Wandering Jew plants, scientifically known as Tradescantia, are popular houseplants with vibrant foliage and cascading growth. These versatile plants come in various species, including Tradescantia zebrina, Tradescantia pallida, and Tradescantia fluminensis, offering unique leaf patterns and hues. Their striking appearance and relatively easy care make them a favored choice for indoor gardeners to add color to living spaces.
Understanding Wandering Jew Growth Habits
Wandering Jew plants are characterized by their trailing and spreading growth habit, naturally extending their stems to cascade over the edges of pots or spread across surfaces. These plants are vigorous growers, with stems that can reach 18 inches or more in length. While they produce roots readily at their nodes, these are primarily adventitious roots that help the plant anchor itself and absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil or surrounding environment if the stems touch a surface.
Unlike some other vining plants, such as aroids (e.g., Monstera or Philodendron), Wandering Jews do not typically develop robust aerial roots designed to cling firmly to vertical supports or actively absorb significant nutrients from a moss pole. Their stems are also somewhat fragile and can break easily.
Moss Pole Suitability for Wandering Jew
While a moss pole can offer vertical support for the trailing stems of a Wandering Jew, it does not provide the same benefits as it would for plants with strong climbing aerial roots. The primary advantage of using a moss pole for a Wandering Jew is to guide its growth upward, which can create a more structured display and manage space, especially in smaller areas. This vertical training can also lead to slightly larger leaves on the upward-growing stems, as the plant perceives it is climbing towards more light.
However, Wandering Jew stems will not naturally adhere to the moss pole as many true climbers do. This means manual tying will be necessary to secure the stems to the pole. Unlike plants that actively root into the moss, Wandering Jews will not gain substantial nutritional or moisture benefits directly from the pole itself, beyond ambient humidity. Thus, a moss pole’s role for a Wandering Jew is primarily mechanical support, not fostering a self-sustaining climb.
How to Use a Moss Pole for Wandering Jew
If you choose to use a moss pole for your Wandering Jew, select one appropriate for the plant’s current size and desired vertical extension. Insert the pole firmly into the potting mix when repotting or as deeply as possible into an established plant’s pot to ensure stability.
To attach the Wandering Jew stems, gently wrap the vines around the pole. Since they do not self-adhere, use soft plant ties, garden clips, or U-shaped wires to secure them to the pole at various points. Avoid tying too tightly, as the stems are somewhat fragile. Regularly misting the moss on the pole can help increase humidity around the plant, which is generally beneficial for Tradescantia, but it will not primarily encourage root attachment to the pole.
Alternatives for Managing Wandering Jew Growth
Given the trailing nature of Wandering Jew plants, several alternatives are often more suitable than a moss pole for managing their growth. Allowing the plant to trail freely from hanging baskets or high shelves is a popular and effective display method, showcasing its natural cascading habit. The vines can create a “green waterfall” effect.
For gentle vertical guidance, small decorative stakes or mini trellises can be used. While stems will still need to be tied, these options are less intensive than a full moss pole. Simply allowing the plant to spread horizontally on a surface, such as a tabletop, is another low-maintenance approach. Regular pruning is also an effective way to manage length and encourage bushier, more compact growth by pinching back stem tips.