The Wandering Jew, referring to several species within the Tradescantia genus, is a fast-growing houseplant valued for its vibrant, trailing foliage. While many growers move these tropical plants outdoors during summer, they are extremely sensitive to low temperatures. Understanding the temperature limits is paramount to ensuring survival when seasons change and preventing cold-induced damage.
The Minimum Temperature Tolerance
The Wandering Jew thrives best in a temperature range similar to a comfortable indoor environment, ideally between 60°F and 85°F (16°C to 29°C). Tolerance drops sharply below this range. Consistent exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) causes significant cold stress and can lead to irreversible cellular damage.
The critical threshold is the freezing point of water. Temperatures at or below 32°F (0°C) are lethal to the plant’s tissues, especially if the exposure is sustained for more than a few hours. Growers who move their plants outside seasonally should plan to bring them back indoors when nighttime temperatures reliably dip toward 50°F, well before any threat of frost. This protects the plant from the shock of cold air.
Identifying Cold Stress and Damage
When a Wandering Jew is exposed to temperatures outside its tolerance range, it displays distinct symptoms of cold shock. The initial signs often manifest as noticeable wilting or drooping of the leaves, which lose the turgidity that keeps them firm. The foliage may also feel softer or limp to the touch, indicating a disruption in the plant’s water regulation system.
As the cold injury progresses, the leaves begin to show discoloration, first becoming pale or translucent before developing more severe patches. In severe cases, the affected areas turn brown or black, a sign of tissue necrosis. The stems themselves can become mushy, and the entire plant may collapse if the damage is extensive enough to compromise the vascular system. The full extent of this damage sometimes does not become visually apparent until several days after the cold exposure has occurred.
Strategies for Winter Protection
Protecting a Wandering Jew during the winter requires a strategy focused on timely relocation and adjusted indoor care. The most straightforward strategy for plants that spend the summer outdoors is to transition them inside when local forecasts predict nighttime temperatures consistently approaching 50°F (10°C). This ensures the plant avoids initial cold snaps.
Relocation and Indoor Placement
Before moving the plant indoors, inspect the foliage and soil thoroughly for any pests. Once inside, the plant needs a location that provides bright, indirect light, which is often a challenge during the shorter winter days. Placing the plant near a window that receives good light, while ensuring it is not directly in the path of cold drafts or heat from vents, will help it settle.
Temporary Outdoor Protection
For gardeners in mild climates where the plant is grown year-round (USDA Zones 9-11), temporary protection is necessary for unexpected cold snaps. If the temperature is predicted to briefly dip below freezing, covering the plant with frost cloth or plastic sheeting provides an effective temperature buffer. Moving the plant container close to a warm wall or under a sheltered eave can also help retain residual heat and shield it from wind chill.
Adjusting Winter Care
Once the plant is indoors for the winter, its care routine must be adjusted to account for dormancy. Since growth slows dramatically due to reduced light, the plant requires less water, meaning the watering frequency should be reduced. The soil should be allowed to dry out to a depth of one to two inches between waterings to prevent root rot. Additionally, all fertilizer applications should be paused during the fall and winter months, as the dormant plant cannot utilize the nutrients effectively, which can potentially lead to root burn.