Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) is a popular houseplant with striking purple and green leaves. The plant is easy to care for and propagate, making it a favorite among indoor gardeners. If you want to grow your own Wandering Jew plant, you need to know how to store, sow and germinate the seeds. This guide will walk you through the process.
Wandering Jew plants produce small, black seeds that can be collected from mature plants. To collect the seeds, wait until the plant has finished flowering and the seed pods have dried out. Then gently crush the pods to release the seeds.
Once you have collected the seeds, store them in a cool, dry place. You can keep them in a paper envelope or a small plastic bag. Make sure to label the container with the date and type of seed.
Wandering Jew seeds can be stored for up to two years if kept in a dry environment. However, it’s best to use fresh seeds for the highest germination rate.
To sow Wandering Jew plant seeds, you will need a tray or pot filled with well-draining soil. Make sure the soil is moist before planting the seeds.
Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and cover them with a light layer of soil. Water gently and cover the tray or pot with plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect. Place the tray or pot in a warm and bright location, but not in direct sunlight.
Wandering Jew plant seeds usually take 2-3 weeks to germinate. Keep the soil moist during this time, but not waterlogged. Once the seedlings have sprouted, remove the plastic wrap and move them to a brighter location. Make sure they get at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight per day.
As the seedlings grow, you may need to transplant them into larger pots. Wandering Jew plants prefer well-draining soil, so make sure the pot has drainage holes.
Wandering Jew plants like to be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Water once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Yes, Wandering Jew plants are easy to propagate from cuttings. Simply cut a stem from the plant and place it in water or soil. Within a few weeks, roots will form and a new plant will grow.
You can fertilize your Wandering Jew plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Wandering Jew plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.
Wandering Jew plants are native to tropical regions and prefer warm temperatures. They can be grown outdoors in zones 9-11, but should be brought indoors during colder months.