Propagate Wandering Jew In Water: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Succeed

Oleh Mrs. Kirk Murazik June 10, 2023 Post a Comment

As a houseplant enthusiast, it's always a delight to witness our plant babies grow and thrive. If you're one of those people who enjoy propagating plants, you might have heard about the beautiful Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina). Propagating Wandering Jew in water is an easy and cheap way to create new plants, but it can be tricky if you don't know where to .

In this blog post, we'll discuss everything you need to know about propagating Wandering Jew in water, from understanding what Wandering Jew is, the materials needed, preparing the cutting, and how to care for your new baby plant.

Understanding Wandering Jew

Wandering Jew is a type of Tradescantia and belongs to the spiderwort family. It's native to Mexico and Central America but has since been cultivated as a common houseplant. Its leaves are green with stripes of purple and silver that give it a unique look compared to other houseplants.

Wandering Jew is known for being a fast-growing plant, which makes it perfect for propagation. It's also low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Materials Needed

Before propagating Wandering Jew in water, you need to gather the following materials:

Pruning shears
Glass jar or vase
Water
Rooting hormone (optional)

Make sure that your pruning shears are clean and sharp to avoid damaging the cutting. You may use any container that can hold water, provided that it's tall enough to support the stem.

Preparing the Cutting

Once you've gathered all the materials, you can now preparing the cutting. Here are the steps to follow:

Look for a healthy stem that's at least 4-6 inches long. Make sure it has several leaves and nodes.
Using your pruning shears, cut the stem below a node.
Remove the lower leaves of the cutting, leaving only the top few leaves intact. This will prevent the leaves from rotting in the water.
Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone (optional). This step will help speed up the rooting process.

Propagation Process

Now that you've prepared the cutting let's move on to the propagation process:

Fill your glass jar or vase with water, making sure that the bottom of the stem is submerged in water but the leaves are not touching the water surface.
Place the container in a bright area, away from direct sunlight.
Change the water every other day or as needed, making sure to keep the water level consistent.

After a week or two, you should see roots ing to form. Once the roots are at least an inch long, you can transfer the cutting to soil.

Caring for Your New Plant

Congratulations! You've successfully propagated your Wandering Jew in water. Now it's time to care for your new plant. Here are some tips to remember:

Choose a well-draining potting mix and a pot that's one size larger than the root ball.
Water your plant regularly, making sure to let the topsoil dry out between watering.
Place your plant in a bright area, away from direct sunlight. Wandering Jew prefers bright, indirect light.
Fertilize your plant monthly during the growing season (spring and summer).
Prune your plant regularly to maintain its shape and promote growth.

With proper care, your Wandering Jew will grow and thrive, giving you a beautiful addition to your indoor garden.

Propagating Wandering Jew in water is an easy and rewarding process that anyone can do. By following the steps we've outlined above, you can create new plants that will add beauty to your home. Remember to choose a healthy stem, use clean and sharp pruning shears, and change the water regularly. With patience and care, your Wandering Jew cutting will soon grow into a beautiful plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I propagate Wandering Jew from a leaf?

A1. No, Wandering Jew cannot be propagated from a single leaf. You need to use a stem with several nodes to successfully propagate it.

Q2. How long does it take for roots to form?

A2. It usually takes around two weeks for roots to forming, provided that the stem is healthy and has enough nodes.

Q3. What type of water should I use?

A3. You can use tap water, but it's best to let the water sit overnight to allow the chlorine to evaporate before using it. Alternatively, you can use distilled water.

Q4. Should I cover the container with a plastic bag?

A4. No, it's not necessary to cover the container with a plastic bag. Wandering Jew prefers bright light, and covering the container may hinder its growth.

Q5. Can I propagate Wandering Jew in soil instead of water?

A5. Yes, you can propagate Wandering Jew in soil. Follow the same steps as propagating in water, but instead of placing the cutting in water, insert it directly into the soil.