Wandering Jew ~ Tradescantia zebrina
Botanical name: Zebrina Pendula or Tradescantia Albiflora
Plant type: Houseplant
Sun exposure: Part Sun
Wandering Jews (Tradescantias) are valued for their stripes of white, green, silver, and purple colors in their leaves. They have trailing vines that flow from it’s base and are very easy to care for.
Planting
Grow in all-purpose potting mix in either a pot or hanging basket.
- Select a location that delivers medium to bright light.
- The room temperature should be between 55 and 75 degrees F.
Care
- Water completely and allow the soil to dry before watering again. You can water less during the winter months of its resting period.
- Provide fertilizer twice a month.
- You can re-root the long stem tips by cutting in the spring and summer. Just make sure the stems are 3 inches long and the plant will root within 3 weeks.
Pests
Aphids tend to be a problem on the stems and leaves. To rid of them, pinch off the infected stems and spray the plant with water.
10 House Plants You Can’t Kill
No house plant is indestructible. However, there are a feisty few that can’t be beat for their tolerance of light, water, and humidity. If you want easy success with house plants, I recommend these power players:
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens)
One of my favorites. Also known as the Sweetheart Plant, this is the most popular of the philodendrons because this one stays small and it is so easygoing. It’s drought-tolerant. I don’t recommend letting it go too long without a drink, but it will recover nicely.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
Put this one in a bright location and it will reward you with carefree beauty. The Dragon Tree doesn’t like its feet wet, so I recommend good drainage.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade Plant gets more beautiful with age. Tolerates room temperatures year-round. A succulent foliage plant, it’s happy with indirect sun and little water.
Cactus (Cactaceae family)
You knew this one would make the list, didn’t you? Because of its ability to store water and nutrients, a cactus seldom needs watering. Loves to bask in the sun. Tip: Cacti look great together in a sunny window.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Often mistaken for a palm (it looks like one, hence the name), this plant is actually a succulent more closely related to the yucca. Its swollen base stores water, so occasional lack of water will do no harm. It is slow-growing so buy one already the size you want.
Mother-in-Law’s Tongue or Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
If all else fails, grow Sansevieria. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. Prefers dry air and soil. Rarely needs repotting. Ideal for beginners, but seasoned gardeners also love this accent plant’s dramatic, sword-shaped leaves.
Pothos or Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
This vigorous plant is well known for its long, trailing stems that can grow to 8 feet or more. Cut them back a couple times a year to keep the plant bushy and full. Pothos is forgiving if you forget to water it once in a while, but it doesn’t like waterlogged soil.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
ZZ Plant makes a great room accent and practically thrives on neglect. This easy-going house plant is forgiving if you forget to water, tolerates low light, and rarely needs fertilized. I highly recommend adding it to your collection.
Spider Plant or Airplane Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
An impressive plant for beginners. The stems produce little white flowers, then are soon weighted down with plantlets. Prefers bright, indirect light. A dependable plant.
Wandering Jew (Zebrina pendula)
Beautiful and low maintenance. Glistening purple and green leaves make this one a stunner. Fast-growing stems can reach 3 feet, so pinch often to keep it from getting leggy. Likes moist soil.
Auntie Dogma's Garden Spot 
Recent Comments