How To Take Care Of A Wandering Jew Plant

So, you've found yourself in possession of a Wandering Jew plant, huh? Congratulations, you're now the proud parent of a houseplant that's about as easy to care for as a goldfish. Okay, maybe not that easy, but you get the drift. Let's dive into the wild world of Tradescantia zebrina, shall we?

First Things First: What's in a Name?

Why, oh why, did they have to go and name this plant the 'Wandering Jew'? I mean, it's not like we need any more reasons to feel guilty about our houseplants, right? But fear not, dear plant parent, this name has nothing to do with any religious connotations. It's actually named after the biblical character who was cursed to wander the Earth until the Second Coming. Which, let's face it, is a bit of a stretch for a plant that's mostly content to hang out in your living room.

But hey, at least it's not called the 'Wandering Vegan' or the 'Wandering Keto'. Imagine trying to explain that to your friends.

Let's Talk About You and Me...

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of caring for your new green friend, let's talk about you. Specifically, your light situation. Because, as it turns out, you're going to need to do a little bit of soul-searching here. Does your home have bright, indirect light? Or are you more of a 'let's see how many lamps we can cram into one room' kind of person?

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not judging. I once tried to grow a cactus in my bathroom, and that ended about as well as you'd expect. But the point is, the Wandering Jew is a bit of a light snob. It likes bright, indirect light, and it's not afraid to show it. So, if you're the type of person who likes to keep your plants in the dark like some sort of plant vampire, this might not be the plant for you.

Water, Water Everywhere...

Alright, so you've got the light situation sorted. Now let's talk about water. Because, as it turns out, the Wandering Jew is about as picky about its water as it is about its light. It likes its water room temperature and not too cold. It likes to be watered when the top inch or so of its soil is dry. And it really doesn't like to be overwatered.

In fact, if there's one thing that'll send your Wandering Jew to the great compost heap in the sky faster than you can say 'plant parent fail', it's overwatering. So, if you're the type of person who likes to water their plants until they're swimming in a puddle of water, you might want to sit this one out.

But don't worry, there's a silver lining here. Because, as it turns out, the Wandering Jew is about as forgiving as they come when it comes to underwatering. So, if you're more of a 'set it and forget it' kind of plant parent, this might just be the plant for you.

Wandering Jew Plant Care – How to Plant and Grow

Temperature Talk

Now, let's talk about temperature. Because, as it turns out, the Wandering Jew is a bit of a Goldilocks when it comes to temperature. It likes it not too hot, not too cold, but just right. Specifically, it likes temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and a drop of about 10°F (5°C) at night.

But here's the thing: if you're the type of person who likes to keep their house at a balmy 85°F (29°C) year-round, you might want to rethink this whole 'Wandering Jew' thing. Because, as it turns out, this plant is about as heat-tolerant as a snowflake in a sauna.

Let's Get Pruning

Alright, so you've got the light, water, and temperature situation sorted. Now let's talk about pruning. Because, as it turns out, the Wandering Jew is about as low-maintenance as they come when it comes to pruning. It doesn't need much, just a little snip here and there to keep it looking its best.

But here's the thing: if you're the type of person who likes to prune their plants with the same level of precision as a brain surgeon, you might want to sit this one out. Because, as it turns out, the Wandering Jew is about as forgiving as they come when it comes to pruning. In fact, it's practically impossible to kill this plant with kindness. Or, you know, a pair of pruning shears.

And Now, the Surprising Part...

So, you've got the light, water, temperature, and pruning situation sorted. You're basically a Wandering Jew whisperer at this point. But here's the thing: did you know that this plant is actually a bit of a superstar when it comes to air purification?

Wandering Jew Plant Care – How to Plant and Grow

That's right, folks. According to NASA, the Wandering Jew is one of the best plants out there for removing toxins from the air. It's particularly good at getting rid of things like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Which, let's face it, are about as fun to say as they are to have floating around in your home.

But here's the kicker: not only does the Wandering Jew purify the air, but it also does it in style. With its silvery stripes and trailing vines, it's about as good-looking as it is useful. Which, let's face it, is about as rare as a plant that doesn't mind if you forget to water it once in a while.

So, Are You Ready to Be a Plant Parent?

Alright, so there you have it. The lowdown on the Wandering Jew. It's a plant that's about as easy to care for as it is to love. It's a plant that purifies the air and looks good doing it. It's a plant that's about as forgiving as they come, no matter what kind of plant parent you are.

So, are you ready to take the plunge? Are you ready to become a Wandering Jew plant parent? Because, let me tell you, there's no feeling quite like the feeling of watching a plant thrive under your care. And with the Wandering Jew, that feeling is about as easy to come by as they come.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and find yourself a Wandering Jew. Your home, your air, and your Instagram feed will thank you.