Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew)

A popular houseplant, Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew) is a trailing evergreen perennial with attractive, lance-shaped, green to purple leaves with two wide, silvery longitudinal stripes. In contrast, the lower leaf surface is solid magenta. Tiny boat-shaped rosy-purple flowers held in small terminal clusters appear sporadically throughout the year on plants grown in their native habitat, rarely indoors. It is fast-growing and easy to grow, making an attractive ground cover in warm winter areas. Where not winter hardy, it is usually grown as a houseplant in hanging baskets or containers where it will trail gracefully over the edges.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 6-9 in. tall (15-22 cm) and will spread indefinitely. The stems branch or root at the nodes as they spread along the ground.
• Easily grown in moist, well-drained soils in sun or partial shade. This plant does best in light shade outdoors but bright light indoors. Reduce watering from fall to late winter.
• Virtually pest and disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids and vine weevil.
• Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness and remove plain green foliage.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings using stem tips in spring or summer, rooting in cutting compost or water, then pot up into loam-based potting compost.
• Native to Mexico