The Tradescantia zebrina, often referred to as the Wandering Jew or Inchplant, features striking purple, silver, and green variegated foliage. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, its ability to survive winter outside depends entirely on your specific climate. In most parts of the world with freezing temperatures, this plant must be brought indoors or treated as an annual.
Defining Cold Tolerance: Hardiness Zones and Temperature Limits
The Tradescantia zebrina is a tender perennial highly sensitive to cold. It is reliably hardy only in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 12, which are characterized by mild winters and a lack of sustained freezing temperatures. In these warmer regions, the plant can thrive outdoors year-round as a perennial groundcover or in hanging baskets.
The plant begins to suffer damage when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), and growth slows drastically. While it may tolerate brief dips down to 45°F, it is not frost-tolerant and will be killed by freezing temperatures. A hard frost will destroy the plant’s succulent, water-filled stems and leaves, meaning regions that experience frost must bring the plant inside or treat it as an annual.
Overwintering Indoors: Preparing for the Cold Season
For gardeners in colder climates, bringing the Tradescantia zebrina indoors is the most successful strategy for winter preservation. Before the first expected frost, thoroughly inspect the plant for hitchhiking pests that could infest your home. Common pests like spider mites and aphids must be treated with insecticidal soap or a strong jet of water before moving the plant inside.
Pruning is beneficial before the move; trimming back leggy stems encourages bushier growth and reduces the plant’s overall size. Once inside, the plant requires bright, indirect light to maintain vibrant foliage color and compact growth. An east or west-facing window is often ideal, but a southern exposure may require a sheer curtain to filter intense winter sun.
Indoor winter care requires adjusting the watering schedule because the plant’s growth naturally slows during the shorter days. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely before watering again; this prevents root rot during the semi-dormant period. Furthermore, pause all fertilization, as feeding a resting plant can lead to root burn.
Outdoor Survival Strategies for Marginal Climates
In marginal climates, such as a mild Zone 8, it may be possible to overwinter the plant outside with targeted protection, though success is not guaranteed. One effective method is utilizing microclimates, which involves planting the Tradescantia zebrina near a warm, south-facing wall or under a dense evergreen. These structures radiate retained heat and offer a temperature buffer against the cold.
Heavy mulching is another strategy, focusing on insulating the root crown with a thick layer of organic material like straw or wood chips. This layer, applied four to six inches deep, prevents the soil from freezing deeply, protecting the root system. However, the stems and leaves above the mulch will likely die back, meaning the plant will regrow from the roots in the spring.
Temporary covering provides defense for brief cold snaps when temperatures dip below 40°F but remain above a hard freeze. Using a lightweight frost cloth, an old sheet, or an inverted cardboard box can trap residual heat around the plant overnight. Remove any plastic or non-breathable cover during the day to prevent moisture buildup and fungal issues.
Spring Transition and Post-Winter Care
Whether the plant spent the winter indoors or survived outside, the spring transition requires careful management to ensure vigorous growth. Indoor-kept plants must be gradually “hardened off” by slowly introducing them to outdoor conditions over one to two weeks. Start with short periods in a shaded location and gradually increase exposure to brighter light and wind to prevent leaf scorch.
Once all danger of frost has passed, assess the plant for winter damage, which may appear as brown, mushy, or leggy growth. Pruning away dead or frost-bitten foliage directs the plant’s energy toward new, healthy shoots and encourages a fuller appearance. Stems can be cut back aggressively, as this plant responds well to heavy trimming.
With the return of warmer temperatures and longer days, resume a regular watering and feeding schedule. Begin fertilizing with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks to encourage spring growth. This increase in nutrients supports the plant as it shifts out of dormancy and prepares for a full season of growth.