The Ultimate Guide to Rooting Wandering Jew Plants

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If you're a plant enthusiast, you've probably heard of the beautiful and versatile Wandering Jew plant. It's a popular houseplant due to its attractive foliage that comes in shades of green, purple and silver. But did you know that this plant is also incredibly easy to propagate? In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about rooting wandering jew plants.

What are Wandering Jew Plants?

Wandering Jew plants or Tradescantia zebrina, as they're scientifically known, are native to Mexico and Central America. They belong to the spiderwort family and are perennial evergreens that grow up to 30cm tall. They're characterized by their elongated leaves which grow in a zigzag pattern and their colorful undersides in purples, blues, silvers and greens.

Why Propagate Wandering Jew Plants?

The benefits of propagating your wandering jew plant include multiplying your existing plant collection or sharing cuttings with friends and family. Propagation allows you to grow new plants from an established one without having to spend any additional money. Plus, since wandering jew plants grow quickly, you can enjoy a fuller looking houseplant quickly too.

Methods of Propagating Wandering Jew Plants

There are several ways to propagate wandering jew plants, including stem cuttings, soil rooting and water propagation. Here are some of the best methods:

Propagating wandering jew plants through stem cuttings

One of the most popular methods of propagation for Wandering Jew plants is through stem cuttings. Here are the steps to take:

1. Using a clean pair of scissors, cut a stem of your wandering jew plant just below a node (the part where a leaf grows from).
2. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the stem, leaving at least two or three leaves at the top of the cutting.
3. Optional: apply rooting hormone to the cut end of the stem.
4. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix or in water (we will cover water propagation in more detail later).
5. Keep the soil damp and cover the pot with plastic wrap to maintain the humidity.

Within a few weeks, your cutting should begin to grow roots and new leaves, and you'll have a brand new wandering jew plant!

Rooting Wandering Jew Cuttings in Soil

Another popular method is rooting wandering jew cuttings directly in soil. Here's how:

1. Take a clean pair of scissors and cut off a section of stem that's approximately four to six inches long.
2. Remove all the leaves from the bottom half of the stem so that the top half is bare.
3. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, if desired.
4. Make a hole in a pot filled with nutrient-rich soil mix and insert the stem.
5. Water thoroughly until the soil is moist but not soaking wet.
6. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse environment for the cutting.

With proper care and maintenance, you should see new growth within a few weeks, indicating successful root development.

Water Propagation for Wandering Jew Plants

Water propagation is a straightforward method that requires no soil. It's also an excellent way to monitor root development!

1. Cut off a section of stem that's approximately four to six inches long.
2. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the stem.
3. Fill a glass or jar with water, then submerge the bottom half of your stem cutting in the water. The leaves should sit above the rim of the glass.
4. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation and bacterial buildup.
5. Once your cutting has developed a decent root system, it's time to move it into soil!

Factors affecting Rooting Time

While wandering jew plants are easy to propagate, there are still a few factors that could impact the rooting time. Here are some of them:

Light and Temperature Requirements

Wandering Jew plants prefer bright but indirect light. If they receive too much direct sun, their leaves can burn, resulting in a damaged plant. When propagating, find a spot where your plant is exposed to bright, filtered sunlight.

The ideal temperature range for rooting wandering jews is between 70-80°F (21-27°C).

Water and Nutrient Availability

Proper hydration and nutrition are crucial in the propagation process. Make sure to keep the soil moist or the water fresh, depending on the propagation method you choose, to allow roots to grow successfully. Adding an all-purpose fertilizer can also help the plant develop new growth.

As you can see, rooting Wandering Jew Plants is quite simple! We hope this guide has inspired you to start propagating your own wandering jews at home.

Enjoy your New Wandering Jew Plants!

FAQ

Here are some common questions people ask when propagating their Wandering Jew Plants:

How long does it take for wandering jew plants to root?

It takes about three to four weeks for wandering jew plants to start developing roots.

Can I propagate wandering jew cuttings in water?

Yes, rooting cuttings in water is an excellent way to monitor root development and encourage the plant to establish new roots quickly.

How often should I water my newly rooted wandering jew cuttings?

Water whenever the soil feels dry, but do not overwater them.

Do I need to fertilize my rooting wandering jew plants?

Adding an all-purpose fertilizer can help the plant develop new growth.

What type of soil is best for rooting wandering jew cuttings?

A well-draining soil mix is essential when rooting wandering jew cuttings in soil.

Can I propagate wandering jew plants in winter?

Yes, you can propagate Wandering Jew Plants year-round.

Why are my wandering jew cuttings not rooting?

There could be several reasons why wandering jew cuttings might not root. Lack of sunlight, not enough hydration and wrong soil pH levels are some of the common causes.

How can I make sure my wandering jew cuttings have adequate light?

Place your wandering jew cuttings in a bright spot where bright, filtered sunlight is available. Be careful not to expose them to direct sun.

What kind of container should I use for water propagation of wandering jew plants?

Pick a clear glass or plastic jar that will allow enough room for the cutting to grow roots without becoming cramped.

How do I prevent fungal disease during the rooting process?

Make sure you're using clean tools for propagating your wandering jews, and that your growth medium isn't too moist to prevent bacterial and fungal infections.