The ‘Dark Desire’ Wandering Jew, known for its striking deep purple-black foliage, adds a dramatic touch to any plant collection. This popular ornamental plant thrives indoors and outdoors, offering visual interest with its rich coloration and trailing growth habit. Its ease of care contributes to its widespread appeal among plant enthusiasts.
Understanding Dark Desire Wandering Jew
The ‘Dark Desire’ is a cultivar of Tradescantia pallida, often referred to as Purple Heart or Purple Queen. Its intense, almost black, deep purple leaves, sometimes with a burgundy-red hue in direct sunlight, distinguish this variety. The foliage is lance-shaped and covered in fine, pale hairs, growing alternately along fleshy, trailing stems. Its sprawling growth habit makes it an excellent choice for cascading displays.
Essential Care for Dark Desire
Light Needs
‘Dark Desire’ Wandering Jew flourishes in bright, indirect light, which maintains its vibrant dark coloration. Placing it near an east or west-facing window is ideal. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, particularly in the morning, prolonged exposure to intense afternoon sun can scorch its leaves. Too little light can cause the plant to lose its deep purple hue, leading to greenish or faded foliage and leggy growth.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is important to prevent root rot. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering may cause leaves to turn brown. During the growing season (spring to fall), water more frequently; reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining potting mix prevents waterlogging and root problems. A standard houseplant potting mix works well; improve drainage by adding perlite, coarse sand, or compost. The ideal soil pH for this plant ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.0 and 7.0. Adequate drainage holes in the pot are also important.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers warm environments, with temperatures of 60-75°F (16-24°C). It can tolerate slightly higher or lower temperatures but should be protected from cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C) to prevent damage. While ‘Dark Desire’ can tolerate average household humidity, it appreciates higher humidity levels. Increase humidity through regular misting, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby, especially in dry indoor conditions.
Fertilizing
‘Dark Desire’ benefits from regular feeding during its active growing season, from spring through summer. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied monthly is suitable. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to prevent nutrient burn. Fertilizing is not needed during the fall and winter months when growth slows.
Propagating Dark Desire
Propagating ‘Dark Desire’ Wandering Jew is straightforward, allowing easy creation of new plants. Stem cuttings are the most common and successful method. To propagate, select a healthy stem and cut a 4-6 inch section just below a leaf node, where roots emerge. Remove the leaves from the bottom portion of the cutting, ensuring at least one node is exposed.
The cuttings can then be placed in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Roots form within a few weeks. Alternatively, cuttings can be planted directly into moist, well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, placing cuttings in bright, indirect light until new growth appears.
Common Problems and Solutions
‘Dark Desire’ Wandering Jew can experience issues, often related to environmental conditions. If the plant’s vibrant dark color begins to fade, becoming more green, it indicates insufficient light. Moving the plant to brighter, indirect sunlight restores its rich coloration. Leggy growth, characterized by long gaps between leaves, also suggests a need for more light; pruning encourages bushier growth.
Overwatering frequently causes yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and root rot. If these symptoms appear, reduce watering and ensure well-draining soil. Pests like spider mites and aphids can affect the plant, particularly in dry conditions. Increasing humidity and using horticultural oil, such as neem oil, manage these infestations.
Displaying Your Dark Desire
The trailing habit and striking deep purple foliage of ‘Dark Desire’ Wandering Jew make it suitable for various display options. Hanging baskets allow its long, cascading stems to drape beautifully, creating a dramatic effect. It also works well in mixed planters, providing rich color contrast.
This plant serves as an attractive ground cover in warmer climates (USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11) or in rock gardens and borders. Indoors, its vibrant color makes it a captivating accent on shelves, tabletops, or in terrariums. Its unique coloration is highlighted when paired with plants that have contrasting gold, chartreuse, or variegated foliage.
Safety Considerations
The ‘Dark Desire’ Wandering Jew, like other Tradescantia species, contains sap that can cause mild skin irritation or dermatitis in some individuals. If ingested by pets or humans, the plant can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including mouth irritation, nausea, or vomiting. Handle the plant with care, especially when pruning, and place it in a location inaccessible to pets or young children.