Tradescantia fluminensis aka Wandering Jew
Taxonomy ID: 371
Tradescantia fluminensis, also known as small-leaf spiderwort, river spiderwort, inch plant, speedy Henry, wandering willie, and wandering trad, is a species of spiderwort native to South America. This easy-to-care-for houseplant is often kept as an herbaceous perennial hailing from the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Mexico. It is also known as "Wandering Jew" and is a member of the Commelinaceae plant family. It is a fast grower, typically attaining a height of 6" to 9" inches with a spread of 1' or 2' feet. The genus name, Tradescantia, refers to John Tradescant, who was a gardener and botanist during the 17th century, and the specific epithet, tricolor, refers to the plants' coloration. This cultivar of Tradescantia is highly sensitive to frost, so be sure to bring the plant indoors if temperatures dip below freezing. It is also very easy to propagate by stem, with one plant giving rise to dozens of new ones.
Common names
Wandering Jew, Spiderwort, Inch PlantMore information about Wandering Jew
How difficult is it to take care of Wandering Jew
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Wandering Jew is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
What is the region of origin of Wandering Jew
Wandering Jew’s native range is the Americas.
What are the water needs for Wandering Jew
Wandering Jew should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Wandering Jew
Wandering Jew loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Wandering Jew
To ensure optimal growth, the Wandering Jew prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
What's the right humidity for Wandering Jew
No extra humidity is necessary for the Wandering Jew. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
How to fertilize Wandering Jew
Repotting the Wandering Jew should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Wandering Jew toxic to humans/pets?
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
What seasonal care does Wandering Jew need?
During the cold period, it is common for Wandering Jew to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Tradescantia Genus
Tradescantia occidentalis Western Spiderwort
Tradescantia ohiensis Ohio Spiderwort
Tradescantia chrysophylla Baby Bunny Bellies
Tradescantia Spider Lily
Tradescantia crassifolia Leatherleaf Spiderwort
Tradescantia zanonia
Tradescantia zebrina Inchplant
Tradescantia blossfeldiana (Cerinthoides) Variegata (Smooth Form) 'Lilac'
Tradescantia subaspera Wide Leaf Spiderwort
