parts of the world (2).

The most common tradescantia grown ornamentally is the T. zebrina also previously called Zebrina pendula . It has long fleshy stems where the wandering jew plant leaves and roots appear. The lance-like leaves are a mixture of green and purple with silver stripes on the upper side and deep purple under (3). The plant grows close to the ground and can only reach 20 to 30 cm high.

Does Tradescantia Zebrina Flower?

The wandering jew is considered an ornamental plant primarily because of its showy colorful foliage but the plant does produce pink flowers.

Small three-petaled pinkish purple flowers appear sporadically throughout the year (4). The resulting fruit is a capsule containing tiny brown seeds.

Is it Toxic to Pets?

Spiderworts are normally harmless plants but they contain toxic properties that may cause mild gastric problems and dermatitis to pets. Although they don’t lead to anything serious, it will be safe to keep the plants out of reach of pets and to keep the hands protected when dealing with the sap of the plant.

Because of the plant’s hardiness and adaptability to different environments, the wandering jew establishes well, in fact so well that it can be considered an invasive species. In countries like Australia, the plant has the capacity to invade natural vegetation. Although growing them is not prohibited, everyone is obliged to keep the plant’s growth under control (5).

Studies showed that Tradescantia has significant effects as an anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial medicinal plant. In traditional Chinese medicine, the wandering jew plant is highly valued as treatment for kidney failure.

The extract from the whole plant is cooked with dates, ginger, and water and consumed by patients. The plant is also known to treat high blood pressure, cough, urinary tract infection and tuberculosis (1).

How to Grow and Care for a Tradescantia

Here’s how to care for a wandering jew plant, one of the easy house plants to own.

Light and Water

In the wild, the wandering jew plant thrives without assistance but under the right conditions. It likes filtered sun so indoor fluorescent light is enough. Placing them by the window and turning the plant every two weeks will keep the leaves colorful and the growth even on all sides (3).

The plant spreads easily in damp areas that’s why it naturally grows along riverbanks and roadsides. When potted, the soil should be kept moist but well-drained. Saturated soil often causes root rot.

Fertilize your Tradescantia plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Over-fertilizing can lead to fertilizer burn and damage the plant, so follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully.

Temperature and Humidity

Spiderworts like it warm but there should be enough air circulation or else the leaves will sag. During the heat of the summer, taking the plant outside under shade will provide the necessary cool to the plant.

Mist the hanging plant early in the morning and late in the afternoon. If the plant is on a table, place a glass of water beneath the leaves or put the pot on a wet pebble tray. This will humidify the immediate vicinity of the plant aiding in its photosynthesis and transpiration processes.

Pests and Diseases

The most common living enemies of the wandering jew are aphids, mealybugs, scale, white flies, and spider mites. Manual removal at the onset of infestation is effective but they should be closely monitored as serious attack may lead to the plant’s death. If left unnoticed and the infestation has become severe, get rid of the plant by burning to avoid contamination.

Since the creeping inch plant is mainly soft almost like a succulent, soggy soil and too wet conditions lead to root and stem rot (4). As long as the plant is receiving just enough moisture, this disease will be avoided.

Propagating wandering jew plants is very easy. They can grow from seeds but will take years to establish so the more convenient stem cutting is best. The trailing or creeping stems form nodules where the roots will eventually grow as it comes in contact with the potting soil (2). When the hanging plant has longer trails than intended, it can be trimmed and the resulting stem cuttings can be rooted to form new plants.

There will be times that the potted wandering jew will become leggy, especially if it’s been receiving more shade. To promote a bushier growth pinch back by literally pinching the tip of the plant where the new growth occurs (4). This practice allows the formation of lateral stems.

In two or three years, these hardy plants may become pot bound, with the roots taking up most of the space in the pot. Repot in a larger container with a good mixture of soil, coarse sand, and compost to replenish the nutrients and provide room for the roots to breathe. Additionally, fertilize once every two months by foliar application just to improve plant vigor.

Common Varieties of Wandering Jew

The oldest and most common indoor wandering jew, this species has leaves alternating, often overlapping when young, purple leaves with silvery green thick stripes and solid purple underside. The stem is also a mixture of purple and green.

T. blossfeldiana

The leaves of this species are quite thicker, glossy, and covered in miniscule hairs called trichomes. The three-petalled flower is an ombre of white and pinkish purple with yellow anthers.

T. fluminensis ‘Tricolor’

This attractive variety showcases leaves with white, lilac, and green variegation. It appears smaller than the common wandering jew but bushier in form.

T. sillamontana

This whimsical species looks frosted with its silvery trichomes covering the entire plant. The green leaves are still alternately arranged but more compact which make a potted plant look more bushy than trailing. The light color of the leaves provide a complementing backdrop to the bright purple flowers.

The leaves and stems of this species are in striking deep purple color hence the common name ‘ purple heart ’. Under shaded, they turn a hint of dull green. The leaves are also longer and have wider space in between.

Does Wandering Jew plant need full sun?

Wandering Jew plants (Tradescantia zebrina) prefer bright indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun, especially in the morning or late afternoon. However, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight may cause their dark green leaves to scorch.

How do you care for a wandering Jew plant indoors?

To care for a Wandering Jew plant indoors, place it in a location with bright, indirect sunlight, such as near a window. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks, and provide well-draining soil. Additionally, mist the plant occasionally to increase humidity and remove dust from the leaves.

How do I make my Wandering Jew fuller?

To make your Wandering Jew plant fuller, prune it regularly to encourage branching and bushier growth. Pinch off the tips of the stems or trim back leggy growth to promote new growth and create a more compact appearance. You can also propagate wandering jew cuttings to create new plants and fill out the pot.

How long do Wandering Jew plants live?

Wandering Jew plants are generally long-lived when provided with proper care. With the right growing conditions indoors, they can thrive for several years, often becoming fuller and more lush over time with regular pruning and maintenance.

Reference List

(1) Dash, G., et. al. Tradescantia zebrina: A Promising Medicinal Plant. 2017. IAJPS, 4 (10). P. 3498-3502 .

(2) Arakelyan, H. Tradescantia zebrina- Mother Nature Healing. 2019. Researchgate.

(3) Vermeulen, N. Encyclopedia of House Plants. Taylor and Francis. 1999. P. 320.

(4) North Carolina State Extension. Tradescantia zebrina. NC State University. 2018. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tradescantia-zebrina/ . Accessed on 12 August 2020.

(5) The State of Queensland. IPA-Zebrina. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. 2020. https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/51284/IPA-Zebrina-PP102.pdf . Accesed on 12 August 2020.

Photo by Wirestock/depositphotos

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Wandering Jew Plant Care: Complete Growing Guide for Tradescantia Zebrina (Inch Plant)

Tradescantia zebrina (commonly known as wandering Jew, spiderwort, or inch plant) is popular for a reason: This beginner-friendly houseplant is low-maintenance and grows quickly. It’s also super easy to propagate more plants so you can fill your home with more of the colorful striped foliage the species is known for.

Written by Linda Ly

When it comes to vigorous, colorful, and easy-to-grow hanging houseplants, there aren’t many that can compare to Tradescantia zebrina (known more commonly as wandering Jew—and I’ll touch on the history of that name below). Whether you’re a houseplant beginner or a veteran, most indoor gardeners have owned one of these potted plants at some point. 

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Tradescantia zebrina and growing this stunning houseplant in your own home.

Disclosure: If you shop from my article or make a purchase through one of my links, I may receive commissions on some of the products I recommend.

About inch plants

Natural habitat.

Tradescantia zebrina is a native of Central and South America, from Mexico down to Colombia, as well as the Caribbean. Here, it forms part of the undergrowth in lightly forested and often very moist areas. It can form very dense, wide mats thanks to its creeping growth pattern and ability to throw roots extremely quickly.

Unfortunately, its vigorous growth has also made Tradescantia zebrina an invasive plant in some regions. This includes Hawaii, Brazil, and Australia, where the species easily takes hold in moist, forested areas.

As a 2019 study carried out in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest notes, this is problematic due to the species choking out native plants.

Some of the above was caused by careless gardeners allowing bits of the plant to get into the wild, where they quickly root. If you’d like to grow spiderworts like this one in your garden, please make sure to dispose properly of any trimmings left after pruning!

This also applies to zebrina’s popular cousins, like Tradescantia fluminensis, T. pallida, and T. spathacea.

Description

It’s not difficult to see why Tradescantia zebrina gained popularity as a houseplant. Wandering spiderwort plants (not to be confused with spider plants , another beginner-friendly species) are low-maintenance and grow just about anywhere—they even just grow in water !

Easy care and quick growth aside, spiderworts are also just good-looking plants. The pointed, oval leaves on thin, fleshy stems overlap slightly and are characterized by their zebra pattern in purple and silvery green. The leaf undersides are deep purple in color and the tiny, three-petaled flowers are bright pink.

Although this species is naturally a creeping plant, it’s often grown indoors in hanging planters. As long as the plant is provided with enough light, the foliage will be very dense and brightly colored, forming a spectacular waterfall that can reach more than 3 feet in length.

What’s in a name? In the case of common houseplants, sometimes a lot.

Tradescantia zebrina is a classic houseplant (I found mention of it in a 1964 German book about houseplants, but it’s probably been around longer than that!) and among most English speakers, it has long been known as wandering Jew. This is probably a reference to the “wandering” nature of the plant, as it does have a creeping growth pattern.

The legend of the wandering Jew is hundreds of years old and is now commonly considered to be rooted in antisemitism. It describes a Jewish man cursed to walk the planet until the Second Coming because he taunted Jesus on his way to the cross.

Because of this, the plant name has partly fallen out of fashion and has been the source of much debate in the plant world over the past few years. 

Some plant enthusiasts have embraced the alternative “wandering dude,” which I personally think is a great option.

“Inch plant” (houseplant enthusiasts don’t agree on whether this refers to the fact that it can grow an inch a day, or that you only need an inch of stem to propagate it), “spiderwort,” or “wandering spiderwort” are also popular alternatives, though these are common names for other Tradescantia varieties, such as Tradescantia Nanouk.

The best way to avoid any confusion is to just stick to the scientific name.

Inch plant varieties

There are three subspecies of inch plant (wandering Jew): Tradescantia zebrina var. zebrina, var. flocculosa, and var. mollipila. Unsurprisingly, after it having been a popular houseplant for so many years, nurseries have also managed to create a whole bunch of cultivars through selective cultivation.

A few of the popular Tradescantia zebrina cultivars you may come across in your local plant store include, but are certainly not limited to:

• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Quadricolor’: Yep, as the name suggests, this one adds an extra color to the mix. The leaves are cream, pink-purple, light green, and dark green.
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Burgundy’: Characterized by its very dark purple coloration.
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Silver Plus’: Less purple, more shiny silver.
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Red Gem’: Less silver, more intense (light) purple.
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Purple Joy’: Less silver, more dark purple. 
• Tradescantia zebrina ‘Tikal’: A rare, naturally occurring variety that collectors pay a pretty penny for.

Do keep in mind that most of these cultivars aren’t patented and the amount of mislabeling and variation within a cultivar are both huge. Just growing your wandering Jew in lower-light conditions can completely change the way it looks, so it’s not surprising that confusion sometimes reigns supreme.

Luckily, care is the same across all cultivars, so your best bet is to just enjoy your plant even if you’re not sure what Tradescantia variety you’re dealing with!

Where to buy wandering Jew plants:

• California Tropicals
• Daylily Nursery
• The Green Escape

Caring for an inch plant

Light and temperature.

It’s important to provide your Tradescantia zebrina with enough light. It’s tempting to use plants to brighten up dark, shaded spots in your home, but that just doesn’t work with this one: It loses its dense growth pattern and beautiful coloration in low light.

To prevent your wandering dude plant from growing sparse and green, place it near a window that gets bright indirect light. Some full sun isn’t a problem either, but do make sure you acclimate it gradually to a higher light location.

Temperature-wise, this species is a lot hardier than many of the tender tropicals we like to grow in our homes (like Anthurium andraeanum and Begonia maculata ).

Wandering dude plants can handle a very wide range of temps, making it perfect for those chillier windowsills that your other plants may not appreciate. Room temperature is ideal, but anything between 50°F to 85°F will keep them happy.

Water and humidity

Your Tradescantia zebrina will appreciate lightly moist soil. You can water a bit more during the summer months, when the plant is actively growing and needs a lot of moisture, and less during winter, when soil tends to take significantly longer to dry. 

If you’re not sure whether it’s time to water your wandering Jew plant yet, you can always turn to the age-old trick of sticking a finger in the soil.

• If it still feels damp, wait a little longer, until the first inch or two has dried. 
• If it feels bone dry, you’ve waited too long; you may also see limp leaves on your plant at this point. It’ll bounce back, but not always without lasting damage. 
• If the soil feels wet, you watered too much and need to keep an eye out for root rot.

As for humidity, given its rather wet natural habitat, wandering Jew does appreciate higher air moisture levels. The great thing is, though, that it doesn’t demand it. As long as you keep its soil lightly moist and the air isn’t extremely dry, your plant should do well.

Soil and planting

Wandering Jew is not fussy about its potting mixture at all. I’ve grown it in pure houseplant potting soil with no additives. If you do want to take things to the next level, you can add some perlite and/or peat moss, although this is really not a must. 

Most houseplant enthusiasts like to place their wandering Jew in a hanging planter so they can enjoy the look of the leaves cascading down. This is not a must, though. You can also emphasize the species’ creeping growth habit by filling up a large, shallow planter, growing it in a terrarium, or even keeping it in water on a semi-permanent basis.

Recommended products for wandering Jew plant care:

• FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
• Espoma Organic Potting Mix
• Perfect Plants Organic Perlite

Fertilizing

Like most other houseplants, Tradescantia zebrina appreciates a bit of fertilizer during the growing season, which extends from spring to early fall. You can use a normal houseplant fertilizer according to the instructions on the bottle.

Don’t fertilize during the winter months unless your plant is growing well. It doesn’t need extra nutrients if it’s inactive.

Recommended fertilizers for wandering Jew plants:

• Houseplant Resource Center Liquid Fertilizer for Houseplants
• Instant Biologics Instant Plant Food (Fizzing Nutrient Tablets)
• Maxsea All-Purpose Seaweed Plant Food

Pruning 

There’s a good chance you’ll have to prune your Tradescantia zebrina regularly, because as I mentioned, this is a very quick grower. It also roots very easily, so any trimmings can be replanted! I’ll describe how to do this in the section on propagation below.

Aside from stem trimming, you can remove any dead leaves, which are bound to pop up from time to time in very dense plants like this species.

Dividing or repotting

Inch plants don’t grow by producing plantlets at their base like many other houseplants (such as spider plants ) do. Instead, inch plants spread by rooting along the stems.

This means that division is not really the way to go; keeping these plants manageable is usually done through pruning. You can shape your plant by pinching off any long, leggy stems to create a fuller appearance and control its spread.

You’ll notice that Tradescantia really doesn’t mind being a bit cramped in its planter. Still, it’s a good idea to provide your plant with some fresh soil every year or two by repotting it.

Propagating an inch plant

If you’ve never propagated a houseplant before, this is truly one of the best species to start with. It’s known for rooting extremely quickly in both water and soil, meaning it’s easy to fill endless planters to keep or give away.

All you need to propagate your Tradescantia zebrina is a pair of clean scissors. Here’s how you do it:

• Snip the ends off existing branches. An inch or two with a few leaves works best.
• Remove the leaves at the bottom so part of the stem is exposed.
• Place the cutting in a glass of water to root or plant it directly in soil. You can put cuttings back in the mother plant’s pot to give her a fuller appearance on top.
• It can take a little longer during the winter months, but the first roots should appear within a week or so. You can give soil cuttings a slight tug to verify they’ve rooted.
• Once the first signs of new foliage appear, you’ll know your propagation attempt has been a success! 
• If you propagated in water, you can leave the rooted cuttings in water almost indefinitely, although you can also pot them up in fresh soil.

Common questions about inch plant care

How do i make a wandering jew plant bushy.

By their very nature, wandering Jew plants are not bushy. Their creeping growth habit means they naturally grow leggy over time, especially in containers.

However, you can mimic a fuller appearance by strategically pinching off any long, spindly stems to shape the plant more. These stems can also be replanted near the mother plant.

As the baby plants grow, they’ll help fill in sparse areas and create the illusion of a bushy wandering Jew.

How long do wandering Jew plants live?

Wandering Jew plants have a limited lifespan of just a few years, and as a potted plant, you’ll notice your wandering Jew becoming very leggy after just two to three years.

Unlike other fast-growing plants that benefit from pruning, cutting back a wandering Jew doesn’t work well to renew its growth; it simply controls the spread.

The best way to keep your plant coming back year after year is to propagate new plants from stem cuttings, which—fortunately—is super easy with a high success rate.

Is wandering Jew perennial?

Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) is a trailing evergreen perennial in its native habitat (USDA hardiness zones 9 through 12). Where it’s not winter hardy, wandering Jew is grown year-round as a houseplant.

Are wandering Jew plants toxic to cats and dogs?

Wandering Jew is not considered outright toxic, but it can cause some skin irritation. If your pet gets into your plant, don’t worry too much, although it can be a good idea to have a look in its mouth to make sure there’s no excessive swelling. Be sure to offer water. To prevent skin rash, it can be a good idea to wear gloves if you need to handle your wandering Jew plant. This especially applies if you have sensitive skin.

https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/110354

Racism in Taxonomy: What’s in a Name?

Chiba de Castro, W. A., Xavier, R. O., Garrido, F. H., Romero, J. H., Peres, C. K., & da Luz, R. C. (2019). Fraying around the edges: negative effects of the invasive Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse (Commelinaceae) on tree regeneration in the Atlantic Forest under different competitive and environmental conditions. Journal of Plant Ecology, 12(4), 713-721.

Encke, F. (1964). Pflanzen fur Zimmer und Balkon; Auswahl, Pflege, Vermehrung.

I'm a plant lover, passionate road-tripper, and cookbook author whose expert advice and bestselling books have been featured in Time, Outside, HGTV, and Food & Wine. The National Parks Cookbook is my latest book. Garden Betty is where I write about modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and outdoor adventuring—all that encompass a life well-lived outdoors. After all, the secret to a good life is... Read more »

We bought a full grown Bolivian Jewel mid summer last year. It was in a 14” raised pot and flowing 2 foot over the sides. It was beautiful next to our fountain outside. We live in Minnesota so we had to discard it in the late fall since we had no place to care for it in the house. Since we can’t find another like it we’d like to plant one from scratch but how. We still have the pot and riser but have no idea how to start from that. One plant, a few or just how many to make a bushy over grown plant so it looks like the one we purchased last year. Does this make sense or should we just forget it since it is already the middle of May. The greenhouse that we bought it from last summer doesn’t have any this year, just small ones in 4” pots. Thanks

If you can only grow it as an annual (and won’t be overwintering it indoors), you can plant a few smaller ones together to make them look fuller as they grow.

It seems counterproductive to talk about the problematic origin of the name wandering Jew, recommend multiple alternative names (including scientific), but then continue to call it wandering Jew in the rest of the article. If the name is anti-Semitic just set a good example and use a different name.

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How to Grow and Care for Purple Heart

Jennifer Lesser is a New Jersey-based freelance writer covering lifestyle for The Spruce. She has over 16 years of experience writing for various outlets including Time Out NY and NJ Monthly.

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

The Spruce / Heidi Kolsky

• Propagating

Overwintering

• Common Pests & Diseases

How to Get Purple Heart to Bloom

• Frequently Asked Questions

Purple heart , also known as purple spiderwort, is aptly named for its iconic purple stems that grow small flower clusters, ranging from violet to pink. This vining species is often grown as an annual, as a houseplant, and as a perennial in zones where it's hardy. Purple heart thrives in full sun and a variety of soil types.

Like other species of the Tradescantia genus, purple heart can be mildly toxic to pets and people.

Purple Heart Care

Purple heart is often referred to as a “creeping perennial” due to the fact that it will spread out quickly as it grows. Here are the main care requirements for purple heart:

• Choose a sunny location (ideally six hours or more of direct sunlight outside, or the sunniest spot in your home indoors), though purple heart can tolerate partial shade.
• Prepare well-draining soil.
• Water thoroughly once the soil dries out, though this plant can withstand some drought.
• Fertilize at the beginning of the growing season if grown outdoors as a perennial; or fertilize once or twice in spring/summer if grown as a houseplant.

Purple heart is considered to be invasive in various parts of the world and in some corners of the United States, such as Florida. This vigorous grower can quickly smother other plants in zones where it survives the winter (USDA zones 7-11).

Planting your purple hearts in full sun can help ensure that they grow the vibrant purple stems. The plant can also grow in partial shade, but its stem is more likely to appear green than purple.

It's best to introduce these plants to brighter conditions over time, however, as too much direct sunlight all at once can lead to foliage burn.

Purple heart plants will grow best in soil that's lightweight, porous, and moist. Good drainage is a must. The plant tolerates a wide pH range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.

Purple heart is considered to be drought-tolerant , and it will not require a great deal of watering. For best growth, however, it is best not to let the plant sit dry for long periods.

Aim to water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. You'll also want to stick to watering it during its blooming season. Keep in mind that younger plants will require more moisture than adults, and they should generally be watered at least weekly.

Temperature and Humidity

Purple heart can survive in an array of temperatures, but it's susceptible to frost. As a plant that grows naturally in tropical and subtropical locations, purple heart prefers high humidity. If your house has drier air, a humidifier can help, as can placing your plant in a bathroom or kitchen. Dry air will impact the leaves, rendering them limp.

The purple heart plant generally doesn't require fertilizer, although it can be used. Just be sure to dilute the solution to about half of its regular strength.

The plant grows long stems, and due to its fast growth rate, it can become leggy and spindly very quickly. You'll want to prune it during the warmer months after the bloom period is over. Be sure to use sharp scissors and wear gloves, as the sap in the stems can cause skin irritations and burns. Aim to take off the top half of the stems that have become overgrown.

Propagating Purple Heart

Purple heart can be easily propagated by stem cuttings .

• Cut a 3- to 6-inch-long piece from a healthy plant, using a sharp knife or pruners. The piece needs to have at least one growth  node .
• Remove the leaves from the lower end of the cutting so that only a couple of leaves remain on the upper parts. You can dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone but because purple heart roots easily, that's not absolutely necessary (alternatively, you can also root the cutting in water and plant it in potting medium when you see roots).
• Fill a 4-inch pot with soilless potting medium and water it slowly until evenly moist.
• Using a pencil or a stick, poke a hole in the soil and insert the cutting in it so that the node is buried in the soil. Gently press down the soil around it.
• Place it in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Water it regularly to keep the soil evenly moist at all times. After a few weeks, the cutting will root and you can transplant it into a larger pot or outdoors in garden soil.

Potting and Repotting Purple Heart

Though most commercial potting mixes will work just fine, the soil should ideally include peat moss (or coco coir, for a sustainable alternative), perlite, and compost. Make sure that there are drainage holes on the bottom of the container or pot, as too much water retained by the soil can lead to root rot.

Since this plant generally does not grow to be that large, it's commonly kept as a houseplant. It won't require frequent repotting, but it will need to be transferred to a new container if the roots begin to push through the drainage holes located on the underside of the pot. This will typically occur during spring due to its tendency to spread out during the growing season.

If you are located in USDA hardiness zones 7-11, purple heart will survive the winter outdoors without issues. However, if you're in a cooler zone, purple heart will not make it through the colder months. You can either grow it as an annual, allowing it to die and replacing it next spring, or you can bring it indoors.

To do so, bring your purple heart indoors before the first frost. Place it in the sunniest spot in your home, since it prefers full sunlight. Consider using a grow light if needed. Water once the soil completely dries out, and prune the vines if they get leggy. Purple heart can be placed outside again once your local last frost date has passed.

Common Pests & Diseases

This is a tough plant that attracts caterpillars and snails when grown outdoors. However, it may also attract aphids, vine weevils, mealybugs, and scales. Place a layer of gravel, wood chips, or diatomaceous earth as a protective barrier around the plants to keep the little critters away.

In healthy growing conditions, purple heart should bloom readily, whether it's outside in the garden or indoors on a shelf.

Bloom Months

Purple heart blooms in summer reliably when grown outside, though it can start as early as spring and last into the fall, depending on where you live. Indoors, the plant can get a bit confused and flower at odd times, but it will usually bloom around summer as well.

What Do Purple Heart Blooms Look and Smell Like?

The small, dark pink blooms of purple heart plants have three petals and pop up inside the dark, lance-shaped purple leaves. They don't offer much fragrance.

How to Encourage More Blooms

To get the most blooms out of your purple heart, make sure it is getting enough light. Ideally, these plants should get six hours of direct sunlight or more. Indoors you may need a grow light to achieve such conditions.

Caring for Purple Heart After It Blooms

Purple heart doesn't require any sort of different care after it blooms. Treat it the same way that you have been. However, if your plant is getting leggy, this may be a good time to trim it, promoting bushy growth.

Deadheading Purple Heart

Deadheading purple heart blooms as they begin to fade will encourage the plant to produce even more flowers.

Most likely, it is not getting enough sunlight. The foliage needs sun to develop its striking purple color.

With its thick, fleshy leaves that retain water, purple heart is sometimes considered a succulent.

For a more compact growth, pinch the tips of new stems. Make sure to wear gloves when you do this as the sap can cause allergic reactions.

Purple heart ( T. pallida ) and Moses-in-the-cradle ( T. spathacea ) are different species, both in the Tradescantia genus. Both plants can have purple leaves, but Moses-in-the-cradle tends to grow in more of an upright fashion with greener leaves. Both species have similar care requirements.

Tradescantia . North Carolina State Extension.

Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants; Inch Plant . ASPCA.

Tradescantia pallida . University of South Florida.

Tradescantia pallida 'Purple Heart' . North Carolina State Extension.

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Home » House Plants » Wandering Jew

Tradescantia Pallida Care: Growing The Purple Heart Plant

Tradescantia pallida [trad-es-KAN-tee-uh, PAL-lid-duh] has striking purple evergreen leaves, providing a splash of color throughout the year.

The purple Tradescantia is part of the Tradescantia genus (spiderwort) of plants found throughout South and Central America, including northeast Mexico.

This tender evergreen perennial belongs to the Commelinaceae family, sometimes called the spiderwort or dayflower family.

Tradescantia pallida has several common names, including  wandering Jew  or walking Jew.

These common names are shared with other species from the Tradescantia genus:

• Tradescantia fluminensis
• Tradescantia zebrina

Additional common names include:

• Purple Queen
• Purple heart plants
• Purple secretia
• Purple spiderwort
• Purple heart spiderwort
• Purple wandering jew
• Tradescantia purple heart

These indicate the purple foliage and its heart-shaped leaves.

The common name Tradescantia purple heart refers to the fact that this plant is part of the spiderwort family.

In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about proper purple heart wandering jew care.

Grooming Purple Leaf Tradescantia Plants

To propagate purple heart with cuttings, tradescantia pallida care.

Caring for Tradescantia pallida is relatively easy, making it a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

Size and Growth

Tradescantia pallida (synonym Setcreasea pallida) is a relatively delicate plant with thin stems. It grows in short mounds, reaching a height of just 8″ inches.

The trailing stems spread up to 18″ inches or more and produce shockingly purple evergreen leaves.

The v-shaped leaves are narrow and measure 4″ to 6″ inches long. When grown outdoors, this purple queen wandering jew can provide weedy ground covers.

The stems of Purple Heart are fragile, especially with younger plants. If kicked or stepped on, the stems may break.

Flowering and Fragrance

The spiderwort purple plant blooms throughout the warmer months, producing small, three-petaled flowers.

The small pink flowers rarely measure more than 1.5″ inches in diameter.

They appear in clusters and don’t produce a scent.

Light and Temperature

Tradescantia pallida purple heart grows best in partial shade and will tolerate full sun areas.

It shouldn’t receive direct afternoon sunlight for over an hour or two. Too much direct sunlight causes the leaves to fade or scorch.  

While purple spiderwort Tradescantia thrives in the shade, full sun or bright lighting helps bring out the color in the purple leaves.

NOTE:  If the plant receives a lot of sunlight, the soil should be kept moist.

The tender purple queen plant can’t survive freezing conditions.

It’s often grown in gardens as an annual in regions with mild climates and indoors as a houseplant in cooler areas.

The purple snake plant is winter hardy to USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.

When grown indoors, it should receive filtered light for at least eight hours per day.

If possible, try to move the spiderwort purple plant outdoors during the warmer months of spring and summer to encourage brighter foliage.

Watering and Feeding

Water moderately during the warmer months and sparingly during the winter.

The purple heart plant is drought tolerant and thrives on neglect.

When watering, ensure there are adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot. 

Lack of humidity can also result in brown leaf tips. You can encourage humidity by moving your plant into the bathroom when showering or using a humidifier.

Add a liquid fertilizer every four weeks throughout the spring and summer.

Soil and Transplanting

Grow tradescantia pallida in loamy soil. It should offer decent water retention and good drainage.

Add organic matter, such as peat moss, perlite, or compost, to improve the quality of regular garden soil and improve drainage.

If the soil is too rich, add small amounts of sand. Transplant as needed or every few years to refresh the soil.

Moreover, if the roots extend to the edge of its current container, repotting is needed.

Proper grooming is important when caring for an tradescantia pallida.

Trim the purple leaf tradescantia plant back after flowering in the fall to manage its growth. Yearly grooming also encourages bushier growth.

Trimming plants before bringing them indoors for the winter also helps produce bushier growth the following year.

Related:   Assorted Inch Plants to Grow and Collect

However, be careful when handling this trad purple plant, as the juice from the stems and leaves can cause skin irritation.

How To Propagate Purple Heart Plant

Purple heart wandering jew is easily propagated using stem cuttings.

Take cuttings from a healthy, mature Purple heart plant using a clean, sharp knife or a pair of scissors when the plant is actively growing.

Indoor plants may grow year-round, while outdoor plants mostly grow in the spring and summer.

• Cut a section measuring at least 4″ inches long and containing several leaves.
• Place the cutting in a glass of water and set it on a windowsill with bright sunlight.
• Within a week or two, the cutting should grow roots.
• After the roots appear, prepare a small pot for the cutting.
• Use loamy soil with good drainage.
• Water the soil thoroughly.
• Use a finger to press a hole big enough for the bottom portion of the cutting.
• Place the cutting in the hole and lightly pack the surrounding soil so the plant sticks up.
• Set the plant in a bright spot and keep the soil moist.
• When temperatures warm in the spring, move the plant outdoors.
• Keep the wandering jew purple heart plant indoors throughout the winter.
• When grown outdoors, young shoots are susceptible to damage from strong winds.
• Allowing it to overwinter gives the plant time to grow stronger roots and stems.
• Wait until new growth develops before transplanting in-ground or moving to a larger container or hanging basket.

Purple Heart Plant Care: Pests or Diseases

Tradescantia pallida doesn’t suffer from any serious insect or disease issues.

It’s a tough plant and grows easily in most conditions.

A few potential issues include damage from common pests like caterpillars,  snails , aphids, vine weevils, and mealybugs when growing young plants outdoors.

Remove these critters by hand or add a layer of gravel, wood chips, or  diatomaceous earth  around the plant.

The barrier may keep caterpillars and snails away.

While the plant has an aggressive root system and trailing growth, it’s not invasive.

Tradescantia pallida aren’t toxic, but the foliage may cause mild skin irritation.

Wear gloves when handling the wandering jew purple heart plant, such as during grooming or transplanting.

Suggested Tradescantia Pallida Uses

The short, trailing growth of the purple heart plant makes it a good choice for ground cover.

The downward growth of the stems also works well in hanging baskets.

More From The World Of Tradescantia

• Have you ever asked the question:  Is Wandering Jew Poisonous ?
• The patented Wandering Jew –  Nanouk Tradescantia Plant
• Caring For The Tricolor Tradescantia
• Caring For The  Purple Oyster Plant

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8 Types of Wandering Jew Plants+Care Tips

2-Minute Read

When it comes to versatility, there’s none like the adaptable wandering jews check all different types of wandering jew plants in this detailed article.

Wandering Jew Plant comprises various species in the Tradescantia genus. As the plant is adaptable to both indoor and outdoor conditions, it doesn’t matter if you are planning to have it as ground cover, in hanging baskets, or in containers; it’ll do equally well! Also, d o you know you can grow wandering jew in the complete shade, as well as in full sunlight? In full sun, it looks more colorful. Whereas, shade gives its leaves a greenish hue. Here are the Types of Wandering Jew Plants you should consider growing!

Have a look at the plants you can start with just one cutting and a glass of water here

1. tradescantia fluminensis.

It’s a popular indoor houseplant, which is also used as ground cover. Its white flowers are triangular and formed by three petals and look glorious attached to fleshy stems with oval-shaped leaves that are glossy and deep green.

Check out our article on colorful houseplants here !  

2. tradescantia zebrina.

The variegated leaves resemble the stripes of the zebra, hence the name! The purplish-green foliage has a silver outer edge and white stripes running down lengthwise. It grows low to a height of 6-12 inches, and that’s why it can be grown as ground cover. It is one of the best types of wandering jew plants on the list.

3. Tradescantia pallida

It also goes by the name “Purple Heart” and is native to Mexico. Deep purple foliage, adorned with light purplish-pink flowers, looks marvelous and is the reason that it’s one of the most popular types of wandering jew plants! Apart from growing it as a striking ground cover, you can also have it in hanging baskets.

To know about more purple houseplants, click here !  

4. tradescantia blossfeldiana.

Commonly known as the ‘Inch plant,’ it’s also referred to as Tradescantia cerinthoidebs . The thick green leaves have a fuzzy texture and a purple hue on the underside. You can easily propagate it from the cuttings, both in soil and water, once it gets growing. It bears delightful clusters of blue, purple, white, or rose pink flowers, making it one of the best types of wandering jew plants on the list.

5. Tradescantia Sillamontana

If precise geometric patterns are your thing, then you’ll love it because of its foliage. Growing from a thick succulent stem, the leaves are around two inches long and covered entirely in white hair. Magneta flower protrudes from the terminal end of the stem in summers.

6. Tradescantia spathacea

Known as Moses-in-a-basket, Oyster plant, or Boat lily, it is a sub-succulent herb from southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. It grows in 6-12 inches long rosette and sword-like, narrow, and spiral-shaped dark green leaves, with purple bottom sides. The white flowers are enclosed with boat-like purple bracts, hence the name.

7. Tradescantia virginiana

Commonly known as the spider lily, it is a herbaceous perennial from the Commelinaceae family. The plant produces violet-purple to blue, three-petaled flowers, with yellow stamens and dark green arching leaves. You can grow this one of the most popular types of wandering jew plants under full to partial shade.

8. Tradescantia longipes

Adorn your garden by growing beautiful, purple-blue flowers of tradescantia longipes or spiderwort. It is native to Southern Missouri and northern Arkansas from the family Commelinaceae. Grow these three-petaled flowers for rock or naturalize gardens, in partial shade, by using well-drained, moist, acidic soil, making it one of the most popular types of wandering jew plants on the list!

Check out our article on indoor rock garden ideas here ! 

Wandering jew plant care tips.

• Grow a wandering jew plant in bright, indirect light or expose it to full sun, which it won’t mind either. Just keep in mind that low light can fade the markings on leaves.
• Water the plant directly around the roots, avoiding the crown, as it can result in rot.
• The plant prefers slightly moist soil, so maintain the right watering schedule.
• Use an all-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer, once a month, during the growing period.

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dO YOU NEED TO BRING A POTTED PLANT INDOORS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS?

Depends on the plant and where you live. Do research on the specific plant.

Sooooo number 4…. Is not a blossefeldiana. It’s a flumensis. …. You posted a tri-color-mundula variegata……. Not a nanouk. A nanouk is a blossefeldiana centerthoides

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How to Grow Wandering Jew — Tradescantia

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Tradescantia is a genus of creeping, trailing, or tuft-forming tropical foliage plants. One species, Tradescantia fluminensis –commonly called wandering Jew–has handsome iridescent green and purple striped leaves. Another, T. andersoniana –known as spiderwort–looks like a small corn plant with numerous iris-like blossoms.

Tradescantias are evergreen perennials in warm-winter regions, mostly short-lived. They are suitable for herbaceous borders or can be grown as ground covers. Tradescantia will cascade from hanging baskets and they are often grown as houseplants.

Tradescantia is very easy to grow from cuttings. They need afternoon shade in hot summer regions. Pinching back growing tips will encourage bushiness.

Tradescantia is a genus of 65 species of creeping and trailing perennials native North, Central, and South America.

Table of Contents

Get to know Tradescantia

• Plant type: Tropical evergreen trailing perennial
• Growing Zones and range: Zones 10-11
• Hardiness: Tender
• Optimal growing temperature: day 70°F (21°), night 50° to 55°F (10°-21°C)
• Height and width: Trailing stems to 12 inches (30cm) long
• Foliage: Green 2 to 3 inches (5-7cm) leaves colored or striped with iridescent red, purple, yellow, pink, and/or silver.
• Flowers: Small saucer-shaped flowers with 3 petals
• Flower colors: Purple, blue, pink, lilac, white
• Bloom time: Spring and summer
• Uses: Tropical garden, hanging baskets, houseplant
• Common name: Wandering Jew, inch plant
• Botanical name: Tradescantia
• Family: Commelinaceae
• Origin: North, Central and South America

Where to plant Tradescantia

• Light outdoors: Grow Tradescantia in full sun or partial shade.
• Light indoors: Grow Tradescantia in bright light, even some direct light.
• Soil outdoors: Plant in moist, humus-rich fertile soil.
• Soil indoors: Grow Tradescantia in all-purpose potting mix.

Tradescantia uses and companions

• Tradescantia can be massed in informal, cottage, or naturalistic gardens.
• Hardy species such as T. andersoniana are suitable for a mixed border.
• Tradescantia can be grown in a hanging basket or as a houseplant.
• Good garden companions for Tradescantia include Chelone, Digitalis, Filipendula, Iris, Lythrum, Trollius.

How to water and feed Tradescantia

• Keep the soil just moist; allow the soil surface to dry a bit between waterings. Keep Tradescantia drier in winter.
• Fertilize Tradescantia with dilute fertilizer twice a month.

Tradescantia care

• Pinch back Tradescantia new growth often to keep the plant full.
• Setting Tradescantia on a tray with pebbles and water will maintain humidity.
• If leaves fade, move the plant into brighter light.
• If older plants get scraggly, take cuttings to start new plants.

Growing Tradescantia as a houseplant

• Tradescantia fluminensis , wandering Jew, and T. sillamontana , white velvet plant, are often grown as houseplants.
• Tradescantia needs bright light, an average room temperature, and medium to high humidity.
• The soil should be allowed to dry between watrerings.
• Fertilizer can be applied regularly in spring and summer.
• Dried leaves should be removed and the stems should be pinched back frequently to encourage full, bushy growth.

Tradescantia pests and diseases

• Tradescantia is susceptible to damage by mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and whiteflies.

Tradescantia propagation

• Tradescantia stem cuttings root easily.
• Tradescantia seeds will germinat in 10 to 40 days at 70°F (20°C).

Tradescantia varieties to grow

• Tradescanti albiflora ‘Albovittata’. Ovate, blue-green leaves striped with white; white flowers.
• T. albiflora ‘ Laekenensis’. Pale green leaes with white and purple stripes.
• T. andersoniana , spoiderwort. Grows to 2 feet tall; stems look like small corn plants; clusters of flower buds appear atop each stem. Hardy to -20°F (-29°C).
• T. blossfeldiana . Dark green, oval leavs with hairy, reddish purple undersides; pink to purple flowers with white centers.
• T. blossfeldiana ‘Variegata’. Soilid green, solid white, and green and white striped leaves on the same plant.
• T. fluminensis , wandering Jew. Grows to 24 inches in length; upper leaf surfaces are blue-green, undersides are deep purple; flowers are white; cultivar ‘Variegata’ has leaves with white lengthwise stripes.
• T. sillamontana , white velvet plant. Wavy-deged green leaves covered with white hairs; stems and leaf undersides are purple; rosy purple flowers, appear summer through fall.
• T. spathacea , Moses-in-the-cradle. Rosettes of semi-erect, lance-shaped leaves, dark green and deep purple beneath; white flowers.
• T. virginiana , Virginiat spiderwort. Perennial native to Eastern United States, Zones 4-9; grows 2 to 3 feet tall; bears 3 flared petals in blue, purple, magenta, or white.
• T. zebrina (formerly Zebrina pendula ), wandering Jew. Trailing ovate bluisg hreen leaves with 2 longitudinal stripes, silver-green above rich purple beneath; purple-pink to purple flowers. Cultivars include: ‘Purpusii’ has dark, greenish-red leaves; ‘Quicksilver’ is green with silvery-white stripes; ‘Tricolor’ is white and pink striped.

Written by Stephen Albert

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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Wandering Jew Plants Guide: How to Grow & Care for “Tradescantia zebrina”

It might surprise you to learn that “the wandering Jew” isn’t a single plant, its name used to describe a collection of plants in the Tradescantia genus.

Many countries around the world view the wandering Jew as an invasive species. Therefore, you won’t find many of them as regular additions to gardens . However, the vine makes for an excellent indoor plant .

Table of Contents

Quick Facts

Wandering jew plant varieties.

The wandering Jew refers to three different plants in the Tradescantia genus. The three varieties are the zebrina, fluminensis, and the pallida.

Tradescantia Zebrina

The zebrina is the most common of the three species, and it features dark-green foliage that contrasts against the brilliant-white three-petal flowers the plant produces.

As you can imagine, the plant also gets part of its name from the zebra-like foliage. The center of the leaf id has a creamy-white color, and the outer trimming of the leaves has a silver lining.

Tradescantia Fluminensis

This wandering Jew species features white flowers, and it’s a trendy indoor plant around the world. The species originates from the southeastern region of Brazil. It’s an evergreen perennial plant that flowers all-year-round and lasts for many years if the owner takes care of it correctly.

The oval-shaped foliage of the Fluminensis is green in color and has a glossy look. The leaves attach to fleshy stems, and the stem nodes quickly put roots down into the soil, allowing for the rapid spread and growth of the plant in ideal growing conditions.

When the plant flowers , it produces a set of flowers with three white petals. The flowers don’t bear any seeds, and they might also emerge in clusters. There are various sub-species of this plant as well, and some types, such as variegate, feature different leaf colors, such as yellow or cream streaks in the leaves.

The plant does best in USDA zones 9 to 12, as it loves the additional humidity in these regions as well. The wandering Jew doesn’t do well in colder climates, so stick to planting in the southern states.

The wandering Jew also prefers full sunlight during the day, and you’ll need to feed it a reasonable amount of water throughout the week. The plant doesn’t enjoy being dry for long periods.

Tradescantia Pallida

This variety originates in Mexico, and it’s the most attractive of the three Tradescantia genus. This wandering Jew produces long, pointy leaves that can reach lengths of 7-inches. The leaf will eventually turn a purple color, but the tips might remain red or green during the color transition.

There are visible segmentations on the stem of this wandering Jew, and it’s for this reason that many countries classify this plant as invasive.

The segments break easily, but they root readily, evolving into two plants with little care. Fortunately, for fans of the plant, it also makes it easy to grow the plants for cuttings as well.

Tradescantia pallida don’t like the cold, and it will die back in colder environments in the Northern states, especially if it grows outside. This wandering Jew produces small flowers that bloom in colors of pink, lavender, and white. The flowers feature three petals, and while they aren’t show-stopping, then do add a beautiful aesthetic to the plant.

• shipped in inproved box to save the plant

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Natural Air Cleaners

One of the reasons why the wandering Jew is such a popular house plant is its natural air-cleaning properties. The wandering Jew is an excellent “air scrubber,” and it removes bacteria and VOCs from the air inside your home, exchanging it for fresh air that enhances your home.

Some research also shows that the wandering Jew can assist in soil remediation, as well. The plant can remove heavy metals from the soil, helping restore the root health of other plants in the same flowerbed or pot.

Caring for Your Wandering Jew Plant

All varieties of the wandering Jew are easy to care for, provided that you grow them in the right climate and conditions. As long as the plant receives regular watering and pruning, it will thrive, and you’ll also manage to control the growth as well.

If you plant in a sunny spot in your home, then you can expect your tradescantia to last for many seasons. It’s also important to note that the plant might not flower it in its first season. However, by the third year, you should see plenty of flowers that emerge in the summer months.

As mentioned, the wandering Jew prefers sunny planting locations. The plant prefers later afternoon sun to morning sun, but it does well in any sunny area around the home. The more light you give the plant, the more flowers it produces in the flowering season.

If your wandering Jew does not get sufficient sunlight, you’ll notice that the color of the leaves starts to fade. Move the plant to a sunny spot, and it should recover in less than a week.

The wandering Jew enjoys a balanced moisture level in its soil . Don’t let the earth get too dry, as it might cause burning in the tips of the leaves. Likewise, the wandering Jew does not enjoy excessively wet soil either. The plant is susceptible to forming root rot if you “keep its feet wet.”

To check if it’s time to water your wandering Jew, push your finger about 1-inch into the soil. If it feels dry, then give your plant some water.

You must ensure you use a rich, loamy soil that drains well when planting your wandering Jew. When planting in a pot, make sure you add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot to enhance drainage. Add perlite to the soil to assist with drainage as well.

You can get away with using a standard potting mix when planting indoors , and other soil enhancements we recommend you add are the following.

• Coarse sand and perlite for drainage
• Humus or peat
• A light dusting of lime
• A few handfuls of rich organic compost

You want the soil to retain water but still allow optimal drainage.

During the growing season, fertilize your wandering Jew plant using a liquid-based fertilizer product. Make sure that you dilute the fertilizer to 50-percent strength.

Strong concentrations can result in burning in the tips of the leaves of the plant. You can also add a granular slow-release fertilizer to the soil once a year at the start of spring.

The wandering Jew grows quickly, and it might take over its pot in one or two seasons, depending on the size of the container. Therefore, you’ll need to pull up the plant and divide it from year-to-year, depending on its growth rate.

If you choose to re-pot your plant, make sure you use a pot that’s at least 50-percent larger than the old one. Line the pot with potting soil and a few handfuls of rich organic compost. Dig around the edges of the existing container to loosen the root ball. After loosening, pull the base of the plant to release it from the pot.

Move the plant to its new pot, and then fill with potting mix to cover the roots — Pat down the soil, and then water lightly.

Wandering Jew plants require regular pruning . The plant grows quickly, and if you don’t prune, then it can overtake the pot fast. Pruning also helps the stem, from getting “leggy,” meaning that the plant starts to look bare at the base. Pruning keeps the plant healthy and growing at an optimal rate.

All; you need to do is prune back any stems and pinch the stem tips. The wandering Jew will then send out two new shoots from the pinched top, helping your plant spread out into a bush-like appearance.

Propagation

The wandering Jew is easy to propagate . This plant grows quickly in a variety of conditions, which is one of the reasons why most countries list it as invasive. You can propagate your cuttings after your pruning session, without much effort.

Remove all of the leaves but the top set after pruning the stem. Place the cutting in another smaller pot with moist potting soil . Leave the container in the sun, and you should find that the cutting roots in a month.

Being an indoor plant , the wandering Jew does not get much attention from pests. However, spider mites can be a problem for your plant if you don’t take care of it and watch for the presence of pests.

Spider mites are tiny spider-like bugs that form a web around the inside of the leaves of the plant. If left unmanaged and untreated, they might start to cause yellow spots in the foliage. The wandering Jew might also fail to flower in the summer months as well.

Over-watering your wandering Jew plant can result in the onset of diseases like root rot. Ensure that you have a well-draining soil mix before planting your wandering Jew. Provided that you do everything you can to ensure your soil drains well, you should never have a problem with root rot in your wandering Jew plant.

Wandering Jew Plants FAQS

What is the best way to grow a wandering jew plant.

The best way to grow a Wandering Jew plant involves placing it in a location that gets plenty of sunlight, preferably late afternoon sun. You should use well-draining, loamy soil to plant it, and ensure a balanced moisture level by watering it regularly but not excessively. The plant also appreciates humidity and occasional fertilizing with a liquid-based fertilizer diluted to 50% strength during the growing season. Pruning should be done regularly to manage its growth.

Is Wandering Jew easy to grow?

A: Yes, Wandering Jew plants are generally easy to grow. They adapt well to various conditions and are fast-growing. They can be propagated easily from cuttings and require minimal maintenance beyond regular watering, pruning, and an occasional application of fertilizer. However, they do not tolerate cold climates very well.

Does wandering Jew like full sun or shade?

Wandering Jew plants prefer locations with full sunlight. They can tolerate some shade but too much shade can cause the color of the leaves to fade. More sunlight exposure generally leads to more flowers during the flowering season.

How often do you water Wandering Jew?

Wandering Jew plants should be watered regularly to maintain a balanced moisture level in the soil. However, the soil should not be allowed to become too dry or too wet. Overwatering can lead to root rot. A good way to check if it’s time to water is to push your finger about 1-inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water the plant.

Is Tradescantia Zebrina easy to grow?

Yes, Tradescantia Zebrina, a variety of Wandering Jew, is easy to grow. It requires similar care to other Wandering Jew varieties and is known for its adaptability and quick growth.

Does Tradescantia Zebrina need full sun?

Tradescantia Zebrina does best in a location with full sunlight. While it can tolerate some shade, insufficient sunlight can cause the leaves to lose their vibrant color. Like other Wandering Jew plants, the more light it gets, the more flowers it produces during its flowering season.

Hollie is a life-long gardener, having started helping her Dad work on their yard when she was just 5. Since then she has gone on to develop a passion for growing vegetables & fruit in her garden. She has an affinity with nature and loves to share her knowledge gained over a lifetime with readers online. Hollie has written for a number of publications and is now the resident garden blogger here at GardenBeast. Contact her at [email protected] or follow on twitter https://twitter.com/greenholliec

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under the photo “easy to propagate”, that is not a wandering jew-its a peperomia “rosso!”

My wandering jew plants leafs are getting dried. Why is that?

It’s not getting enough humidity

Could you elaborate on “rich organic compost”? What should it be made of, exactly? Can I use compost accelerator in the soil mix?

Worm castings are great, or worm tea, egg shell tea is another.

What month does the jew break ground to start growing?

All depends on your specific areas weather pattern and seasons.

Do NOT BUY ANY OF THIS SPECIES if you have a dog because dogs are very allergic to these plants & come out in bad rashes if they wander through them!

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How to Grow Wandering Jew Plant Outside as Ground Cover

Planning to have wandering jew plants outdoors as ground cover?

Yes, it’s possible!

Overall, wandering jew plants are relatively easy to take care of and are adaptable.

Although it is commonly grown as a hanging houseplant, you can also cover extensive outdoor areas.

Wandering Jew is not a single type of plant. Its name is given to a wide variety of plants under the genus “Tradescantia.”

The most common wandering jew type is “ Tradescantia pallid ,” The Purple Heart plant . 

​ You’ve probably heard of Tradescantia zebrina and Tradescantia fluminensis, too, since all of them are also called wandering jew plants.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Temperature and Growing Zones
• 1.2 Can Wandering Jew take full sun?
• 1.3 Soil Moisture, Humidity, and Watering
• 2.1 Pruning and Propagation
• 2.2 Is it necessary to fertilize them?
• 3 Other Issues on Wandering Jew Plants Outdoors

How to plant wandering jew outdoors?

Varieties of Wandering Jews basically have the exact needs and requirements, so you don’t have to worry about the difference.

If you already have them as a houseplant, caring for them as a ground cover will be pretty straightforward.

Temperature and Growing Zones

Before considering planting these plants outside, you must first know if they can withstand the environment outdoors.

If you live in growing zones 9 to 11, which is the wandering jew plant’s growing zone, you don’t have the harsh winters to worry about.

Your plants can stay safe outside all year long.

Take note that these plants like warmer temperatures that range between 50 to 80 degrees F .

So, How do you take care of a wandering Jew in the winter ?

Since you’re planting them on the ground, it can be tricky to relocate them if you’re in areas with lower temperatures, especially during winter.

Using cold frames can help you in this predicament.

If you have a piece of woven cloth, it can also help in giving them warmth of approximately 2 to 5 degrees F.

Can Wandering Jew take full sun?

During the day, your wandering jew should be in partial shade.

Since you’re growing them as a ground cover, try to position them on a patio, shady front, or covered porch where they can get some bright and indirect sunlight.

If you plant them in spaces with too much sunlight, the leaves will ultimately bleach out.

Wandering jew plants are used as ground covers because of their beautiful green to purple leaves with silvery-white stripes.

Exposing them to too much sun can cause discoloration and sunburn.

Some gardeners plant wandering jew plants as ground cover near or under pine trees .

On the other hand, Wandering Jew plants will stretch toward the nearest light source if you place them in total shade or areas with too little light.

You wouldn’t want them to become bony, uneven, and thin, either!

Soil Moisture, Humidity, and Watering

Wandering Jew plants prefer rich and moist soil that drains well if you’re planting them outdoors as a ground cover, mulch around the soil to maintain the moisture.

Keeping the soil damp helps in maintaining the humidity that your plant loves.

If the humidity is too low, your plant’s leaves will eventually turn brown. In some cases, some plants die.

Mist them from time to time to provide their much-needed moisture.

They can survive dry conditions but remember not to neglect their watering needs too.

However, it is better to underwater them instead of overwatering your plants. Keep your plants moist but not wet as it will eventually lead them to rot.

Maintenance for your Outdoor Wandering Jew

Some gardeners consider wandering jew plants too invasive.

Since you’re using them as a ground cover, this exact growing characteristic is just perfect, especially when they are underneath some taller plants or trees.

Since they’re invasive, it doesn’t mean that you should just let them spread haphazardly.

Before you knew it, wandering jew plants have taken over spaces that they were not supposed to inhabit.

To solve this, you have to prune them as necessary to avoid spreading them from spreading too much.

Pruning and Propagation

Pruning should be a part of your plant’s regular care.

You can remove the long tendrils so your ground cover can stay thick and compressed.

Also, remember to trim the thin and weak stems as well as the dead leaves.

To help your wandering jew plants grow healthier, you can also pinch the stems.

Pinching is another form of pruning, and this promotes plant branching. You can also produce new plants from this method.

When pruning or pinching healthy stems to make a new plant, ensure you have a glass of water nearby.

Place the stem cuttings in the water to let them root.

Rinse the stem and replace the water daily until the roots are good enough to plant in another location that you prefer.

Related post: How To Propagate Wandering Jew Plants

Is it necessary to fertilize them?

For newly planted wandering jew plants, you can apply liquid fertilizer every week to help them produce a sound root system.

After that, it isn’t essential to always fertilize them.

During your wandering jew’s growing season, you can give them water-soluble fertilizer two times a month.

Dilute the fertilizer to halve the strength so you can prevent nutrient burn.

From then on, you can fertilize the soil once a year using any slow-release fertilizer.

Do not fertilize them during winter or fall. The best time to do so is from spring to summer.

If you are looking for a fertilizer for your outdoor Wandering Jew plants, we suggest using this general-purpose fertilizer.

It’s nothing fancy but does an excellent job of delivering nutrients to your plants. Plus, it has ingredients to ward off weeds.

Other Issues on Wandering Jew Plants Outdoors

Since you’re growing wandering jew plants as ground cover, there’s a big chance that your plants will get grazed and trampled on by your pets if you ever have one.

If you’re planting them on your patio or your porch, you don’t have to worry about a deer nibbling on your plant.

Please keep your pets away from your wandering jew plant since it can affect them too, especially on their skin.

If you don’t have pets, then your plants are safe.

Wandering jew plants are low maintenance.

With that said, you don’t have to worry much about having this beautiful purple and green ground cover on your vacant space.

Related posts :

• Tradescantia Types: Wandering Jew Varieties
• Caring for Tradescantia Plant Tips

Lindsey Hyland grew up in Arizona where she studied at the University of Arizona’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Center. She continued her gardening education by working on organic farms in both rural and urban settings. She started UrbanOrganicYield.com to share gardening tips and tactics. She’s happy to talk about succulents and houseplants or vegetables and herbs – or just about anything in a backyard garden or hydroponics garden.

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The 24 Best Plants for Shady Areas In Your Garden or Home

These plants will flourish under trees or anywhere direct sun doesn't reach!

Country Living editors select each product featured. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

Here are 24 of our favorite shade-loving plants! For more, check out our specific lists for shade-loving perennials and for shade-loving annuals .

Ligularia (Leopard Plant)

These big-leaved perennials have deep green foliage and a variety of pretty flowers that can be flat, like a black-eyed Susan, or fire upward, like the one pictured here.

They do well in most areas with dappled sun.

Varieties to try: Desdemona, Britt-Marie Crawford, The Rocket

Begonias can be easy to love! They're happy in the shade, grow well in pots or in the ground, and will bloom constantly with little tending until the first hard frost.

These unfussy perennials are much loved by gardeners everywhere. They can thrive in a variety of conditions and there's sure to be a kind that looks great for your garden. They tend to like it best when they get a bit of morning sun, and then shade in the afternoon.

Read more on growing hosta plants .

Sweet Potato Vine

This decorative annual grows fast, handles shade well, and likes mildly acidic soil. It's great in pots, where it spills over beautifully, but will need frequent trimming in the ground.

Shop for sweet potato vine

Tradescantia

This genus of largely shade-loving perennials goes by many names: spiderwort, inchplant, dayflower, and wandering dude. It can handle both sun and shade.

Read more on growing Wandering Dude .

Polka Dot Plant

This garden annual can be grown as an indoor housplant, where it can be perennial. It loves dappled shade. It's known particularly for the paint-splatter-like look of its leaves.

Learn more about growing polka dot plant .

Sedum ternatum

Some varieties of sedum, such as Autumn Joy , need full sun, but ternatum, also called woodland stonecrop , does just fine in the shade. It has white flowers that bloom in the spring, and loves moist spaces.

Shop Sedum ternatum

These popular shade-loving perennials are sometimes called false goat's beard. They've got great foliage that resembles ferns, and look striking along a path when blooming.

Shop Astilbe

Ferns naturally do well on the forest floor, so any part of your garden that gets mostly indirect light will suit them. Give these plants plenty of water to get established. They can be drought-tolerant after that.

This shade-tolerant annual does best in moist, well-draining soil. It blooms best in cooler temps, so it's a great one for getting blooms in the early and mid fall!

Shop for Lobelia

Hellebore (Lenten Rose)

This shade-perennial makes an excellent ground cover and has strikingly beautiful very early blooms.

Shop hellebore

Purple Heart Plant

A variety of tradescantia, but with all-purple leaves and even stems, this gorgeous plant can be a shade-tolerant fast-growing groundcover in warmer areas!

Learn more about Purple Heart Plant .

Forget-Me-Nots

Though they'll want a bit of sun, especially in Northern areas, forget-me-nots are quite tolerant of spots that get lots of afternoon shade. In the South, especially, they need it.

Learn more about growing forget-me-nots .

Lamium (Spotted Dead-nettle)

This shade-loving plant is great for under trees or other dim spots. It crowds out weeds and provides good ground cover, as well as these pretty flowers.

shop spotted dead-nettle

Though many varietals of clematis need some sun, there are a few, such as Nelly Mosser, here pictured, that prefer to be entirely shaded—their delicately colored flowers fade in full sun.

Learn more about growing clematis .

Shop Nelly Mosser Clematis

The intricate flowers (spotted like a toad!) are the reason to grow these little gems. They handle shade well, but also do well in sun.

Read more of our favorite types of lilies .

Shop Toad Lilies

These distinctive shade-lovers do well beneath trees and in other fully shady spots.

Read more plants that are best beneath trees .

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Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)

These shade-loving plants are true garden workhorses! They're beloved by pollinators, resistant to deer, with striking flowers, and it loves shade. What more could you ask!

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With bell-shaped flowers and ferny foliage, this genus has both sun and shade-loving varieties. There are some stunning blue varieties that will add startling color to your garden.

Lungwort (Pulmonaria)

With sweet tiny spring flowers, this deer-resistant perennial is great for ground cover in shady areas. It's also good for attracting pollinators!

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Varieties to try: Raspberry Splash, Sissinghurst White

Chris is the Senior Food & Garden Editor at Country Living, where he covers all things edible or growable. He has two kids and lives in Birmingham, AL.

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