The return of a plant each year depends on whether it is classified as an annual or a perennial, which is determined by the climate. The popular trailing plant, known as inchplant or spiderwort, belongs to the genus Tradescantia. The botanical name is increasingly replacing the outdated common name “Wandering Jew.” This genus includes many species known for their vibrant, easy-to-grow foliage, but their winter survival is tied directly to the environment’s temperature.
Hardiness: The Role of Climate and Growing Zones
The perennial or annual nature of Tradescantia is determined by the minimum winter temperatures it experiences outdoors. Most colorful, tender varieties popular as houseplants are tropical or semi-tropical plants, reliably hardy only in warmer climates (USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 12). In these zones, the plant is a true perennial, surviving mild winter temperatures and returning each spring.
Temperatures near or below freezing typically kill the root system of these tropical types, forcing gardeners in colder regions to treat them as annuals. For example, a plant thriving outdoors in Zone 6 will not survive winter frosts and must be replanted the following year. However, some native North American species, such as Tradescantia virginiana, are much hardier and are true perennials in colder zones, sometimes surviving as far north as USDA Zone 4.
Ensuring Survival: Overwintering Techniques
Since most gardeners cultivate the tropical varieties, ensuring the plant returns requires intervention in regions colder than Zone 9. The most common method is to bring the entire potted plant indoors before the first frost, generally when outdoor temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). This allows the plant to continue growing as a houseplant during the winter.
Once inside, the plant requires bright, indirect light to maintain the vibrant coloration of the foliage. If natural light is insufficient, supplementing with a grow light prevents the plant from becoming “leggy,” where stems stretch and leaves become sparse. The preferred indoor temperature range is between 60°F and 80°F, but plants should be kept away from cold drafts or direct heat sources.
During winter, the plant enters a period of slower growth, necessitating a reduction in watering frequency. Allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings to prevent root rot. Pause fertilization entirely during the low-light winter months, as the plant is not actively using nutrients, and buildup could harm the roots. To manage size and encourage bushier growth, prune back long, trailing stems.
Easy Propagation: Starting New Plants
The plant’s ease of propagation provides a natural backup plan, even if the main plant does not survive the winter. Tradescantia can be easily multiplied from simple stem cuttings, a process often called “chop and prop.” To create a new plant, snip a cutting just below a node, the point on the stem where a leaf attaches and new roots naturally form.
Each cutting needs only a few sets of leaves. Remove the foliage closest to the cut end to prevent rotting in water or soil. Cuttings can be placed directly into a glass of water, where roots typically appear within a week or two. Alternatively, cuttings can be inserted directly into a pot of moist, well-draining soil, ensuring at least one node is buried.