The wandering jew plant, also known as Tradescantia zebrina, is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant. Its striking purple and green leaves make it a popular houseplant choice. Over time, the wandering jew plant can outgrow its pot and require transplanting to a larger container. In this article, we will go over step-by-step instructions on how to transplant your wandering jew plant.
When choosing a new pot for your wandering jew plant, make sure it is at least two inches larger in diameter than the current pot. A pot that is too small will restrict the growth of the plant, while a pot that is too large can lead to overwatering and root rot.
Before transplanting your wandering jew plant, prepare the new pot by adding a layer of drainage material at the bottom. This can be gravel, stones, or broken pieces of pottery. The drainage layer will help prevent water from accumulating at the bottom of the pot and causing root rot.
Wandering jew plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a pre-made potting mix or create your own by mixing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Avoid using soil from your garden as it can be too heavy and not provide adequate drainage.
To remove the wandering jew plant from its current pot, gently loosen the soil around the edges with your fingers or a trowel. Then, turn the pot upside down while supporting the base of the plant with your hand. Tap the bottom of the pot until the plant slides out.
Once you have removed the plant from its pot, inspect the roots for any signs of damage or disease. Trim away any dead or rotting roots using sterilized pruning shears.
Place the wandering jew plant in the center of the new pot and fill in around it with soil. Gently press the soil down to ensure there are no air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly and allow any excess water to drain away.
After transplanting, your wandering jew plant may experience some transplant shock. To minimize this, keep the plant in a bright but indirect light and avoid direct sunlight for a few days. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Wandering jew plants should be transplanted every 1-2 years, or when it has outgrown its current pot.
Yes, you can propagate your wandering jew plant during transplanting by taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and planting them in a separate container.
No, garden soil is too heavy and does not provide adequate drainage for wandering jew plants. Use a well-draining potting mix instead.
Water your wandering jew plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
Yes, wandering jew plants can be placed outside during warm weather as long as they are not exposed to direct sunlight or harsh winds.