How to Propagate a Wandering Jew Plant in Water

Wandering Jew, also known as Tradescantia Zebrina or inch plant, is a beautiful and versatile houseplant that can be propagated easily. Propagation is the process of creating new plants from cuttings, and it’s a great way to expand your garden without buying more plants. In this article, we'll show you how to propagate a Wandering Jew plant in water.

Materials Needed

Before getting started, collect the following materials:

A healthy Wandering Jew plant

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears

A glass jar, vase, or container (make sure it’s clean)

Clean and fresh water

Instructions

Start by identifying the mother plant's healthy vine. Look for a vine that's at least six inches long, has visible leaves and nodes, and isn't flowering or wilting.

Cut the vine at an angle with scissors or pruning shears, making sure the cutting is between two nodes. Don't cut too close to the leaves or too far away, as this can affect the cutting's ability to root.

Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting, making sure that you don't strip off more than a third of the plant's leaves. Be careful not to damage the nodes, as they're the key to rooting.

Fill your glass container with clean, fresh water. The water should be deep enough to cover the nodes but not the leaves.

Place the cutting in the water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged in the water. The leaves should be above the waterline to prevent rot.

Place the container in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. The ideal temperature for propagating Wandering Jew cuttings is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Change the water every few days to keep it clean and fresh. This prevents the growth of bacteria and ensures that the cutting receives enough oxygen to develop roots.

After two to three weeks, check the cutting. If you see small roots forming, it means that the cutting has rooted successfully. Leave the cutting in the water until the roots grow to two inches long or more.

Once the roots have developed, it's time to transplant the cutting into a pot. Fill a pot with well-draining soil, and plant the cutting carefully. Water the soil to keep it moist but not too wet, and place the pot in a bright spot with indirect sunlight.

Keep the soil moist and watch as your new Wandering Jew plant grows and flourishes.

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to help ensure success when propagating a Wandering Jew plant in water:

Choose a healthy mother plant with strong vines and leaves.

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the vine.

Remove the bottom leaves and leave at least two nodes on the cutting.

Place the cutting in a clean, fresh water with the nodes submerged.

Change the water every few days to prevent the growth of bacteria and provide enough oxygen to the cutting.

Keep the cutting in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight, with temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Transplant the cutting into a well-draining soil once the roots have grown to two inches or more.

Water the soil to keep it moist but not too wet, and place the pot in a bright spot with indirect sunlight.

Be patient, and watch as your new Wandering Jew plant takes root and grows.

Now that you know how to propagate a Wandering Jew plant in water, you're ready to start creating new plants from cuttings. This versatile and easy-to-care-for plant is perfect for any indoor garden, and propagating it is a great way to expand your collection without breaking the bank.