How to Pinch Wandering Jew: A Guide to Pruning and Care

How to Pinch Wandering Jew?

To pinch a wandering jew plant, follow these steps:

1.

The best time to prune a wandering jew plant is during spring and early summer.

2.

Use precision pruners, micro snips, or bonsai shears for a clean and precise cut.

3.

Make sure your tools are sterilized and sharp.

4.

There are two pruning methods: cutting back to control legginess and pinching off the tips to promote bushiness.

5.

When cutting back a leggy plant, trim the stems to the same length as shorter tendrils or where leaves are bushier.

Avoid cutting all the way to the soil line.

6.

To control shape and size, pinch off the tips of the stems above a lower node segment.

This also removes spent flowers.

7.

Regular pruning will make the plant fuller and stronger.

8.

For propagation, take stem cuttings just below a growth node using clean and sharp tools.

9.

If propagating in water, use room-temperature non-chlorinated water mixed with propagation promoter.

Ensure the stem does not touch the glass.

10.

Change the water every 3-4 days to promote root growth.

Roots will appear within a week.

11.

After two weeks, transplant the rooted stem into well-draining potting soil.

12.

Position the plant in a well-lit room away from direct sunlight.

13.

Wandering jew plants prefer temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a range of humidity levels.

14.

Water when the top of the soil starts to dry out, adjusting frequency based on environmental factors.

15.

Use neem oil to combat spider mites, aphids, and gnats.

16.

Improve leggy growth by providing more natural light.

17.

Stem propagation is recommended over leaf propagation.

18.

Decrease water and fertilizer in the fall and winter months.

19.

Collect necessary tools before starting.

20.

For further information and resources, consider a Houseplants for Beginners Webinar and a Facebook group for plant lovers.

The Houseplants for Millennials book is also a helpful reference.

Key Points:

  • Prune a wandering jew plant in spring or early summer using precision pruners or bonsai shears
  • Tools should be sterilized and sharp
  • Two pruning methods: cutting back to control legginess and pinching off tips to promote bushiness
  • Pinch off the tips of stems above a lower node segment to control shape and size
  • Regular pruning makes the plant fuller and stronger
  • Propagate by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water before transplanting into well-draining soil


Did You Know?

1. The Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) is a tropical plant native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. Despite its name, it is not actually a member of the true moss family or the genus Jewels (Juncaceae).
2. The Wandering Jew earned its name due to its vining nature and ability to easily spread and propagate. The stems of this plant are known to creep and “wander” across surfaces, making it a popular choice for trailing in hanging baskets or as ground cover in gardens.
3. While the Wandering Jew is generally admired for its lush green and silver-striped leaves, it’s essential to note that all parts of this plant are considered toxic to dogs, cats, and even humans. Ingesting any part can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, and allergic reactions.
4. As a low-maintenance houseplant, the Wandering Jew is highly versatile in terms of care. It can tolerate low light conditions, making it suitable for indoor spaces with limited sunlight. Additionally, it can withstand periods of drought, but regular watering is recommended to keep the soil slightly moist.
5. Apart from its ornamental purposes, the Wandering Jew has also been utilized for its medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, extracts from the plant have been used to treat skin conditions like eczema, burns, and wounds. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before attempting any form of self-medication.

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Best Time For Pruning Wandering Jew Plants

Wandering Jew plants, scientifically known as Tradescantia zebrina or Tradescantia fluminensis, are popular houseplants admired for their striking foliage. Regular pruning is crucial for maintaining their health and promoting bushiness. The ideal timing for pruning these plants is spring and early summer, when their growth is most active and they can quickly recover from pruning.

Recommended Tools For Pruning

Pruning wandering jew plants requires the use of specific tools to ensure clean and precise cuts. Tools such as precision pruners, micro snips, or bonsai shears are recommended for pruning. These tools offer greater control and accuracy when trimming the plant. Sterilized tools should be used to prevent the spread of diseases and infections. Before pruning, clean the tools with bleach to ensure they are free from any harmful pathogens.

  • Use precision pruners, micro snips, or bonsai shears for pruning
  • Sterilize tools to prevent the spread of diseases
  • Clean tools with bleach before pruning to remove harmful pathogens.

Importance Of Sterilized And Sharp Tools

Using sterilized and sharp tools is crucial when pruning wandering jew plants. Sterilization prevents the transfer of diseases that may negatively affect the plant’s health. Sharp tools provide clean cuts, minimizing damage to the plant. Clean and precise cuts promote quicker healing and reduce the risk of infections.
To ensure the best results when pruning wandering jew plants, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Sterilize your pruning tools before each session. This can be done by dipping the tools in a solution of bleach and water or using rubbing alcohol.
  • Step 2: Make sure your tools are sharp. Dull tools can cause unnecessary injury to the plant and slow down the healing process.
  • Step 3: Cut at the right angle and position. Avoid cutting too close to the stem or leaving stubs that may invite pests and diseases.
  • Step 4: After pruning, apply a plant-safe disinfectant to the wounds to reduce the risk of infections.
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Remember, taking good care of your pruning tools and using them properly will help keep your wandering jew plants healthy and thriving.

Pruning Methods – Controlling Legginess And Promoting Bushiness

There are two main methods of pruning wandering jew plants – cutting back to control legginess and pinching off the tips to promote bushiness. Cutting back involves trimming long and leggy stems to create a fuller, more compact plant. Pinching off the tips of the stems helps control the plant’s shape, size, and remove spent flowers. By using both methods of pruning, you can keep your wandering jew plant well-maintained and visually appealing.

Trimming Leggy Plants And The Ideal Length

When dealing with a leggy wandering jew plant, it is important to trim the stems back to the same length as shorter tendrils or down to where leaves are bushier. Avoid trimming the plant all the way to the soil line, as this may weaken the plant’s overall structure. By trimming the leggy growth, you encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing new growth in the desired areas, resulting in a fuller and healthier plant.

Pinching Off Stem Tips And Removing Spent Flowers

Pruning Wandering Jew Plants

Another method of pruning wandering jew plants is by pinching off the stem tips. This technique involves removing the top portion of the stem above a lower node segment. Pinching off stem tips helps control the plant’s shape and size while also promoting bushiness. Additionally, it allows you to remove spent flowers, keeping the plant looking fresh and vibrant. This method of pruning is effective in maintaining the desired size and shape of the wandering jew plant.

pruning wandering jew plants is crucial for their overall health and appearance.

Pruning Tips:

  • Prune during the best time
  • Use sterilized and sharp tools
  • Employ the appropriate pruning methods
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With regular pruning, your wandering jew plant will become fuller and stronger, creating a beautiful addition to your indoor garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you clip a wandering Jew?

To successfully propagate a Wandering Jew, you should clip a stem cutting just below a growth node. This ensures the stem can develop new roots and avoids the risk of rotting. By utilizing sharp, clean, and sterilized houseplant scissors or cutting shears, you provide the best environment for the cutting to thrive.

How do you get wandering Jew to spread?

To encourage the wandering Jew plant to spread, it is important to provide it with the right conditions for growth. Firstly, select healthy stems with at least one leaf node and use sharp scissors to take 1 to 2-inch long cuttings. Next, plant these cuttings in a moist potting mix or place them in water to propagate. Ensure the setup is placed in an area with bright indirect light, as this will enable the cuttings to develop roots and encourage the spreading of the plant. By following these simple steps, anyone can easily propagate and spread the wandering Jew plant.

How do you get rid of the Wandering Jew?

One effective way to eliminate the Wandering Jew is by utilizing herbicides specifically designed to target and eradicate this weed. Although there are various options available, the most recommended approach involves using Glyphosate 360 g/L mixed with a SuperWetter organosilicone penetrant in a water solution. The application of this mixture is most effective during warmer months, preferably between October and March, as it ensures efficient and quick brownout of the Wandering Jew. By following this method, you can effectively combat the growth and spread of this invasive plant.

How do I make my Tradescantia fuller?

To make your Tradescantia fuller, treat it like a personal barber and give it regular trims. Snip any vines that are lacking leaves or becoming too long. Additionally, make sure to pinch back the tips of the vines at a node to promote a bushier growth pattern. This technique will encourage the growth of two new stems from the trimmed end, making your Tradescantia more lush and vibrant.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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