purple wandering jew plant toxic to cats

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Is Wandering Jew Toxic to Cats & Dogs?

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Wondering is wandering jew toxic to cats and dogs discover the answer about this wonderful houseplant in our informative post.

If you have both a cat or dog and a wandering jew plant, then this question must have crossed your mind– Is Wandering Jew Toxic to Cats and Dogs ? Being a plant and pet lover you must be concerned for both, and you’re right. Well, this article will enlighten you!

What is a Wandering Jew Plant?

purple wandering jew plant toxic to cats

The Wandering jew ( Tradescantia ) is a warm climate tropical plant. This name is used for many different species in the Tradescantia genus that includes approx 75 herbaceous perennial species. Some of them are considered as invasive weeds, and some are popular as outdoor garden plants. Many are popular indoor plants for containers. You can learn about the most popular varieties here .

It’s an easy to grow plant, which can tolerate both sun and shade. However, the best growth is observed in partial shade and slightly moist soil. Well-drained potting soil and warm surrounding is favorable for indoor wandering jews. You can grow in window boxes, hanging baskets and creative pots. They look best cascading down from a height.

Also Read : 19 Low Light Indoor Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs

Is Wandering Jew Toxic to Cats?

According to the ASPCA ( American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ), the wandering jew can be toxic to cats, dogs, and horses as it contains calcium oxalate crystals in leaves and stems. It may not seriously injure your pet but still chewing it can cause discomfort. This mildly toxic plant can cause skin or bowel irritation in cats. If your cat or dog has ingested any part of the plant; particularly the stem , then it can cause diarrhea or vomiting.

Also Read : Is Frankincense Safe for Cats?

Treatment of Wandering Jew Poisoning in Cats

Wondering is wandering jew toxic to cats and dogs? Discover the answer about this wonderful houseplant in our informative post!

If your cat shows symptoms like skin allergy or irritation in the abdomen, paws, anal area, and scrotum. Then try any of these following solutions.

Give a bathe to your feline if there is any skin allergy or irritation.
If you observe any digestive system related problem in your pet, then consult your regular vet for this.
Let your cat drink enough water and avoid any movement.
You can also apply aloe vera gel to the allergic area.

Protecting Your Pets from Wandering Jew Plants

You can protect your cats and dogs from wandering jew plant or vice versa by locating it in an area which is out of their reach. Growing it in hanging baskets is one of the resorts. If the long trailing vine falling below, keep them short by pruning wandering jew from time to time.

Know the Names of 11 Cat Safe Succulents here

Watch this video for more information.

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Is Wandering Jew Poisonous to Cats? [Explained]

Is wandering jew toxic to cats? Yes, Wandering jew is a midly toxic plant for cats and other pets. Although it is generally not life-threatening, cats that consume the sap of wandering jew plants can experience skin irritation and bowel irritations causing vomiting or diarrhea.

Having plants and pets in the same house makes you wonder whether they are safe companions. Not only do you have think about whether houseplants are potentially toxic for your pet but also whether your pet can harm the plant.

In the case of wandering jew, they are best kept separate. But what happens when you already have both in the house?

Read on to learn more about wander jew and what you need to know if you have cats as pets.

What Is Wandering Jew?

Wandering Jew is an umbrella term for many different species of the Tradescantia genus, a tropical herbaceous plant originating in central and Southern America. It is a relatively easy plant to take care of, making it a popular houseplant.

Depending on the specific species, it can be a lovely flowering plant or a trailing plant. Some species are also considered invasive species and are treated as weeds.

Most Common Types of Wandering Jew

Tradescantia Fluminensis
Tradescantia Pallida
Tradescantia Zebrina

Tradescantia Flumensis: Evergreen perennial plant with oval green and lilac striped leaves. It produces a white flower with 3 petals.

Tradescantia Pallida: Long pointy purple leaves but the tips may remain red or green. Produces 3-petal flowers in a variety of colors, purple, white or pink.

Tradescantia Zebrina: Evergreen perennial vining plant with multi-color leaves ranging between green, gray and purple. The leaf center features 2 whitish gray stripes and it sometimes produces pinkish flowers.

Other Common Names

Tradescantia Flumensis:

Small-leaf spiderwort
River spiderwort
Wandering willie
Wandering gypsy
Wandering trad

Tradescantia Pallida:

Purple Queen
Purple Heart
Purple Secretia.

Tradescantia Zebrina:

Zebrina pendula

Is Wandering Jew Toxic for Cats?

The plant sap of wandering jew is irritating to the skin and it can cause bowel irritations as well, if it is consumed by your cat. That is why wandering jew is considered a mildy toxic plant for cats, dogs, horses and other pets but also in humans.

The plant sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, that is what causes the allergic reaction in cats. The sap is present in the leaves but most of it is in the stem.

If your cat gets any of the sap on their skin, it can cause a skin rash, similar to dermatitis. If your cats nibbles on the plant and ingests some of the sap, it can cause bowel irritations.

These are possible symptoms of contact with wandering jew sap in cats.

Skin irritations, especially on belly, paws, chin, groin
Allergic skin reaction

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, notify your vet. The vet can tell you how to relieve the irritations and what to do if you cat is showing symptoms of bowel irritation.

How to Keep Your Cat Away from Wandering Jew Plants

Since the sap of wandering jew is toxic to cats, it is important to prevent them from coming into contact. However, this is easier said than done.

Cats are naturally agile creatures and masters of reaching difficult places. You also cannot keep an eye on them 24/7 to prevent them from scratching at or nibbling at the houseplant.

If you place the plant on a surface, chances are that your cat can find a way up there. The best way to keep your cat and houseplant safe, is to hang it somewhere your cat cannot jump at.

Plant baskets that hang from the ceiling are your best bet. Make sure there are no other nearby surfaces that you cat could use to get a good jump at the plant from.

Tradescantia like lots of sunlight so hang it near a window. Remember to prune the trailing vines, otherwise your cat might still get at them.

What to do if Your Cat Eats Wandering Jew

If your cat has eaten a wandering Jew plant, it is important to monitor your cat for any signs of illness. The wandering Jew plant is not toxic to cats, but it can cause digestive upset if ingested in large amounts. Symptoms of digestive upset in cats may include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, or if you are concerned about your cat’s health, it is important to contact your veterinarian for further advice. Your veterinarian can assess your cat’s condition and recommend any necessary treatment.

In the meantime, you can try to prevent your cat from eating any more of the plant by keeping the plant out of reach or by placing a physical barrier around it. You can also consider replacing the wandering Jew plant with a safer, non-toxic alternative.

Other Toxic or Poisonous Plants for Cats

The ASPCA has a long list of common houseplants that are toxic or poisonous for cats . Here is just a short selection of the plants on that list.

English Ivy
Leopard Lily
Monstera Deliciosa
Succulents (not all species)
Snake plants

Frequently Asked Questions:

What succulents are poisonous to cats.

Several types of succulents are poisonous to cats. These include:

Cotyledon Pendens
Crassula (Jade)
Pachypodium
Sansevieria

What Plants Are Cat Friendly?

Some cats enjoy scratching at or nibbling on houseplants which is why it is important to only bring in houseplants that are safe and non-toxic for your cat. This is a non-exhaustive list of 10 common houseplants that are safe for cats:

Air plants (Tillandsia)
Aluminium plant
Boston Fern (note: not all ferns are cat friendly)
Friendship plant
Lace Flower Vine
Lipstick plant
Parlor palm
Polka Dot Plant
Spider plant

Is Wandering Jew Toxic to Humans?

Just like in pets, the calcium oxalate crystals in the sap of wandering jew plants can cause skin irritation. Humans can develop dermatitis on the areas of skin that came into contact with the sap.

To be safe, always wear gloves when pruning a wandering jew plant and properly clean your tools afterwards. Never ingest any part of the plant.

The wandering jew species are popular houseplants because they are generally low maintenance but they are not cat friendly plants. The plant sap contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause skin and bowel irritations in cats other pets and even in humans.

Since cats sometimes enjoying playing with houseplants, it is important to be aware of the risks if you choose to keep one in the house. Make sure you keep the plant in a spot that your cat cannot reach.

Watch out for symptoms such as irritated skin, vomiting and diarrhea in your cat. This may be a sign that they came into contact with wandering jew plant sap.

About The Author

Claire Jacobs

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What To Do If Cat Eats Wandering Jew

Wandering Jew plants are popular indoor and outdoor plants known for their vibrant purple and green foliage. However, these plants are toxic to cats if ingested. If your cat has eaten a Wandering Jew plant, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent any potential harm. In this article, we will discuss what to do if your cat eats a Wandering Jew plant, as well as provide some interesting trends related to the topic.

1. Trend: Increase in popularity of Wandering Jew plants in households

Wandering Jew plants have become increasingly popular in households due to their attractive foliage and easy care requirements. However, many pet owners may not be aware of the potential dangers these plants pose to their cats.

2. Trend: Rise in cases of cats ingesting toxic plants

With the increase in popularity of houseplants, there has been a corresponding rise in cases of cats ingesting toxic plants. It’s important for pet owners to be aware of which plants are safe for their pets and take precautions to prevent any accidental ingestion.

3. Trend: Growing awareness of pet-safe plant alternatives

As more pet owners become aware of the dangers of toxic plants, there has been a growing trend towards seeking out pet-safe plant alternatives. This includes plants that are non-toxic to cats and other household pets.

4. Trend: Increase in pet owners seeking advice on plant toxicity

Many pet owners are turning to professionals in the field for advice on plant toxicity and how to keep their pets safe. It’s important to do your research and consult with experts if you have any concerns about the safety of plants in your home.

5. Trend: Surge in online resources for pet-safe gardening

The internet has become a valuable resource for pet owners looking to create pet-safe gardens and indoor plant environments. There are numerous websites and forums dedicated to helping pet owners choose the right plants for their homes.

6. Trend: Growth in pet-friendly plant products

With the increase in demand for pet-safe plants, there has been a growth in the availability of pet-friendly plant products. These products are specifically designed to deter pets from chewing on plants or contain ingredients that are safe for animals if ingested.

7. Trend: Expansion of pet poison control services

As cases of pet poisoning from plants continue to rise, there has been an expansion of pet poison control services to help pet owners in emergencies. These services provide valuable assistance and guidance on how to handle pet poisoning incidents.

If your cat has eaten a Wandering Jew plant, there are several steps you should take to ensure your pet’s safety. First, remove any remaining plant material from your cat’s mouth and try to identify the plant. Next, monitor your cat for any signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If you notice any concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Common Concerns and Answers:

1. Concern: Is the Wandering Jew plant toxic to cats?

Answer: Yes, the Wandering Jew plant is toxic to cats if ingested. It can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, as well as more severe symptoms in some cases.

2. Concern: What are the symptoms of Wandering Jew plant poisoning in cats?

Answer: Symptoms of Wandering Jew plant poisoning in cats may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to organ failure and death.

3. Concern: How can I prevent my cat from eating toxic plants?

Answer: To prevent your cat from eating toxic plants, keep them out of reach or consider using deterrents such as bitter sprays or pet-safe plant products. It’s also important to educate yourself on which plants are toxic to cats and avoid having them in your home.

4. Concern: Should I induce vomiting if my cat eats a toxic plant?

Answer: It’s best to consult with your veterinarian before inducing vomiting in your cat. Some plants can cause more harm if they are vomited back up, so it’s important to seek professional advice before taking any action.

5. Concern: Can Wandering Jew plant poisoning be fatal to cats?

Answer: In severe cases, Wandering Jew plant poisoning can be fatal to cats. It’s important to seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your cat has ingested a toxic plant.

6. Concern: How long does it take for symptoms of plant poisoning to appear in cats?

Answer: Symptoms of plant poisoning in cats can vary depending on the plant and the amount ingested. In some cases, symptoms may appear within a few hours, while in others, it may take several days for signs of poisoning to manifest.

7. Concern: Can I treat my cat at home if they have eaten a toxic plant?

Answer: It’s best to seek veterinary care if your cat has ingested a toxic plant. Your veterinarian can provide the appropriate treatment and supportive care to help your pet recover.

8. Concern: Are there any safe alternatives to the Wandering Jew plant for my home?

Answer: Yes, there are many pet-safe plant alternatives that you can choose for your home. Some examples include spider plants, Boston ferns, and African violets, which are non-toxic to cats.

9. Concern: How can I identify a Wandering Jew plant?

Answer: Wandering Jew plants are known for their purple and green striped foliage and trailing growth habit. They are commonly grown as houseplants or outdoor ground cover.

10. Concern: Can outdoor cats be at risk of plant poisoning?

Answer: Yes, outdoor cats can be at risk of plant poisoning if they come into contact with toxic plants in the environment. It’s important to be aware of the plants in your yard and take precautions to keep your pets safe.

11. Concern: Are there any long-term effects of plant poisoning in cats?

Answer: In some cases, plant poisoning in cats can lead to long-term health effects, such as kidney damage or liver failure. It’s important to seek prompt veterinary care to prevent any potential complications.

12. Concern: How can I create a pet-safe garden for my cat?

Answer: To create a pet-safe garden for your cat, choose plants that are non-toxic and avoid using pesticides or chemicals that could be harmful to pets. You can also create designated play areas for your cat to prevent them from coming into contact with toxic plants.

13. Concern: Can cats develop an aversion to toxic plants after ingesting them?

Answer: Some cats may develop an aversion to toxic plants after ingesting them and experiencing negative side effects. However, it’s best to prevent your cat from coming into contact with toxic plants in the first place.

14. Concern: Are there any natural remedies for plant poisoning in cats?

Answer: It’s best to seek veterinary care for plant poisoning in cats, as natural remedies may not be effective or could potentially be harmful. Your veterinarian can provide the appropriate treatment to help your pet recover.

15. Concern: Should I bring a sample of the plant to the veterinarian if my cat has eaten it?

Answer: If you can safely do so, bringing a sample of the plant to the veterinarian can help them identify the plant and provide the appropriate treatment. However, it’s not always necessary, so focus on seeking prompt veterinary care for your cat first and foremost.

In conclusion, if your cat eats a Wandering Jew plant, it’s important to act quickly to prevent any potential harm. Remove any remaining plant material from your cat’s mouth, monitor for symptoms of poisoning, and seek veterinary care if needed. By being aware of the dangers of toxic plants and taking precautions to keep your pets safe, you can ensure a happy and healthy environment for your furry friends. Remember to consult with professionals in the field for guidance and support in handling plant poisoning incidents. Stay informed and proactive in protecting your pets from potential hazards in your home.

What To Do If Your Cat Eats Asparagus Fern

Home » House Plants » Wandering Jew

Is The Wandering Jew Plant Poisonous or Toxic?

You may have heard Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) is edible, but this is entirely incorrect.

This misunderstanding comes from the fact the plant shares the common name, Spiderwort, with a couple of other plants in the same genus, which are edible.

wandering jew plant growing as a groundcover

The fact is, Wandering Jew (and several similar poisonous plants in this genus) contain very irritating sap, while the plants sharing their common name (Tradescantia Virginiana and Tradescantia ohiensis) have edible flowers, stems, and leaves.

These edible plants may also be called Blue jackets or Day flowers.

What Parts Of The Wandering Jew Plant Are Poisonous or Toxic?

The sap of most members of the Tradescantia genus is irritating to the skin.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ASPCA does not specifically list Tradescantia zebrina as toxic, and it does list a close relative, Tradescantia fluminensis (which also goes by the common name, Wandering Jew), as being a skin irritant to cats, dogs, and horses.

What Are The Symptoms Of Poisoning?

The sap contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause allergic reactions, including dermatitis in people and pets like dogs, cats, horses, and other living things.

It is unclear whether ingesting the sap would cause serious effects, but at a bare minimum, it would surely cause mouth and throat irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory failure, incoordination, tremors, abnormal heart rate, seizures, liver failure, and nausea.

Although there is little information regarding the effects of Wandering Jew when ingested, it is worth noting the sap of this toxic plant and its dark green leaves are used in a wide variety of folk medicines in many parts of the world.

Trailing houseplant with variegated leaves.

Prepared as a tea, a compress, or a decoction, it is said to be an effective treatment against a wide array of ailments, including:

High Blood Pressure
The Common Cold
Kidney Stones
Tuberculosis

The sap is also said to be effective as an antibacterial agent and an antioxidant.

Smiling woman holding a lush hanging plant.

While it’s hard to know whether or not these reports are true, it is worth noting that frivolous use of folk cures is ill-advised, and care should be taken when handling vines used this way.

How To Protect Yourself When Handling The Wandering Jew Plant

The problem is most members of the Tradescantia genus look very much alike. Many are almost indistinguishable from one another.

This way, it’s extremely important not to gather wild or naturalized plants as food unless you are certain of what you’re doing.

If you do accidentally gather Wandering Jew flowers, leaves, and fleshy stems to add to your salad or to sauté in your stir-fry, a skin rash may be your first clue as to their unsuitability for this purpose.

If you do develop dermatitis from contact with the Wandering Jew or one of its relatives, begin by flushing the area thoroughly with cool water and then washing it with soap and lukewarm water.

This may resolve the problem.

If it doesn’t, and itching persists or blisters develop, mix a quart of cool water and a tablespoon of white vinegar and use this mixture to make a cool compress to relieve the pain and itching.

If your symptoms don’t go away within twenty-four hours, see your doctor, as he or she may want to prescribe steroids or antihistamines.

The bottom line is that even though Wandering Jew is only listed as a plant that can cause skin irritation, it’s a good idea not to eat it or any of its relatives.

Vibrant purple plant in a pot, sharp detail.

Furthermore, when handling trailing plants in the Tradescantia family, be sure to wear gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection and wash up thoroughly afterward.

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Are Wandering Jew Plants Poisonous to Cats?

If you love house plants but also have house cats, it's crucial to ensure that the former isn't toxic to the latter. The wandering jew -- formally known as Tradescantia fluminensis and also known as speedy Henry -- will harm your feline friends. So it's best to leave this one back at the greenhouse.

According to The Nest , the wandering jew has sap that can irritate a cat's digestive system if they consume part of the stem, but eating the leaves doesn't normally cause problems. Though we advise keeping this plant out of your cat-friendly home at all times.

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Wandering jews are known for their stripes of white, green, silver, and purple colors in their leaves. They also have trailing vines that flow from its base which can be tempting for cats to play with and if ingested they can get sick.

Try These Non-Toxic Houseplants Instead

There are alternative common houseplants that won't harm your cat include:

African violets
Ficus benjamina
Miniature roses
Rubber plant
Spider plant
True ferns, such as the maidenhair or Boston
Venus fly trap
Wax begonias

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.

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Is Wandering Jew Toxic To Cats

Wandering Jew is a trailing vine; thus, it can be easily accessible to pets. Cats are naturally curious and often chew on plant leaves. Are you a cat owner worried about your furry friend’s safety? One question must have crossed your mind: are Wandering Jew plants poisonous to cats and dogs?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a Wandering Jew plant is toxic to cats, dogs, or horses. Now, you’ll learn the symptoms of Wandering Jew poisoning and see how to provide proper treatment.

In our guide, you can learn more about are the plants toxic to cats and dogs and what can happen if they face exposure to any part of the plant. By the end, you can better understand why to keep pets from Wandering Jew plants. Also, you’ll see the symptoms when a cat or dog gets affected by this popular houseplant. (Learn How To Pinch Wandering Jew )

What is a Wandering Jew Plant

This common houseplant, scientifically known as Tradescantia zebrina, is a herbaceous perennial characterized by its trailing vines and vibrant purple and green leaves . The herbaceous plants are common as long trailing indoor plants with striped leaves.

It is indigenous to Mexico, Central America, and South America and is a member of the Commelinaceae family.

The plant’s rapid growth and dissemination capacity gave rise to the term “Wandering Jew.” The plant is called zebrina because of its velvety leaves, which also have stripes that resemble zebra stripes.

Is Wandering Jew Toxic to Cats

If you have a cat and a dog and a Wandering Jew or other plant and pet in your home, you’ll need to understand if the long trailing vine is toxic or poisonous. If your feline companion has ingested this trailing plant, it’s essential to be aware of the poisoning symptoms. These can include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.

It’s crucial to note knowing whether it is poisonous or non-toxic could make a difference with the well-being of your cat.

Symptoms of Ingestion

If your cat consumes Wandering Jews (Speedy Henry), you might observe a number of toxicological signs. Gastrointestinal distress is one common sign of wandering jew ingestion in cats.

Your cat can vomit, have diarrhea, or both. Lethargy and weakness are two symptoms of disease that your cat may display. These signs could point to a more serious ailment, such as liver or kidney disease.

Large amounts of roaming jew can cause neurological problems in cats, including tremors, seizures, and trouble walking. To ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment, it’s critical to seek quick veterinarian care if you see any of these symptoms in your cat. (Read Are Plumerias Toxic To Dogs )

Treatment Options for Poisoning

If your cat has been harmed by wandering jew sap, you can investigate other treatment methods. The first thing you need to do is call your vet right away. They will be able to give you specific advice based on your cat’s symptoms and overall health.

Sometimes, a doctor may tell you to make yourself throw up, but you should only do this under their watch. In order to aid in the removal of any lingering toxins from the stomach, once there are signs of illness contact your veterinarian may also prescribe activated charcoal.

To assist flush out the toxins and support your cat’s hydration, intravenous fluids can be required. It’s crucial to carefully follow your veterinarian’s recommendations and closely monitor your cat while it’s receiving therapy.

Symptoms of Wandering Jew Poisoning in Cats

Wandering Jew is a common house plant that can cause mild toxicity in cats and dogs. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause skin or bowel irritation if ingested. While the plant is mildly toxic, it’s important to note that it can still cause symptoms in pets.

Although the plant might sedate cats, they might also display signs of lethargy or weakness. Other neurological symptoms could include tremors, ataxia, or seizures. Loss of appetite and paw or skin irritations are also possible.

To protect your cats and dogs from Wandering Jew, it is recommended to keep the plant out of their reach and to locate it in an area where your dog or cat cannot access it.

If you observe any digestive system related problems in your pet, it is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. Additionally, pruning the plant to keep its trailing vines short can help prevent your pets from consuming it. It’s always better to be safe and keep potentially toxic plants away from your pets. (Read Majesty Palm Cats )

Treatment of Wandering Jew Poisoning in Cats

Wandering Jew, a highly toxic plant, can cause cat poisoning if ingested. It is essential to keep this vining plant out of reach from pets, as it is also known to be toxic to dogs. If a cat eats wandering jew, a cat shows symptoms like skin allergies or irritation, particularly in the anal area or scrotum.

In some cases, the cat may also experience irritation in the abdomen.

If you suspect your cat has been poisoned by wandering Jews, seeking immediate veterinary attention is vital. You can also contact the pet poison helpline for further guidance. While waiting for professional help, you can try any of these following solutions to mitigate the effects of the poisoning.

Keep the affected cat away from the plant and observe any digestive system-related problems. Additionally, you can help alleviate skin irritation by gently cleaning the affected area with a mild soap and water solution.

Keep them short by pruning to make them less accessible to your pet. Remember, prevention is vital, so it’s crucial to educate yourself about other potentially poisonous plants and keep them out of your pet’s reach.

How To Protect Your Pets from Wandering Jew Poisoning?

To protect your pets from Wandering Jew poisoning, creating a safe environment for them is essential. Start by removing any Wandering Jew plants from your home or garden. If you have neighbors with a Wandering Jew, consider fencing off your yard to prevent your pets from accessing those areas.

Always supervise your pets when outside, and keep them on a leash to ensure they don’t come into contact with this toxic plant.

Conclusion: Is My Houseplant Poisonous To Cats?

In conclusion, if you ask, is this plant toxic to my pet? Cat owners must know that the Wandering Jew plant can be toxic. Symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

If you suspect your cat has ingested this plant, seek immediate veterinary care. To safeguard your pets, keep the Wandering Jew plant out of their reach and consider pet-friendly alternatives.

Remember, protecting our beloved feline friends goes beyond physical safety; it reflects our responsibility as caretakers to make areas safe for cats. (Read Is Stonecrop Poisonous To Dogs )

Can Cats Safely Eat or Chew on the Leaves of a Wandering Jew Plant?

Cats should not eat or chew on the leaves of a wandering jew plant. Keeping your furry friend safe is vital, as this plant can be toxic to cats.

How Quickly Does a Cat Show Symptoms of Wandering Jew Poisoning After Ingestion?

You want to know how quickly a cat shows symptoms of wandering jew poisoning. The onset of symptoms can vary but typically occurs within a few hours to a day after ingestion.

Are There Any Home Remedies or Natural Treatments for Wandering Jew Poisoning in Cats?

There are no home remedies or natural treatments for wandering jew poisoning in cats. You must seek immediate veterinary help if you suspect your cat has ingested this plant.

Can Wandering Jew Poisoning Be Fatal for Cats if Left Untreated?

Wandering Jew poisoning can be fatal for cats if left untreated. It’s essential to recognize the symptoms and seek immediate veterinary care. Delaying treatment may exacerbate the toxicity and increase the risk of fatality.

Are There Any Long-Term Health Effects for Cats Who Have Been Poisoned by Wandering Jew?

Long-term health effects may occur in cats poisoned by Wandering Jew. It is essential to seek veterinary care promptly to minimize potential complications. Untreated poisoning can lead to severe illness or even death.

With over 20 years of hands-on gardening and landscape design experience, Tim Graham, the founder of YardandGardenGuru.com, is dedicated to sharing expert advice and fostering a vibrant community for garden enthusiasts. His award-winning designs and sustainable practices reflect a deep-rooted passion and expertise in horticulture. Connect and cultivate your green thumb with Tim!

Wandering Jew Plant – Ultimate Care Guide

By: Author Daniel

Posted on Last updated: September 18, 2023

Wandering Jew Plant – Ultimate Care Guide

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You are reading this guide to learn more about the Wandering Jew Plant and its care . I have had this plant at home for many years and write about all the growing aspects in this guide.

Wandering Jew Plant Care Takeaways

What is the wandering jew plant.

The Wandering Jew, or Tradescantia zebrina, by its scientific name (old name = Zebrina pendula) is native to Mexico. It is not to be confused with Tradescantia albiflora, which also goes by Wandering Jew and has very similar care needs.

Tradescantia zebrina has attractive foliage, sporting exciting zebra-patterned leaves. It also flowers. But when kept as a houseplant, this rarely ever happens. It is a fast-growing and excellent groundcover, according to the University of Florida .

How not to kill your Tradescantia Zebrina (Wandering Jew)

W andering Jew Plant Care

To keep your Wandering Jew plant thriving, ensure it receives bright, indirect sunlight. Keep it in average room temperatures of 60-75°F (16-24°C). Fertilize once a month during spring and summer. In winter, relocate the plant to a cooler area with temperatures of 54-59°F (12-15°C).

Table of Contents

Tradescantia zebrina Growing guide

Tradescantia zebrina care is pretty straightforward, but it certainly can’t hurt to glance at the most important things to consider when caring about this herbaceous perennial plant.

So, without further ado, let’s see how you can make your Wandering Jew, aka the Inch plant, as happy as possible.

Any good potting soil will do for your Wandering Jew. For instance, this could be Miracle Gro potting soil readily available online in stores like Amazon.

But these plants not only feel very comfortable in soil but can also be kept in hydroponics .

Sunlight is a vital aspect when it comes to the well-being of most houseplants. Some houseplants do well with moderate sunlight, while others only thrive (or flower) when a certain level of sunlight is guaranteed.

The Wandering Jew does best in bright, indirect sunlight .

If you are unsure what that means, please look at our Light Levels article.

The Wandering Jew, a tropical native, thrives best when the root ball is always well moisturized. Still, waterlogging should be avoided whenever possible, as this could lead to root rot .

Lookup your USDA Hardiness Zone By Zip Code

This tropical plant does not enjoy limy water. Use soft water whenever possible. Rainwater and distilled water are very good choices.

Temperature

People who own an Inch plant and keep it outside run the risk of exposing it to cold temperatures. This is where indoor plant owners have the upper hand.

Wandering Jews can thrive with average room temperatures of 60 to 75°F (16 to 24°C) if it doesn’t drop for long periods. Anything below 12°C for an extended period could be fatal for your Wandering Jew.

Wandering Jews prefer a humidity of around 70%

The perennial, herbaceous Wandering Jew plant is native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia, so it should not surprise you that it likes a good deal of humidity.

To ensure high humidity levels, regularly misting your plant is a very good idea. A hand mister filled with water does the trick.

As for the location, you may want to keep your Wandering Jew in the bathroom , as this is usually the place in the house with the highest humidity.

Feed your plant once a month during spring and summer. In winter, fertilizing is not necessary.

Also, fertilization of the Wandering Jew is only necessary from the second year of cultivation or after repotting.

Propagation

It is best propagated through stem tip cuttings. Propagating the Wandering Jew is an easy task.

Wandering Jews don’t get very tall. They might reach a height of about 14 inches (36 cm) when kept indoors. They spread to about 10 inches (25 cm).

(Re)potting

The thing with the Wandering Jew is that it grows fast , hence its nickname “Inch plant.” Because of its fast-growing pace, the plant usually gets very leggy, and leaves are often lost near the base of the plant.

Repotting is pivotal for keeping the root system healthy regardless of the actual plant species. However, how often a houseplant needs to be repotted depends on various factors.

Some houseplants grow incredibly fast, so they need to be repotted often. Others, on the other hand, grow very slowly, so repotting is not a top priority.

That said, repotting your Wandering Jew occasionally is a good idea.

How long does a Wandering Jew live?

As far as the longevity of Wandering Jews goes, they often don’t get older than 2 to 3 years.

Wandering Jew Watering

Water about once every 5-7 days in spring and summer. Keep the soil slightly humid. Do not let the Wandering Jew dry out between waterings. Use your index finger to check if the soil is dry down 1-2 inches of soil (2.5 – 5 cm).

Reduce watering to every 10-14 days in autumn and winter.

Wandering Jew Propagation

The Wandering Jew roots very easily . The plant can easily be propagated through stem tip cuttings.

When propagating your Wandering Jew, make sure that your plant is in a healthy condition.

Please follow our step-to-step guide to propagate your Wandering Jew through stem tip cuttings.

Propagation through stem tip cuttings

Identify the plant that you want to replicate. It should have healthy growth and plenty of stems.
Make clean cuts on sections that are three to six inches in length .
Use a sharp knife and carefully cut the leaves on the stem’s bottom half.
If you want, you can dip the exposed end of the stem in a rooting hormone . This will speed up the rooting process. However , it is unnecessary .
Place your stem tip cuttings into a pot with fresh soil after thoroughly watering the potting mixture.
Use a clear plastic bag to hold in moisture, taking it off to water weekly .
Keep your eyes on the plant for new growth . You should start to see roots in about two to three weeks . Once this happens, transfer the plant babies to a larger pot.

Note: Instead of rooting your stem tip cuttings directly in soil, you could also root them in water .

Wandering Jew Pest Control

Wandering Jews are prone to aphids and spider mites attacks. So, you will need to look out for these two little pests.

Some of these are known to cause defoliation, while others can kill the plant altogether. Depending on the severity of the infestation, you may need to use chemicals or insecticides .

Aphids on my Inch Plant

The Wandering Jew is not particularly susceptible to plant diseases or pests. Yet, you might have to deal with an aphid attack at some point. These parasites pierce the leaves of their host plant and suck their sap.

Like scale insects, they excrete sticky honeydew, by which you can immediately recognize the infestation.

Aphids can multiply explosively, especially in warm , dry environments.

As a preventive measure, ensure regular watering and occasional misting of your Wandering Jew.

The best way to combat aphids is to control them mechanically by rinsing them off the plant with water . Isolate the plant from the rest of the collection.

Pest Prevention

To prevent the Wandering Jew from pest infestations, plucking dried leaves regularly makes sense as well as using neem oil. The dried leaves lying on the substrate must be removed. Otherwise, there is a risk of rotting or infestation by parasites and fungi .

Wandering Jew Problems

Brown leaf tips.

Brown leaf tips is a very common problem with a wide variety of houseplant. Depending on the species, the causes for this problem can be very different, though.

So what causes leaves to turn brown with Wandering Jews?

My Wandering Jew has only green leaves (not enough variegation)

If you do own a variegated Wandering Jew but only see a great amount of non-variegated leaves, chances are that your plant does not get enough sunlight .

To solve the problem, allow your Wandering Jew some bright, indirect sunlight by placing it in a sunnier location.

Fading leaves

If your inch plant’s foliage is suddenly losing color and sports fading leaves, this is another sign that it does not get enough sunlight .

Dropping leaves

Dropping leaves is another very common problem many plant parents must deal with regularly . If your Wandering Jew drops leaves, this is usually due to too low or too high temperatures .

In summer , ensure your Wandering Jew is exposed to average room temperatures.

In winter , it should be kept in a cooler environment.

Is Wandering Jew care difficult?

Wandering Jews are considered low-maintenance plants and are perfectly suitable for beginners.

They do well at average room temperatures, don’t demand a very high level of humidity (which is sometimes difficult to achieve in a home environment), and it is very easy to propagate them through stem tip cuttings.

Which plant species are commonly referred to as “Wandering Jew”?

Tradescantia zebrina as well as Tradescantia albiflora.

What is the difference between Tradescantia zebrina and Zebrina pendula?

There is no difference between Tradescantia zebrina and Zebrina pendula. Zebrina pendula is just the old name for Tradescantia zebrina.

Does my Wandering Jew flower at all?

Wandering Jews are indeed flowering plants. However, when kept indoors, they very rarely flower.

How long can you keep a Wandering Jew?

If you don’t propagate your Wandering Jew, you can keep it for about three years. After that period, the quality of your Wandering Jew will most likely decrease. If you regularly propagate your leafy friend through stem tip cuttings, you can keep it indefinitely.

Any display tips for Wandering Jews?

Wandering Jews look great in hanging planters!

Is the Wandering Jew toxic to cats?

The Wandering Jew plant is toxic to cats. Therefore, you have to keep your cat away from this plant.

Is the Wandering Jew toxic to dogs?

Yes, the Wandering Jew plant is toxic to dogs. Therefore, you must ensure your dog does not come in contact with this plant.

What are the health benefits of Tradescantia zebrina, if any?

Not only is The Wandering Jew a beautiful houseplant famous for its striking foliage, but it also presents several health benefits for humans. It is especially known for its antioxidant and antibacterial activity, and it is widely used in Traditional Medicine in several countries. Tradescantia zebrina is also believed to be a valuable source for treating kidney diseases.

The Last Zebrina

The Wandering Jew is a great houseplant that looks stunning in hanging planters. Its care is easy apart from its humidity-loving nature.

Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.

(image credits, IG:oohyouplantsy) I have a hide-away in my home that I escape to for…

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Most of the 45+ species in the Monstera genus are famous for their unusual leaves…

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Wandering Jew Care: How to Grow a Long and Luscious Inch Plant (Tradescantia Zebrina)

Tradescantia zebrina (commonly known as wandering Jew, spiderwort, or inch plant) is popular for a reason: This beginner-friendly houseplant is low-maintenance and grows quickly. It’s also super easy to propagate more plants so you can fill your home with more of the colorful striped foliage the species is known for.

Written by Linda Ly

Wandering Jew plant care: complete growing guide for Tradescantia zebrina (inch plant)

When it comes to vigorous, colorful, and easy-to-grow hanging houseplants, there aren’t many that can compare to Tradescantia zebrina (known more commonly as wandering Jew—and I’ll touch on the history of that name below). Whether you’re a houseplant beginner or a veteran, most indoor gardeners have owned one of these potted plants at some point.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Tradescantia zebrina and growing this stunning houseplant in your own home.

Disclosure: If you shop from my article or make a purchase through one of my links, I may receive commissions on some of the products I recommend.

About inch plants

Natural habitat.

Tradescantia zebrina is a native of Central and South America, from Mexico down to Colombia, as well as the Caribbean. Here, it forms part of the undergrowth in lightly forested and often very moist areas. It can form very dense, wide mats thanks to its creeping growth pattern and ability to throw roots extremely quickly.

Unfortunately, its vigorous growth has also made Tradescantia zebrina an invasive plant in some regions. This includes Hawaii, Brazil, and Australia, where the species easily takes hold in moist, forested areas.

As a 2019 study carried out in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest notes, this is problematic due to the species choking out native plants.

Some of the above was caused by careless gardeners allowing bits of the plant to get into the wild, where they quickly root. If you’d like to grow spiderworts like this one in your garden, please make sure to dispose properly of any trimmings left after pruning!

This also applies to zebrina’s popular cousins, like Tradescantia fluminensis, T. pallida, and T. spathacea.

Description

It’s not difficult to see why Tradescantia zebrina gained popularity as a houseplant. Wandering spiderwort plants (not to be confused with spider plants , another beginner-friendly species) are low-maintenance and grow just about anywhere—they even just grow in water !

Easy care and quick growth aside, spiderworts are also just good-looking plants. The pointed, oval leaves on thin, fleshy stems overlap slightly and are characterized by their zebra pattern in purple and silvery green. The leaf undersides are deep purple in color and the tiny, three-petaled flowers are bright pink.

Although this species is naturally a creeping plant, it’s often grown indoors in hanging planters. As long as the plant is provided with enough light, the foliage will be very dense and brightly colored, forming a spectacular waterfall that can reach more than 3 feet in length.

What’s in a name? In the case of common houseplants, sometimes a lot.

Tradescantia zebrina is a classic houseplant (I found mention of it in a 1964 German book about houseplants, but it’s probably been around longer than that!) and among most English speakers, it has long been known as wandering Jew. This is probably a reference to the “wandering” nature of the plant, as it does have a creeping growth pattern.

The legend of the wandering Jew is hundreds of years old and is now commonly considered to be rooted in antisemitism. It describes a Jewish man cursed to walk the planet until the Second Coming because he taunted Jesus on his way to the cross.

Because of this, the plant name has partly fallen out of fashion and has been the source of much debate in the plant world over the past few years.

Some plant enthusiasts have embraced the alternative “wandering dude,” which I personally think is a great option.

“Inch plant” (houseplant enthusiasts don’t agree on whether this refers to the fact that it can grow an inch a day, or that you only need an inch of stem to propagate it), “spiderwort,” or “wandering spiderwort” are also popular alternatives, though these are common names for other Tradescantia varieties, such as Tradescantia Nanouk.

The best way to avoid any confusion is to just stick to the scientific name.

Tradescantia zebrina (wandering Jew) with bicolor (green and cream) leaves and pink flowers

Inch plant varieties

There are three subspecies of inch plant (wandering Jew): Tradescantia zebrina var. zebrina, var. flocculosa, and var. mollipila. Unsurprisingly, after it having been a popular houseplant for so many years, nurseries have also managed to create a whole bunch of cultivars through selective cultivation.

A few of the popular Tradescantia zebrina cultivars you may come across in your local plant store include, but are certainly not limited to:

Tradescantia zebrina ‘Quadricolor’: Yep, as the name suggests, this one adds an extra color to the mix. The leaves are cream, pink-purple, light green, and dark green.
Tradescantia zebrina ‘Burgundy’: Characterized by its very dark purple coloration.
Tradescantia zebrina ‘Silver Plus’: Less purple, more shiny silver.
Tradescantia zebrina ‘Red Gem’: Less silver, more intense (light) purple.
Tradescantia zebrina ‘Purple Joy’: Less silver, more dark purple.
Tradescantia zebrina ‘Tikal’: A rare, naturally occurring variety that collectors pay a pretty penny for.

Do keep in mind that most of these cultivars aren’t patented and the amount of mislabeling and variation within a cultivar are both huge. Just growing your wandering Jew in lower-light conditions can completely change the way it looks, so it’s not surprising that confusion sometimes reigns supreme.

Luckily, care is the same across all cultivars, so your best bet is to just enjoy your plant even if you’re not sure what Tradescantia variety you’re dealing with!

Where to buy wandering Jew plants:

California Tropicals
Daylily Nursery
The Green Escape

Tradescantia zebrina (wandering Jew or inch plant) with deep purple, green, and cream foliage in a yellow container, shot against a blue background

Caring for an inch plant

Light and temperature.

It’s important to provide your Tradescantia zebrina with enough light. It’s tempting to use plants to brighten up dark, shaded spots in your home, but that just doesn’t work with this one: It loses its dense growth pattern and beautiful coloration in low light.

To prevent your wandering dude plant from growing sparse and green, place it near a window that gets bright indirect light. Some full sun isn’t a problem either, but do make sure you acclimate it gradually to a higher light location.

Temperature-wise, this species is a lot hardier than many of the tender tropicals we like to grow in our homes (like Anthurium andraeanum and Begonia maculata ).

Wandering dude plants can handle a very wide range of temps, making it perfect for those chillier windowsills that your other plants may not appreciate. Room temperature is ideal, but anything between 50°F to 85°F will keep them happy.

Water and humidity

Your Tradescantia zebrina will appreciate lightly moist soil. You can water a bit more during the summer months, when the plant is actively growing and needs a lot of moisture, and less during winter, when soil tends to take significantly longer to dry.

If you’re not sure whether it’s time to water your wandering Jew plant yet, you can always turn to the age-old trick of sticking a finger in the soil.

If it still feels damp, wait a little longer, until the first inch or two has dried.
If it feels bone dry, you’ve waited too long; you may also see limp leaves on your plant at this point. It’ll bounce back, but not always without lasting damage.
If the soil feels wet, you watered too much and need to keep an eye out for root rot.

As for humidity, given its rather wet natural habitat, wandering Jew does appreciate higher air moisture levels. The great thing is, though, that it doesn’t demand it. As long as you keep its soil lightly moist and the air isn’t extremely dry, your plant should do well.

Soil and planting

Wandering Jew is not fussy about its potting mixture at all. I’ve grown it in pure houseplant potting soil with no additives. If you do want to take things to the next level, you can add some perlite and/or peat moss, although this is really not a must.

Most houseplant enthusiasts like to place their wandering Jew in a hanging planter so they can enjoy the look of the leaves cascading down. This is not a must, though. You can also emphasize the species’ creeping growth habit by filling up a large, shallow planter, growing it in a terrarium, or even keeping it in water on a semi-permanent basis.

Recommended products for wandering Jew plant care:

FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil
Espoma Organic Potting Mix
Perfect Plants Organic Perlite

Fertilizing

Like most other houseplants, Tradescantia zebrina appreciates a bit of fertilizer during the growing season, which extends from spring to early fall. You can use a normal houseplant fertilizer according to the instructions on the bottle.

Don’t fertilize during the winter months unless your plant is growing well. It doesn’t need extra nutrients if it’s inactive.

Recommended fertilizers for wandering Jew plants:

Houseplant Resource Center Liquid Fertilizer for Houseplants
Instant Biologics Instant Plant Food (Fizzing Nutrient Tablets)
Maxsea All-Purpose Seaweed Plant Food

Pruning

There’s a good chance you’ll have to prune your Tradescantia zebrina regularly, because as I mentioned, this is a very quick grower. It also roots very easily, so any trimmings can be replanted! I’ll describe how to do this in the section on propagation below.

Aside from stem trimming, you can remove any dead leaves, which are bound to pop up from time to time in very dense plants like this species.

Dividing or repotting

Inch plants don’t grow by producing plantlets at their base like many other houseplants (such as spider plants ) do. Instead, inch plants spread by rooting along the stems.

This means that division is not really the way to go; keeping these plants manageable is usually done through pruning. You can shape your plant by pinching off any long, leggy stems to create a fuller appearance and control its spread.

You’ll notice that Tradescantia really doesn’t mind being a bit cramped in its planter. Still, it’s a good idea to provide your plant with some fresh soil every year or two by repotting it.

Close-up of pink flower on a tricolor wandering Jew (inch plant)

Propagating an inch plant

If you’ve never propagated a houseplant before, this is truly one of the best species to start with. It’s known for rooting extremely quickly in both water and soil, meaning it’s easy to fill endless planters to keep or give away.

All you need to propagate your Tradescantia zebrina is a pair of clean scissors. Here’s how you do it:

Snip the ends off existing branches. An inch or two with a few leaves works best.
Remove the leaves at the bottom so part of the stem is exposed.
Place the cutting in a glass of water to root or plant it directly in soil. You can put cuttings back in the mother plant’s pot to give her a fuller appearance on top.
It can take a little longer during the winter months, but the first roots should appear within a week or so. You can give soil cuttings a slight tug to verify they’ve rooted.
Once the first signs of new foliage appear, you’ll know your propagation attempt has been a success!
If you propagated in water, you can leave the rooted cuttings in water almost indefinitely, although you can also pot them up in fresh soil.

Wandering jew (spiderwort) plant with green and silver leaves

Common questions about inch plant care

How do i make a wandering jew plant bushy.

By their very nature, wandering Jew plants are not bushy. Their creeping growth habit means they naturally grow leggy over time, especially in containers.

However, you can mimic a fuller appearance by strategically pinching off any long, spindly stems to shape the plant more. These stems can also be replanted near the mother plant.

As the baby plants grow, they’ll help fill in sparse areas and create the illusion of a bushy wandering Jew.

How long do wandering Jew plants live?

Wandering Jew plants have a limited lifespan of just a few years, and as a potted plant, you’ll notice your wandering Jew becoming very leggy after just two to three years.

Unlike other fast-growing plants that benefit from pruning, cutting back a wandering Jew doesn’t work well to renew its growth; it simply controls the spread.

The best way to keep your plant coming back year after year is to propagate new plants from stem cuttings, which—fortunately—is super easy with a high success rate.

Is wandering Jew perennial?

Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) is a trailing evergreen perennial in its native habitat (USDA hardiness zones 9 through 12). Where it’s not winter hardy, wandering Jew is grown year-round as a houseplant.

Are wandering Jew plants toxic to cats and dogs?

Wandering Jew is not considered outright toxic, but it can cause some skin irritation. If your pet gets into your plant, don’t worry too much, although it can be a good idea to have a look in its mouth to make sure there’s no excessive swelling. Be sure to offer water. To prevent skin rash, it can be a good idea to wear gloves if you need to handle your wandering Jew plant. This especially applies if you have sensitive skin.

https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/110354

Racism in Taxonomy: What’s in a Name?

Chiba de Castro, W. A., Xavier, R. O., Garrido, F. H., Romero, J. H., Peres, C. K., & da Luz, R. C. (2019). Fraying around the edges: negative effects of the invasive Tradescantia zebrina Hort. ex Bosse (Commelinaceae) on tree regeneration in the Atlantic Forest under different competitive and environmental conditions. Journal of Plant Ecology, 12(4), 713-721.

Encke, F. (1964). Pflanzen fur Zimmer und Balkon; Auswahl, Pflege, Vermehrung.

I'm a plant lover, passionate road-tripper, and cookbook author whose expert advice and bestselling books have been featured in Time, Outside, HGTV, and Food & Wine. The National Parks Cookbook is my latest book. Garden Betty is where I write about modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and outdoor adventuring—all that encompass a life well-lived outdoors. After all, the secret to a good life is... Read more »

We bought a full grown Bolivian Jewel mid summer last year. It was in a 14” raised pot and flowing 2 foot over the sides. It was beautiful next to our fountain outside. We live in Minnesota so we had to discard it in the late fall since we had no place to care for it in the house. Since we can’t find another like it we’d like to plant one from scratch but how. We still have the pot and riser but have no idea how to start from that. One plant, a few or just how many to make a bushy over grown plant so it looks like the one we purchased last year. Does this make sense or should we just forget it since it is already the middle of May. The greenhouse that we bought it from last summer doesn’t have any this year, just small ones in 4” pots. Thanks

If you can only grow it as an annual (and won’t be overwintering it indoors), you can plant a few smaller ones together to make them look fuller as they grow.

It seems counterproductive to talk about the problematic origin of the name wandering Jew, recommend multiple alternative names (including scientific), but then continue to call it wandering Jew in the rest of the article. If the name is anti-Semitic just set a good example and use a different name.

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Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia or Spiderwort): Care, Types, Images and More

Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia or Spiderwort ): Care, Types, and Growing Tips

The wandering Jew plant is a common name for different species of plants that belong to the Tradescantia genus. There are around 75 different types of plants in Tradescantia genus and some are called inch plants, spiderwort, striped wandering Jew, Boat Lily, Purple Queen, or flowering inch plant. Wandering Jew plants are great house plants because they are relatively easy to care for. They are also easy to grow because the wandering Jew plant propagates easily from cuttings.

Some types of wandering Jew plants have green and gold leaves, some have reddish leaves, and others have green fuzzy leaves. There are also types of wandering Jew plants that flower. Depending on the species, the wandering Jew plant could have purple, white, or pink flowers.

How to care for wandering Jew plant : For the Tradescantia or spiderwort plant to thrive, grow in a plenty of indirect light and plant in fertile, moist potting soil with good drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t too dry or too damp and keep medium humidity levels. The ideal temperature range is between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (23°C). You can fertilize every four weeks during the growing season with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer.

In this article, you will find all you need to know about this delightful houseplant. You will also get tips and ideas on how to care for your wandering Jew plants.

Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia or Spiderwort) – Overview of the Plant and Its Flowers

The botanical name for wandering Jew plant is Tradescantia zebrina and is also called the inch plant. However, the name wandering Jew is given to many herbaceous perennial plants in the Tradescantia genus. ( 1 )

Species of Tradescantias naturally grow outdoors in countries in Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Australia. Varieties of wandering Jew plants also thrive well indoors, where, like their garden varieties, they grow well when it is warm, sunny, and moderately humid.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, various varieties of Tradescantias are regarded as invasive plants in the wild. However, it is the fast-growing nature of spiderworts, wandering Jews, and inch plants that makes them perfect houseplants. ( 2 )

Many people like to grow wandering Jews or spiderworts in hanging baskets or grow them in pots to decorate a garden.

What does a wandering Jew look like?

Plants from the Tradescantia varieties have leaves that seem to grow in all directions (hence the term “wandering Jew”).

One of the distinct features about foliage on wandering Jews is that many of them have striped leaves. Sometimes, the leaves can be purple and silver stripes, whereas other types of Tradescantias have leaves that are almost all silver. ( 3 )

You may also notice that some varieties of wandering Jew plant have different colors on the underneath of the leaf. For example, the Tradescantia zebrina has green/silver leaves on the upper side and deep red or burgundy colors on the underside.

Wandering Jew flower

Wandering Jew houseplants also produce attractive flowers. These flowers can sometimes be white or can range in color from pink to various shades of lilac and purple. ( 3 )

However, plant lovers don’t usually grow wandering Jews indoors or outdoors for their blooms. It’s the beautiful variation of leaf colors that makes various types of Tradescantias so desirable houseplants.

Types of Wandering Jew (Spiderwort) Plants

The most popular types of Tradescantia plants to keep indoors are Tradescantia fluminensis ( spiderwort ), Tradescantia pallida ( purple heart ), and Tradescantia zebrina ( wandering Jew ).

Wandering Jew or inch plant ( Tradescantia zebrina )

This type of wandering Jew houseplant has purple and green leaves with a stripe pattern that resembles zebra’s stripes. There are types of wandering Jews that have bluish green leaves and purple hues on the underside.

Tradescantia fluminensis (spiderwort)

There are a number of types of Tradescantia that are called spiderwort. This is distinguished from some Tradescantias as it has ovel shiny dark green leaves with pointed tips which are slightly fleshy .

Picture of wandering Jew plant with white flowers

Tradescantia pallida (purple heart)

This type of spiderwort plant is also commonly referred to as wandering Jew. The T. pallida houseplants have vibrant purple leaves and light pink flowers when they bloom.

Tradescantia pallida (wondering Jew) with flowers (purple heart)

Wandering jew plant with deep purple leaves and light purplish-pink flowers

Tradescantia callisia

The leaves of T. callisia varieties are sometimes referred to as creeping inch plants. They have remarkably stripy leaves made up of green and white stripes.

Picture of green wandering jew

Wandering Jew Plant Care (How to Grow Spiderwort or Tradescantia)

Caring for wandering Jew plants is fairly simple and straightforward. All plants in the Tradescantia genus enjoy moist soil, sunny but indirect sunlight, and warm conditions.

So, it doesn’t matter if you have fuzzy leaf Tradescantias, purple queen varieties, spiderworts, or wandering Jews, they all require the same type of care.

Light requirements for Tradescantias

To make sure that wandering Jew plants grow successfully, they require a good amount of light. This ensures that they grow with healthy leaves that have a vibrant green, silver, purple, or lilac colors.

The best place to place wandering Jew plant or spiderworts is in an east- or west-facing location. This means that they get plenty of natural light without being in direct sunlight when the sun is at its strongest.

The only exception is if you have Tradescantia pallida plants with dark purples leaves. They usually thrive in direct sunlight, although you should regularly check them in the summertime to make sure the sun isn’t too strong.

One sign that your Tradescantia isn’t getting enough light is if the color of their leaves starts to fade.

Best growing temperature for Spiderwort or Tradescantia

One of the reasons why wandering Jew plants are good for the home is that they thrive in room temperature.

The best temperatures for growing any type of Tradescantia plant is between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (23°C). The houseplants also thrive in conditions that are described as “average humidity.”

If you grow Tradescantias outdoors, you should be aware of a drop in night temperatures and lower temperatures during winter. You should bring Tradescantias indoors if the temperature drops.

Best watering techniques for wandering Jew plant care

To care for your inch plant, spiderwort, or wandering Jew, you should keep the soil moist.

The best way to water a wandering Jew is to water the soil thoroughly and let the water drain out the bottom. Another way to water your purple house plant is to put water in the plant pot tray and allow the plant to soak up as much as it needs.

Some beginners who start caring for houseplants such as Tradescantias for the first time buy a soil moisture gauge to help get the soil moisture levels just right.

When it comes to proper watering for your wandering Jew, always make sure the soil isn’t too dry or too damp. Usually, weekly watering in the summertime is enough to keep your Tradescantia growing well.

The best fertilizer for wandering Jew houseplants

The reason why Tradescantias are so easy to care for is that they don’t usually require any feeding.

If you decide to encourage your inch plant or spiderwort to grow faster, then choose a liquid organic fertilizer mixed at half strength and use once a month.

Most houseplant growers don’t feed their wandering Jew plants in the fall or winter as they tend to become “leggy” or “straggly.”

Which type of soil to use for Tradescantias

To properly care for wandering Jew varieties of houseplants, you only need to plant them in regular potting soil.

How to prune wandering Jew plants

In time, Tradescantia plants require some cutting back and pruning. This helps to give your houseplant a bushier appearance and also gives you plenty of cuttings to propagate.

For Tradescantia pruning, you just need to pinch off the stem tips to leave about ¾ of the length. This will encourage your plant to grow better and become more attractive.

Growing Plants from Wandering Jew Cuttings

Even for the most novice of houseplant owners, propagating any type of Tradescantia plant is very easy. After you have cut back your “leggy” wandering Jew stems, you will have a large number of cuttings that you can use to grow new house plants.

How to propagate wandering Jew plant leaves

To prepare your wandering Jew cuttings or purple heart plant cuttings for propagation, you need a couple of stems about 1-2 inches long. Remove all the leaves apart from 2 or 3 at the end of the stem.

There are 2 ways you can grow wandering Jew plants from cutting:

The first way is to just put a cutting in potting soil and wait for it to grow. All you have to do is make sure that the soil is kept moist and not overly damp.
The other way to grow a Tradescantia from a cutting is to put the stem in water. You should notice that new roots start to grow within a week. When you notice new roots growing, you can transfer your cuttings to a pot to grow a new houseplant.

Wandering Jew Outdoor Plant Care

Tradescantia plants are great garden plants and grow well outdoors in warmer zones in the U.S. (USDA growing zones 9-11). In fact, it is because they grow so well outside in warmer countries and are quite invasive that they are classed as a weed in certain countries.

You can easily care for any Tradescantia plants to add color and beauty to your garden. Purple hanging plants or wandering Jew vines with stripy leaves can grace any patio, doorway, or garden area.

As with caring for wandering Jews or spiderworts indoors, Tradescantia plants growing outdoor should be protected from direct sunlight. So, place your plants in shady areas of the garden. But it’s good to remember that some bright light will help the wandering Jew plant produce more flowers.

Temperature

Also, frost can damage the plant, so, if you live in areas where fall and winter temperatures drop below 10°F (12°C), you should take them indoor and continue to grow them as houseplants.

Problems with Wandering Jew Plant (Spiderwort)

Even though it is relatively easy to care for wandering Jew plants, you can still come across certain problems.

Let’s look at some growing tips for Tradescantia plants to avoid or remedy some common problems.

The most common pest when growing wandering Jews indoors are bugs such as spider mites or aphids . The appearance of these pests on your bushy spiderwort or inch plant may be a sign that conditions are too dry.

To help remedy the problems of pests on your Tradescantia, mist the leaves regularly and make sure the soil is moist enough. You may need to wash off the mites with water to help get rid of the infestation.

One of the beauties about caring for wandering Jew plants indoors or outdoors is that they are not susceptible to disease. Usually, any discoloration of the leaves or poor growth is connected to the soil being too dry or too damp.

Fungal infections

Overwatering spiderworts, inch plants, or wandering Jews can cause a fungal growth called botrytis to develop in the roots.

Brown leaves

As with most problems associated with caring for Tradescantias, brown leaves can also indicate that the growing environment isn’t right. The leaves of your wandering Jew could have turned brown because of too much or too little sunlight. Also, too much watering can affect leaf health.

Where to Buy Wandering Jew Plants

Many garden centers and online stores stock many different varieties of wandering Jews. You will also find that Tradescantia cuttings are available online.

Because many different types of wandering Jews are so easy to grow yourself, you could ask a friend for a cutting if they have the plant. You can also get more Tradescantia houseplant or garden plants by propagating cuttings from plants you already have.

FAQ Related to Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia)

Do they need any pruning.

To properly care for wandering Jews, the leaves and stems require pruning. The stems can grow quite long and start losing their leaves from the base. The best time to prune any Tradescantia plant is just before the growing season in late winter or early spring.

You may also find that Tradescantias grow better if you give them a mild prune in late summer.

How to prevent wandering Jew roots from rotting?

Go easy on the watering to stop Tradescantia plants’ roots from rotting. Water them enough to keep the soil moist during summertime and only occasionally in the winter.

Are wandering Jew plant leaves toxic to animals?

While not toxic to cats or dogs, the leaves of wandering Jew plants can cause irritation. If you have pets that like to nibble on leaves, you can still benefit from the beauty of Tradescantias if you grow the outdoor plant in hanging baskets.

Can I grow my Tradescantia plant outdoors?

Yes, you certainly can. Wandering Jew plants grow well out of doors in warm climates. During the summertime, you can move your indoor houseplants to the garden and place them away from direct sunlight.

Dashes of purple colors, bright pinks, or interesting green and purple stripped leaves can make an interesting feature in any garden or balcony.

Can you train a wandering Jew plant?

Tradescantia plants are easy to train because their stems can grow very long and you can wrap them around objects. Wandering Jew plant stems can grow up on trellises or obelisks or up around any other item.

Heavily pruning wandering Jews in late winter can also help to train the plant to grow into a colorful bush.

How fast does wandering Jew plant grow?

Tradescantia cuttings should start growing roots within a week or so. Once the plant is established, you can expect it to grow about an inch every week. Some people claim this is the reason that some Tradescantias are called inch plants.

Can Tradescantia houseplants cause allergies?

The sap of wandering Jew plants or prolonged skin exposure to its leaves could cause allergic reactions.

The journal Allergy reports that indoor plants such as Tradescantia can also cause symptoms such as itching of the throat, swelling, wheezing, and runny eyes and nose. ( 4 )

Do wandering Jew varieties have any health benefits?

Although not widely used, extracts from Tradescantia zebrina have certain medicinal properties. You can buy inch plant herbal liquid extracts that are said to have many antioxidant properties.

Researchers have found that therapeutic compounds in Tradescantia extracts have antibacterial, anticancer, and antioxidant uses. ( 5 )

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How To Care For A Wandering Jew Plant (Your Complete Guide)

When it comes to houseplants able to brighten up indoor spaces, it doesn’t get much more colorful than the variegated foliage of a Wandering Jew plant ( Tradescantia zebrina ). With their hardy nature and ease of care, they are a perfect choice for those feeling they kill everything they bring indoors. We’ve listed a quick summary of their care below.

How To Care For A Wandering Jew Plant: Grow your Wandering Jew in well-drained soil, kept moist but not soggy through regular watering. Create humidity, keep indoor temperatures between 50°F (10°C) to 85°F (29°C) and fertilize monthly.

Continue reading because we’ve taken all the guesswork out of caring for your Wandering Jew and keeping it healthy and happy for years to come.

How To Care For A Wandering Jew Plant

Wandering Jew plants belong in the Commelinaceae family, which includes around 652 different species. The family is made up of herbs, climbers and several epiphytes, with some used as outdoor and indoor ornamentals like Wandering Jew.

There are three different plants commonly known as Wandering Jews; Tradescantia fluminensis , Tradescantia pallida , and Tradescantia zebrina. Of the three, Tradescantia zebrina is the most common one grown and has the most eye-catching and colorful foliage. All three have the same requirements for care and good growth.

Native to Mexico and Guatemala, Wandering Jew is classified as a tender evergreen perennial that performs well planted outdoors in frost-free regions. Those living in cooler environments can easily grow it as an indoor plant planted either in containers or in hanging baskets. Outdoors it’s typically used as a quick-growing groundcover.

Although a common name shared with several very different plants, Wandering Jew is often called Inch Plant , due to the leaf margins being spaced about an inch apart. You may also find Wandering Jew listed as Zebrina Pendula , but is synonymous with Tradescantia zebrina and is the same plant.

how to care for a wandering jew plant tradescantia zebrina

When it comes to Wandering Jew plants, it’s all about the attention-grabbing foliage. The succulent stems give way to leaves that are a deep purple on their undersides with the upper portion striped in silvery-gray and greenish-blue. The oval leaves grow to about 2.5 inches long and the stems grow about 2 feet long. It makes a beautiful plant used in hanging baskets, with the long stems cascading over the side.

Even grown indoors, Wandering Jews have a fast rate of growth and before you know it, the plants will be spilling over your container’s or hanging basket’s sides. Whereas some indoor plants seem to take forever to fill out, this isn’t a problem with properly cared for Wandering Jew plants.

There are several other cultivars (varieties) of Wandering Jew, which include:

‘Purpusii’ has unstriped, hairy foliage that is either solid red or reddish-green.
‘Quadricolor’ produces metallic-green foliage striped in red, white and green.

Wandering Jew plants are the ideal candidates for beginner houseplant gardeners due to their hardiness and robust growth. Below we’ve outlined all the basics of their proper care, as well as identifying and preventing any potential problems so you can enjoy your Wandering Jew for years to come. The best indoor plants are those that are happy and healthy.

wandering jew plant care guide tradescantia zebrina

Soil Conditions For Wandering Jew Plants

Wandering Jew plants tolerate growing in a wide range of soils provided they drain well. Although they do tolerate and prefer moist conditions, the soil must drain properly to prevent root and stem rot from occurring. Therefore, it is necessary to use a lighter weight soil mixture in your pots rather than heavier soils that don’t provide proper drainage.

Straight potting soils are usually too heavy, retain too much moisture and have a tendency to leave the soil soggy. You can use a heavier potting soil in your soil mixture, just be sure to incorporate a lighter soil mix to provide the Wandering Jew the drainage required for healthy growth.

Commercial potting mixes work well and many have a slow-release fertilizer mixed in, which cuts down on the need for frequent feedings. The slow-release blends usually continue to fertilize the Wandering Jew for about three months.

You can also make your own soil by mixing several ingredients together such as:

Using equal parts of compost and a potting mix.
Mixing equal portions of compost, peat and potting soil or a potting mix.
Using equal portions of a course sand, compost and potting soil or a potting mix.

Whatever soil you choose to use, just make sure it drains well and contains a bit of fertility for the best performance of your Wandering Jew plants.

Preferred Light Conditions

Although Wandering Jew plants tolerate lower light conditions than many houseplants, to help retain those striking colors the plant is known for, place the container in a location indoors receiving filtered sunlight. If your plant starts losing some of the color in the foliage, move it to a location that receives a bit more light.

In addition, if the lower portion of the stems start suffering leaf drop, the Wandering Jew isn’t get enough light and needs to be relocated to a brighter area inside the home.

Once the warm weather of spring arrives and if you’d like to give your Wandering Jew a bit of a break from its indoor location, place it in an outdoor spot that receives partial sun to partial shade. Moving it to an outdoor location with too much sun may leave the foliage sunburned.

Indoor Temperature Requirements

In the Wandering Jew’s native environment, temperatures are consistently warm without the threat of frosts or freezes. Generally, if the indoor temperatures inside your home are comfortable for you, they will also be comfortable for your Wandering Jew plant.

Indoor temperatures between 50°F (10°C) to 85°F (29°C) are a good range for your Wandering Jew plants. Plants grown in this temperature range produce the healthiest growth.

If you gave your plants a break from their indoor location, just make sure to bring them back indoors before the cold weather of winter strikes.

Water Requirements

Wandering Jews prefer soils that are regularly kept moist, not soggy, compared to many indoor houseplants. However, this doesn’t mean the soil should be kept so wet they never begin to dry out. Keeping the soil too wet for too long promotes rot to set in and you may end up killing your Wandering Jew plants. Your Wandering Jew is more likely to forgive you if you forget to water over watering too much and too often.

A good rule to follow is if the soil starts to feel like it’s about to become very dry, apply water. It’s easy to know exactly when to water by:

Sticking your finger into the soil and if the top inch is starting to feel dry, water until it runs from the container’s bottom drain holes.

During the warm growing season of spring through summer, you can probably expect to water once each week. However, during winter when the Wandering Jew goes into dormancy (its growth slows), you will probably only need to water about every other week.

Humidity Requirements

Compared to many tropical plants grown indoors, Wandering Jew plants aren’t quite as fussy about humid conditions , but still need some humidity for the best growth and performance. Don’t let the thought of creating a humid environment stress you out because replicating humidity for your indoor plants is relatively easy and basic.

Fill a spray bottle with room temperature water and mist the Wandering Jew several times each week.
If you’re growing the Wandering Jew in a container and not in a hanging basket, you can set the pot on a tray of pebbles. As you water, the water seeps from the bottom drain holes onto the tray of pebbles and as it evaporates, it creates a humid environment around the plant.
If your bathroom gets the appropriate amount of light for the Wandering Jew, you can allow it to grow there. Due to the regular use of water in a bathroom, moisture is created, creating the humidity the Wandering Jew requires.

Fertilizer Needs

Unless the soil mixture contains a slow-release fertilizer blend, which feeds the Wandering Jew for about three months, fertilizing monthly is sufficient for proper growth. You have several choices when it comes to fertilizer you can use for your Wandering Jew plant.

Use a houseplant fertilizer applied at half-strength, applied when you do your regular watering.
Use an all-purpose, water-soluble blend for outdoor and indoor plants, applied at half-strength and used during your regular watering schedule.
If your soil mixture didn’t contain a slow-release fertilizer or it’s been about three months, if one was contained in the soil, you can reapply slow-release fertilizer granules sprinkled over the top of the soil. Follow the package directions on amounts.

When it comes to the appropriate time of year to fertilize the Wandering Jew, only fertilize while it’s actively growing, which is spring throughout summer. In winter, the plant goes through a dormant stage and all growth slows, so there is no need to apply fertilizer. Wait until spring arrives before you resume fertilizing the plant.

The one thing you will need to pay attention to when it comes to fertilizing is the buildup of salts in the soil, which can result in foliage burns. Wandering Jew plants have a low tolerance to salty soils. Preventing any salt buildup is relatively simple:

If the plant isn’t too big, you can take the entire pot to your sink or bathtub and allow water to run slowly through the soil for about five minutes, flushing out any salts.
If the plant is too big for indoor flushing, take it outside and allow water from the hose to run slowly through the soil for about five minutes. Allow the water to drain and then bring the plant back indoors.

Pruning Requirements

The pruning needs of Wandering Jew plants are low. If you want to control the size of the plant and promote bushier growth, you can pinch off the tips of the stems. To keep the plant always looking its best, you can trim off any broken, dead or damaged stems and leaves throughout the year.

When using pruning tools to trim your Wandering Jew always make sure they are clean so you don’t transfer any diseases or pests to your plant. This is as easy as wiping off the blades with alcohol.

Some people experience skin irritations when handling the cuttings due to the sap , so if you are unsure if you are one of these unlucky gardeners, it might be best to wear gardening gloves when pruning or handling Wandering Jew cuttings.

Potting Needs

If you purchased your Wandering Jew already potted in a hanging basket or 1-gallon container, it should thrive as is for a year or more before it requires repotting. However, if you received rooted cuttings in smaller containers like 4- to 6-inch pots, you most likely need to repot them into something a bit larger so they can grow properly.

This also cuts down on the need for repotting in a month or two as the Wandering Jew begins to outgrow its present pot.

When it comes to the pot’s material, any type works quite well for growing this plant from clay to plastic. However, if you grow your Wandering Jew in a pot made of a porous material like terra cotta, the soil is going to dry quicker than if it was growing in a plastic pot. This means you will need to water more frequently.

Once your Wandering Jew starts getting too big for its present container, it’s time to repot it into one that is around 1- to 2-inches larger. Although the plant likes a moist soil, make sure the pot has bottom drainage to prevent the possibility of rot due to conditions that are too wet.

If you like, you can dress the container up by placing the draining one inside a decorative pot without bottom drain holes, but be sure to empty out any additional water once the inner pot thoroughly drains.

I think a decorative outer pot can add so much to the beauty of your houseplants, so I do this with almost all of my houseplants. Read this article which discusses my favorite decorative planters if you need some inspiration.

Potting and repotting your Wandering Jew is basic:

Gently remove the Wandering Jew from its present container, being careful not to break the succulent stems.
Fill the new container that drains about a quarter of the way full with a fertile, well-drained potting mix.
Check the Wandering Jew’s root system and if it’s growing bunched together and filled the previous pot, gently tease the roots apart with your hands.
Place the Wandering Jew into the new container and finish filling it with soil.
Water the Wandering Jew until it runs from the bottom drain holes and place in a bright location indoors.

Propagating New Plants

When it comes to propagating new plants, Wandering Jew is about as easy as it gets. Even if you have never done this before you should have success starting its cuttings. When you trim to control its size, don’t throw those cuttings away but use them to start additional plants.

You have two choices when it comes to rooting your cuttings and both are easy. The first thing you will want to do is obtain your cuttings. Trim off a 4- to 6-inch cutting from the mother plant and you’re ready to start rooting.

Rooting in Soil

Fill a 6-inch to 1-gallon container that drains with a rich, well-drained potting mix. Water the soil to settle it.
Make about a 2-inch indentation in the soil where you want to place the Wandering Jew cutting.
Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting where you will be inserting it into the soil. You can do this by pinching them off with your fingers.
Place the cutting into the indentation and firm the soil up around it with your fingers.
Water the soil again and place the cutting in the same light conditions where the mother plant was thriving. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Roots should form in about four weeks and after about eight weeks, the Wandering Jew cuttings should form a new root system.

Rooting in Water

Fill a glass jar or plastic container with about 3-inches of room temperature water.
Pinch off any leaves from the section of the Wandering Jew cutting that will be submerged in the water.
Place the cutting in the water and situate the container in a bright indoor location.
Change the water in the container about every other week, or when cloudy.

You should start seeing new roots form on the cuttings in several weeks. Once the roots are several inches long, you can repot the cuttings into a draining container filled with fertile, well-drained soil.

Disease Problems

Wandering Jew plants grown indoors are hardy and don’t have major diseases that plague them. However, rot is their biggest enemy and caused by soils that are too heavy and do not drain properly, retaining too much water. Overwatering and planting in pots that don’t drain are other causes of rot problems.

When rot rears its ugly head you’ll notice the bottom stems, as well as the foliage turning black, becoming mushy and the entire plant collapses. If this happens and seems to start affecting the entire Wandering Jew plant, you can trim off healthy, unaffected sections of the stems and repot into fresh, clean soil. Since there is no saving the rot-infected sections, you will have no choice but to discard those portions of the plant.

Steps for preventing problems with rot include:

Using lightweight potting mixes that drain well and aren’t too heavy, which leads to the soil remaining too wet for too long. Some types of potting soils have a tendency to be heavy and need mixing with a potting mix, compost, coarse sand or peat.
Don’t overwater your Wandering Jew. Although they prefer growing in moist soils, this doesn’t mean constantly soggy soil. Stick your finger into the soil and if the top inch is starting to become dry, apply water until it runs from the bottom of the pot.
Make sure the pot you are growing your Wandering Jew in has bottom drainage. If you have placed the pot inside a decorative one that doesn’t drain, make sure to empty all the water from it after you have watered.

Pest Problems

Although indoor Wandering Jew plants are not big candidates for problems with pests, several can cause an infestation and problems. As with any pest problem indoors or outside in the garden, quick control is always the best option to keep your plants healthy. It also assures the pests do not migrate to your other plants causing even bigger problems and headaches.

The pests most likely to infest your indoor Wandering Jew plants are:

Aphids: Aphids come in a host of different colors and are tiny, pear-shaped, sap-sucking insects that usually congregate in large masses along the Wandering Jew’s stems. In large infestations, they can kill the plant or severely weaken it. If the infestation is small, you can wipe the pests off the stems with a moist cloth. However, if the infestation is large, you will probably have to spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or Neem, reapplying as suggested on the package.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are another sap-sucking pest that if left unchecked can quickly kill or weaken the Wandering Jew. It is easy to tell if you have a spider mite problem as these tiny, white pests spin fine webbing that covers the plant. Spider mites can be the bane of houseplants so quick control is necessary. Use an insecticidal soap or Neem and spray the entire plant, reapplying as suggested on the product label.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are other sap-sucking pests that can quickly kill or weaken your Wandering Jew if not quickly controlled. They are another easily identifiable pest, as just touching the plant sends the tiny whiteflies from the plant’s foliage and into the air, hovering right above it. Control the problem with an insecticidal soap or Neem, spraying the entire plant and reapplying as suggested on the product’s label.
Mealybugs: Sap-sucking mealybugs show up on the Wandering Jew as cottony masses covering the stems and crotches of the foliage. Control the problem by spraying the entire plant with insecticidal soap or Neem, reapplying as suggested on the product’s label. If the infestation is small, you can also wipe them from the stems and leaves with a damp cloth.

Is Wandering Jew A Perennial?

Wandering Jew plants are considered a tender, evergreen perennial. Unlike annuals, and if grown in preferred conditions with proper care, Wandering Jews should live and keep on growing for quite a few years, both indoors and outside.

Why Are My Wandering Jew Plant’s Leaves Losing Their Color?

If your Wandering Jew is growing in light conditions that are too low, the leaves will start to lose their color and become duller. When grown indoors and to keep the bright color on the foliage, make sure the Wandering Jew is growing in a location receiving bright light.

Why Are My Wandering Jew’s Leaves Dropping?

Wandering Jew plants grown in light conditions that are too low will start dropping leaves at the base of their stems. Solve the problem by moving the plant to an indoor location that is brighter. For the best leaf color and growth, they prefer an indoor location receiving bright light.

Why Are My Wandering Jew Cuttings Rotting In Soil?

If your Wandering Jew cuttings are rotting in soil it could be one of two things causing the problem. The soil you are growing the cuttings in may be infected with a fungus that is infecting them with rot.

You can solve the problem by planting the cutting in a sterile, well-drained potting mix. Another cause might be the soil is remaining too soggy and the container doesn’t drain.

Make sure you are using a soil that drains well and doesn’t remain soggy, do not overwater and use a container with bottom drainage. Water the cuttings when to top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Can I Root Wandering Jew Cuttings In Water?

Wandering Jew cuttings root quite well in water. Fill a container with several inches of water, remove any leaves that would be submerged and stick the cut end into the water.

Fill the container with fresh, clean water about every other week. You should start seeing root form on the cuttings in several weeks. Once the roots get several inches in length, you can repot the cuttings in a draining container with rich, well-drained soil.

Are Wandering Jew Plants Toxic?

When it comes to humans, Wandering Jew’s sap can cause skin irritation in humans that are allergic to it. Therefore, it’s best to wear gardening gloves when handling or pruning the plant.

The plant is listed as toxic to dogs and cats, due to its tendency to cause skin allergies and dermatitis. To keep your pets and children safe, make sure you situate your indoor Wandering Jew out of the reach of both.

If you’d like some indoor plants that are non-toxic, check out this article which discusses my favorite non-toxic houseplants.

Do Wandering Jew Plants Produce Blooms?

When grown outdoors, Wandering Jews produce small, three-petaled, lavender flowers, but the plant rarely ever blooms grown indoors as a houseplant.

Can I Grow Wandering Jew Outdoors?

Wandering Jew plants grow as perennials planted outdoors in frost-free climates, however, those with cooler weather can plant outdoors and treat it as an annual.

What’s The Growth Rate For Wandering Jew Plants?

When grown in proper conditions with proper care, Wandering Jew plants are considered fast growers.

Many thanks for reading my guide to Wandering Jew care. This really is a great indoor plant for your home. Beautiful and easy to care for, its hard to go wrong.

If you want more help with looking after your indoor plants, check out the rest of my articles , and head over to my resources section , where I have some great recommended resources, books and equipment to help you grow healthier, more beautiful plants.

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Wandering Jew

Tradescantia fluminensis

Other names

Wandering Willie

Description

Dark green leaves in which yellow and white markings may occur. Alternate dark green shiny pointed leaves, small triangular white flowers with 3 petals, succulent stems rooting at the nodes. Variegated form has purple and green upper surface to leaves and solid purple undersides.

Similar plants

Periwinkle leaves are similar shape but shiny: the flowers are distinctive. Periwinkle is also potentially toxic if eaten but animals avoid it.

Distribution

Used as ground cover in gardens. In partial shade, especially under trees. Used as indoor plants (usually variegated form) and a common noxious weed.

An irritant effect due to calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves has been proposed. Reaction is due to a type IV delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Once sensitisation has occurred, re exposure of the animal to the offending substance will result in the development of a dermatitis.

Species affected

Predominantly affects dogs and rarely humans.

Clinical signs acute

Crusting erythema, papules and pustules. Intense pruritis depending on amount of contact and inherent hypersensitivity of the dog.

Clinical signs chronic

Post mortem signs.

Microscopic examination from affected dogs reveal histological changes compatible with allergic contact dermatitis. In 48 hour biopsies there are vesicles within the epidermis, lymphocytes and macrophages present to a moderate degree around superficial dermal vessels and down hair follicles. The epidermal cells were widely separated by oedema.

History of exposure. Made ultimately when the dog is removed from the environment resulting in marked improvement and return to the environment causing rapid recurrence of the lesions. The allergic cause is supported by delayed reaction with closed patch testing and by characteristic histological findings.

Differential diagnosis

Flea bite dermatitis, flea allergy or insect bites. In young dogs sarcoptes scabiei, dermatophytoses and hook worm dermatitis . Self trauma secondary to pruritis in atopy. Contact dermatitis from a number of plants, irritant contact dermatitis, bacterial dermatitis.

Corticosteroids can decrease level of clinical signs. Washing with chlorhexidine may reduce the signs of allergy. Oxpentifylline may be used when avoidance is not possible and corticosteroids are ineffective or have side effects unacceptable to the owners or patients.

Excellent with complete avoidance of the offending allergen, however this may not always be possible.

Remove plant from garden; do not walk dogs in public areas where the plant occurs.

Conner H.E. The Poisonous Plants In New Zealand. 1992. GP Publications Ltd, Wellington

Kunkle, G.A. and Gross,T.L. (1983) Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Tradescantia Fluminensis (Wandering Jew) in a Dog. The Compendium on Continuing Education. Vol 5, No.11. p925 930

Marsella, R., .Kunkle, G.A and Lewis, D.T.(1997) Use of Pentoxifyline in the Treatment of Allergic Contact Reactions to Plants of the Commelincae Family in Dogs. Veterinary Dermatology. Vol 8. No2, 121 126

Parton K, Bruere A.N. and Chambers J.P. Veterinary Clinical Toxicology, 2nd ed. 2001. Veterinary Continuing Education Publication No. 208

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Cats and Plants Are Not Meant For Each Other

By Jean Holzvvorth

July 6, 1975

When it comes to plants, cats live dangerously. Whether or not endowed with nine lives, curiosity has often killed them. Bored, housebound pets may vary from the occasional nibbler to the compulsive destroyer of all greenery.

Cats that go outdoors may merely chew a blade of grass, regurgitating it almost at once (why they do this no one knows for certain) or they may partake much more liberally of plants and shrubs as they play in the garden or patrol their territory in woods and fields. It is probably a safe guess that many of the poisonings resulting have never been pin‐pointed as such, unless circumstantial evidence established a relationship between the plant material cat's illness.

A rather horrifying number of house and outdoor plants are in one way or another harmful or poisonous if chewed or swallowed, usually all parts of the plant, sometimes chiefly the berries, stem, or root.

For obvious reasons, house plants are responsible for most recognized poisonings. For indoor cats left alone to amuse themselves, what could be pleasanter than to lounge in a sunny window, sniffing and sampling the assorted greeneries, lapping a little muddy water here and there among the saucers, better yet toying with dangling vines and best of all, upsetting an occasional pot and rolling in a bit of mother earth?

Luckily, three of the commonest house plants vandalized by cats — Swedish ivy (Plectranthus), spiderplant (Chlorophytum), and inch plant or Wandering Jew (Tradescantia. Zebrina), are harmless. Others, though, may cause illness or death when eaten. Leaves of Philodendron, dumb cane (Dieffenbachia), and elephant ear (Caladium) all contain needlelike calcium oxalate crystals. These cause irritation and swelling of the mouth and throat, vomiting, and diarrhea. The voice is lost (hence the name dumb cane), and suffocation may result from swelling around the windpipe.

Two favorite Christmas plants, Jerusalem cherry and poinsettia, may bring anything but glad tidings if eaten. All parts of Jerusalem cherry, but especially the cherry tomato‐like berries, cause vomiting, diarrhea, and coma, while poinsettia, like its relatives, crown‐of‐thorns and the outdoor snow‐on‐the‐mountain, contains a milky juice that is highly irritating to the mouth and digestive tract. Exceptionally poisonous is oleander, any part of which, even a tiny amount, causes nausea, paralysis, and respiratory failure. Cats have been poisoned with this plant in California and probably elsewhere.

Dry winter bouquets, which may be even more irresistible to cats than green vegetation, frequently include such poisonous plants as laurel, rhododendron, hydrangea, bitter‐sweet, euonymus, and holly. Sheep laurel in such arrangements has been reported to poison cats, evoking salivation, convulsions and paralysis.

Luckily, mistletoe is usually suspended well out of a cat's reach because it too is highly toxic, causing severe intestinal disturbance and circulatory collapse. As the plant dries, the berries, which are especially poisonous, are apt to fall to the floor, so that care must be taken that pets and children don't swallow them.

“Christmas tree poisoning” takes the form of severe digestive upsets in cats that chew the needles or drink water from the Christmas holder.

Other toxic plants which may be encountered either in or out of doors, are English ivies, lantana and azalea. Chewing on daffodil, narcissus, hyacinth or amaryllis may cause digestive upsets but rarely death.

Poisoning with outdoor vegetation is much more frequent in farm animals than in pets, but nonetheless cats often nibble at plants, grasses, and shrubs when roaming in gardens, meadows or woods. Among the numerous harmful plants which cats could conceivably sample in a flower garden, the commoner are delphinium, larkspur, monkshood, foxglove, and lily‐of‐the‐valley. Poisonous shrubs that are frequently planted around homes are boxwood, privet, yew, daphne, and andromeda.

Because of the cat's propensity for playing with and sometimes swallowing small objects, toxic berries or seeds would be a particular threat. Such might be the castor bean or precatory bean or seeds and pods of lupine, wisteria and laburnum.

Plants which are not poisonous but which can do great harm of another sort are grasses such as squirrel tail and fox tail. These bear tiny, sharply pointed awns, which get into the nose or mouth and work themselves deep into the body tissues where they may be undetectable and inaccessible, with serious or fatal consequences.

If an owner sees a cat chew or swallow plant material and does not know whether it is poisonous, the nearest poison information center (see your telephone book) can give emergency information. If it is certain that a pet has indeed swal lowed poisonous material, the owner should consult a veterinarian at once without waiting to see if signs of illness develop. Any veterinarian or expert consultant will wish to see a sample of the plant so that there may be no doubt about identification.

Poisoning most often takes the form of digestive troubles, such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, or of disturbances of the nervous system, such as depression, staggering, trembling, convulsions, blindness or paralysis. Some poisons involve both the digestive and nervous systems. Breathing may also be abnormal. A number of poisonous plants have substances that under certain conditions are altered to release cyanide' causing sudden death by inactivating hemoglobin. If poisoning is sus pected a veterinarian's help should be sought at once. An owner who attempts emergency treatment of his own may well do more harm than good.

What a cat does when on its own outdoors is beyond an owner's control. Indoors, at least, in fact shows the slightest tendency to nibble, all toxic plants should be banned unless they can be hung or shelved where a cat cannot possibly reach them. If there's doubt as to whether a plant is hazardous, consult the nearest arboretum, botanical garden, agricultural experiment station, university botany department, or the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. Many large public libraries have such hooks as “Deadly Harvest, A Guide to Common Poisonous Plants” or “Poiso nous Plants of the U.S. and Canada”, both by John M. Kingsbury, Professor of Botany at Cornell University and lecturer on poisonous plants at the New York State Veterinary College.

Besides taking precautions against plant poisoning, a pet owner may provide harmless substitutes. Cat fanciers' magazines advertise, and pet shops sell, planters of grass specifically intended for cats. Or cat owners may plant their own flats of homegrown grass seed. Oats are especially popular and may be replanted at frequent intervals to assure a steady supply of tender spears.

Although there's no evidence for a feline requirement for green roughage, cats (and dogs ) enjoy nibbling a succulent young blade of grass as much as a human does. At times it also seems that they chew grass in response to some sort of stomach irritation, such as the presence of a furball, in order to induce vomiting.

Catnip, fresh or dried, has always held a peculiar fascination for cats, and pet shops sell planters of it for indoor or outdoor growing. While not known to serve any nutritional or therapeutic purpose, it contains a volatile oil, a predilection for which is believed to be an inherited trait strong in certain cats, absent in others. Those lucky enough to be susceptible react variously after sniffing or nibbling the plant, some lapsing swiftly into a blissful stupor, others rolling or tearing madly about in an ecstatic “high.”

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COMMENTS

Wandering Jew Plant and Cats: Is It Poisonous?
Also known as Tradescantia, the Wandering Jew Plant and cats do NOT get along. Source: J. McPherskesen. Symptoms of Wandering Jew Poisoning in Cats. According to the ASPCA, which has a wonderful list of toxic and non-toxic plants, the most obvious symptom your cat (or dog) has been affected by wandering jew plants is a dermatitis-like skin irritation developing.
Is Wandering Jew Toxic to Cats & Dogs?
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the wandering jew can be toxic to cats, dogs, and horses as it contains calcium oxalate crystals in leaves and stems.It may not seriously injure your pet but still chewing it can cause discomfort. This mildly toxic plant can cause skin or bowel irritation in cats.
Is Wandering Jew Poisonous to Cats? [Explained]
The plant sap of wandering jew is irritating to the skin and it can cause bowel irritations as well, if it is consumed by your cat. That is why wandering jew is considered a mildy toxic plant for cats, dogs, horses and other pets but also in humans. The plant sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, that is what causes the allergic reaction in cats.
What To Do If Cat Eats Wandering Jew
Wandering Jew plants are popular indoor and outdoor plants known for their vibrant purple and green foliage. However, these plants are toxic to cats if ingested. If your cat has eaten a Wandering Jew plant, it's important to take immediate action to prevent any potential harm. ... Answer: Yes, the Wandering Jew plant is toxic to cats if ...
Is The Wandering Jew Plant Poisonous or Toxic?
The fact is, Wandering Jew (and several similar poisonous plants in this genus) contain very irritating sap, while the plants sharing their common name (Tradescantia Virginiana and Tradescantia ohiensis) have edible flowers, stems, and leaves. These edible plants may also be called Blue jackets or Day flowers. Table Of Contents.
Are Wandering Jew Plants Poisonous to Cats?
If you love house plants but also have house cats, it's crucial to ensure that the former isn't toxic to the latter. The wandering jew-- formally known as Tradescantia fluminensis and also known as speedy Henry -- will harm your feline friends. So it's best to leave this one back at the greenhouse.
Is Wandering Jew Toxic To Cats
Wandering Jew is a common house plant that can cause mild toxicity in cats and dogs. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause skin or bowel irritation if ingested. While the plant is mildly toxic, it's important to note that it can still cause symptoms in pets. Although the plant might sedate cats, they might also display ...
Wandering Jew Plant
W andering Jew Plant Care. To keep your Wandering Jew plant thriving, ensure it receives bright, indirect sunlight. Keep it in average room temperatures of 60-75°F (16-24°C). Fertilize once a month during spring and summer. In winter, relocate the plant to a cooler area with temperatures of 54-59°F (12-15°C).
Wandering Jew Plant Care & Complete Growing Guide
Wandering jew plants are super easy to propagate. Take cuttings that are 3-4″ long, and include a couple of leaf nodes. Dip the cut ends into rooting hormone, then stick them in moist soil. Don't allow the soil to dry out, and keep the air around the cuttings humid. A propagation chamber makes this simple.
Wandering Jew Care: How to Grow a Long and Luscious Inch Plant
Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) is a trailing evergreen perennial in its native habitat (USDA hardiness zones 9 through 12). Where it's not winter hardy, wandering Jew is grown year-round as a houseplant. Are wandering Jew plants toxic to cats and dogs? Wandering Jew is not considered outright toxic, but it can cause some skin irritation.
PDF Cat-safe plants
The words 'poisonous plant' and 'cat' in the same . sentence will naturally worry any cat owner. There . are many plants out there that are considered dangerous to cats, plants that are already in many houses and gardens. But this needs to be seen in ... (Wandering Jew plant, Speedy Henry) Yucca (Asparagaceae family, Agavoideae ...
Wandering Dude (Tradescantia zebrina): All You Need To Know
It belongs to the dayflower or spiderwort family, Commelinaceae. Plant Type and Habit: The Wandering Dude is a fast-growing, succulent, trailing herbaceous plant, making it ideal for hanging baskets, ground cover, and as an indoor trailing plant. Size: When grown in hanging baskets or containers, the plant usually stands 6-9 inches tall (15-22 ...
Wandering Jew Plant (Tradescantia or Spiderwort): Care, Types, Images
The wandering Jew plant is a common name for different species of plants that belong to the Tradescantia genus. There are around 75 different types of plants in Tradescantia genus and some are called inch plants, spiderwort, striped wandering Jew, Boat Lily, Purple Queen, or flowering inch plant. Wandering Jew plants are great house plants because they are relatively easy to care for.
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Cats Plants Toxic to Cats Adam-and-Eve (Arum, Lord-and-Ladies, Wake Robin, Starch Root, Bobbins, Cuckoo Plant) | Scientific Names: Arum maculatum | Family: Araceae
How To Care For A Wandering Jew Plant (Your Complete Guide)
Fill a 6-inch to 1-gallon container that drains with a rich, well-drained potting mix. Water the soil to settle it. Make about a 2-inch indentation in the soil where you want to place the Wandering Jew cutting. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting where you will be inserting it into the soil.
Plants Poisonous to Cats
Orchids. Peperomia. Prayer plants (such as Calathea orbifolia or Maranta leuconeura) Parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans) Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) Sword fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) For more cat-safe houseplants, check out our Cats and indoor plants list .
Inch Plant
Scientific Name: Tradescantia flumeninsis. Family: Commelinaceae. Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses. Clinical Signs: Dermatitis. If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance, call the APCC at (888) 426-4435 or contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible. * A consultation fee may apply.
PDF Cats and indoor plants
Tradescantia * (wandering Jew plant, speedy Henry) Yucca (asparagaceae family, agavoideae) ... Toxic - danger Toxic - caution advised Safe *contact with these plants may cause skin irritation Cats and indoor plants . Created Date: 5/3/2023 3:18:25 PM ...
wandering jew
Variegated form has purple and green upper surface to leaves and solid purple undersides. Similar plants. Periwinkle leaves are similar shape but shiny: the flowers are distinctive. Periwinkle is also potentially toxic if eaten but animals avoid it. Distribution. Used as ground cover in gardens. In partial shade, especially under trees.
Cat Safety: Which Houseplants Are Toxic?
Many common household plants are toxic to cats if ingested. This page contains a partial list of poisonous houseplants, as well as symptoms of poisoning in cats and other animals. ... Ivy is a no-no as too a plant called by various names, most common is wandering jew, with bright green leaves that spreads like a house on fire. Animals can lose ...
Cats and Plants Are Not Meant For Each Other
Luckily, three of the commonest house plants vandalized by cats — Swedish ivy (Plectranthus), spiderplant (Chlorophytum), and inch plant or Wandering Jew (Tradescantia. Zebrina), are harmless ...

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Wandering Jew Plant – Ultimate Care Guide

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Propagation

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