The Wandering Jew, Tradescantia flumen-sinuum, is a perennial plant that typically grows as a ground cover or trailing vine. It is native to the southeastern United States, but has been introduced to other parts of the world. The plant gets its common name from its habit of “wandering” or growing out of control in gardens.
The leaves are variable in shape, but are typically oval to lanceolate, and are 2-5 inches long. The leaves are green, but may have a purple tinge. The flowers are small and white, and are borne in clusters. The plant flowers from May to September.
Benefits:
-Grows as a ground cover or trailing vine
-Oval to lanceolate leaves
-Green leaves
-Small white flowers
-Clusters of flowers
-May to September flowering period
How to care:
-The Wandering Jew is a relatively easy plant to care for.
-It prefers partial to full sun, and moist to wet conditions.
-It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
-The plant can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings.
-It is generally pest and disease free.
Pests and Diseases:
The Wandering Jew is generally pest and disease free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Ideal temperature:
The ideal temperature for a Wandering Jew is between 20 to 27 celcius.
Type of Soil does:Â
The Wandering Jew grows best in moist to wet soils that are high in organic matter. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
 Propagation:
The Wandering Jew can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a moist, well-drained seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and provide bottom heat if possible. The seeds will germinate in 10-21 days. To propagate by division, dig up the plant, and divide it into 2-3 sections. replant the sections in moist, well-drained soil. To propagate by cuttings, take 4-6 inch stem cuttings from the tips of the plant. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, and plant them in moist, well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist, and provide bottom heat if possible. The cuttings should root in 4-6 weeks.
Landscape uses:
The Wandering Jew is often used as a groundcover or trailing vine in gardens. It can also be used in containers, or as a houseplant.