The story of the Tradescantia plant (or Spiderwort) derives from its nickname in the Middle Ages: Wandering Jew. There are various versions of the story but they all boil down to the fact that there was said to be a man (sometimes he's called Cartaphilus, sometimes Malchus and sometimes Ahasuerus) who has been alive since Jesus's crucifixion and must remain alive until the Messiah returns to Earth. The element of immortality points to the fact that this houseplant has a very optimistic nature and does indeed wander all over the place if you look after it well.
Light and Position
For Tradescantias to retain the variegated colours of their leaves it is essential that they are placed in plenty of light but protected from very strong sun. They are often positioned so they can trail over shady window sills but are best suited for hanging containers.
Temperature Range
Cool conditions are ideal for this plant 10-15 degrees centigrade (50-60F) but it cannot tolerate draughts, very cold areas or continual shade. It is also advisable to keep Tradescantias well away from all heating appliances. They will survive in dry surroundings, but grow better in a more humid atmosphere. Chilly temperatures may cause leaf discolouration, use a thermometer to be absolutely sure of the conditions (Find on Amazon or Find on Amazon ).
Watering
Tradescantias should be watered regularly but the colours of the leaves will become dimmer if the soil or potting mixture is allowed to become too wet. Spraying (Find on Amazon or Find on Amazon ) onto the leaves is ideal. Less water is required during the winter period when the plants are less active. Getting the right watering can that you can use easily to pour the correct amount of water is important.
Feeding
These plants will respond well to feeds of weak liquid fertilizer at every watering. Feed and water less over the winter months especially as during this period they are prone to root rot from overwatering, but it is important that the feeding does not stop completely during this time.
Seasonal Care
The green shoots that occasionally appear on the Tradescantias plant should be carefully removed as they are very vigorous and will quickly lose their variegated colouring. If the leaves become at all dry and shrivelled they should be taken off the bases of the longer stems. Even with the best of care, wandering Jew plants are somewhat short-lived; within a few years they become leggy and scraggly. Fortunately, they are very easy to propagate from small stem cuttings.
Soil
There is a belief that these plants thrive on little nourishment but this is not the case. Young Transcantias must be potted with great care if they are to do well. A good houseplant mixture should be used, and ideally it should be loam-based.
Pruning
Wandering Jew is an aggressively growing plant that can get overly leggy with bare lower stems. Cutting the stems back to a joint will curtail the scraggly appearance and cause the plant to become wider and bushier. Regular pinch the stems back by at least 25%, a good pair of hand pruners (Find on Amazon or Find on Amazon ) will help.
Propagation
This is a very easy plant to propagate. Simply take a one-inch piece of stem containing at least one leaf and set it in fresh potting soil inside a seedling starter tray. No rooting hormone is necessary. Regular watering will encourage a fully rooted new plant within a few weeks.
Variations
The Tradescantia Pallida or Zebina variations of the 'Spiderwort' or 'Wandering Jew' plant is just as easy to grow as the original. Beautiful rich purple leaves make this a wonderful year round houseplant, ideal for hanging baskets or an eye catching shelf piece. In the summer you can look forward to pink three petaled flowers to bloom which makes for a stunning contrast to the dark leaves.
Tradescantia Quicksilver is a wonderful plant for the home, this one has white leaves and flowers and is every bit a beautiful as the pink or purple.