Wandering Jew

Botanical Name: Tradescantia albiflora

Best known as a hanging plant, the Wandering Jew house plant is easy and fast-growing. Its long, fleshy stems are densely covered with lance-shaped leaves that are about 2 in (5 cm) long.

A similar plant goes by the same common name: Zebrina pendula has deep green to purple leaves with two broad bands of silver, and purple undersides. It has the same growing habits and requires the same care.

Pinch and prune. Pinch stems back often to encourage branching and to keep the plant from getting too leggy. The best time to prune is in spring and summer, during the growing season. You can easily propagate the stem cuttings for more plants.

Give it light. Long spaces between leaves are caused by too little light. Pinch off leggy stems and move your plant to a brighter spot. Leaves will also lose their variegation if they don't get enough light.

Origin: South America

Height: Trailing stems can grow to 2 ft (60 cm) or more.

Light: Bright, indirect light.

Water: Keep soil evenly moist in the growing season, slightly drier in winter.

Humidity: Moderate humidity. If leaf tips turn brown, the air is too dry. Increase moisture by using a humidifier or by misting the plant occasionally.

Temperature: Average room temperatures 60-75°F, 16-24°C

Soil: Peat moss based mix.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks spring through fall with 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Too much fertilizer can cause the leaves to lose their variegation.

Propagation: Easy to propagate from stem tip cuttings. Take 3 in (7.5 cm) cuttings in spring or summer and place in moist soil. Cuttings will root in about 3 weeks.