The plant commonly known as the Wandering Jew, which is botanically classified within the genus Tradescantia, does indeed produce flowers. While these plants are primarily cultivated for their striking, often variegated foliage, their stems will develop delicate blooms when provided with the correct conditions. The blooms themselves are often small and can be easily overlooked compared to the vibrant leaves. This capacity for flowering is a natural biological function of the Tradescantia species.
The Appearance and Nature of the Blooms
The flowers of Tradescantia species are generally small and delicate, characterized by having three distinct petals. Depending on the specific variety, the coloration of these blooms can range across white, pink, lavender, blue, or purple hues. These blossoms typically emerge at the terminal ends of the stems or from the leaf axils, often appearing in small clusters. The flowers are notable for their ephemeral nature, with each individual bloom lasting for only a single day.
Despite their short lifespan, the plant will produce new flowers frequently throughout the growing season, generally in summer. This continuous production ensures that the plant is often in a state of subtle bloom. The small size and pale color of the flowers mean they do not compete with the plant’s colorful foliage, which remains the main ornamental feature.
Optimizing Conditions to Encourage Flowering
To encourage the production of blooms, the most significant factor is providing ample light without causing leaf scorching. Tradescantia plants respond best to bright, indirect light, which fuels the energy needed for flowering while maintaining the vivid coloration in the leaves. Placing the plant near an east- or west-facing window is often ideal, as direct, intense sunlight can quickly burn the foliage. If the light intensity is too low, the plant will prioritize vegetative growth.
Maintaining a warm environment also supports the plant’s blooming cycle, with temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit being optimal for active growth. Consistent moisture in the soil is important during the spring and summer growing season. Allowing the top inch of the potting medium to dry between waterings helps prevent the root rot that can occur from overly saturated soil.
A balanced fertilization regimen further supports the energy demands of flowering. During the active growth period, applying a mild, liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month is generally sufficient. Use a diluted solution to avoid mineral buildup or root burn. Fertilizers that are excessively high in nitrogen should be avoided, as this nutrient primarily encourages lush leaf growth at the expense of flower production.
Understanding Common Species and Names
The name “Wandering Jew” is a common designation applied to several different species within the Tradescantia genus. Among the most popular indoor varieties are Tradescantia zebrina, known for its striped, silver-and-purple leaves, and Tradescantia pallida, recognized by its deep purple foliage. Another common species is Tradescantia fluminensis, which typically has green-and-white variegated leaves.
The flower color often correlates with the specific species, such as T. fluminensis typically bearing white flowers, while T. pallida produces purplish-pink blooms. Due to the sensitive nature of the common name, many growers and retailers now prefer alternative names like Inch Plant, Spiderwort, or simply the botanical genus name, Tradescantia. These different names all refer to plants that share a similar trailing habit.