Whether you're new to plant care or adding to your rare variegated collection, Wandering Jew plants (Tradescantia) are one of the easiest and most rewarding houseplants to grow. Known for their bold foliage, fast trailing vines, and striking variegation, they make perfect shelf, sill, or hanging basket companions.
Here's everything you need to know to help your little wandering dudes thrive!
🌟 Light Requirements
Wandering Jew plants love bright, indirect light. The more light they receive, the stronger and more vibrant the variegation. Purple tones, ghost stripes, and cream splits will show better under high-quality lighting.
Avoid direct afternoon sun which can scorch their leaves. If your plant starts to look green and stretched out, it's craving more light.
💧 Watering
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Let the top inch dry out before watering again. Wandering Dudes have shallow roots and love consistency, not extremes.
Use a pot with drainage holes, and empty any standing water from saucers.
🌱 Best Soil Mix
We highly recommend FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil, available directly from our shop. It’s light, airy, and perfectly balanced for Tradescantia plants. The mix includes:
- Earthworm castings
- Perlite
- Sphagnum peat moss
- Fish emulsion, crab meal, kelp
- Mycorrhizae fungi for healthy root development
This soil gives your cuttings the boost they need to take off fast and transition smoothly from water to pot.
💥 Extra Growth Tips
- Humidity: Tradescantia prefers medium to high humidity. If your space is dry, mist weekly or use a humidity tray.
- Fertilizer: Use a diluted 20-20-20 or balanced houseplant fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
- Pinching: Pinch off leggy stems to promote fuller, bushier growth.
- Repotting: Once your 4” pot starts showing roots at the base, repot into a 6” container or hanging basket.
📊 Common Signs & Solutions
| Issue | What It Means | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves are fading or dull | Not enough light | Move to a brighter spot |
| Soggy soil, mushy stems | Overwatering | Let soil dry, repot if needed |
| Leggy growth | Low light or lack of pinching | Pinch back and improve lighting |
ℹ️ For Best Results:
- Use FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil (available here)
- Water only when the top inch of soil is dry
- Provide strong indirect light for best color
🌟 Want More?
To learn even more about how to care for your Wandering Jew plant, including advanced propagation, pinching techniques, and cultivar-specific care, click here to read the full blog series.
Keep your plants weird and your variegation sharp.
