The Nanouk Pink Wandering Jew is a popular, visually striking houseplant known for its vibrant pink, green, and white foliage. Its ease of care and distinct aesthetic appeal make it a favored choice for enhancing indoor spaces, adding a splash of color with unique leaf patterns.
What is a Nanouk Pink Wandering Jew?
The Nanouk Pink Wandering Jew (Tradescantia albiflora ‘Nanouk’ or Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Nanouk’) is also known as “Fantasy Venice.” This cultivar features thick, somewhat succulent leaves with bright pink, deep green, and creamy white stripes. Its trailing habit makes it suitable for hanging baskets or cascading from shelves.
Nanouk Pink Wandering Jew Care
Light Needs
Adequate light is important for the Nanouk Pink Wandering Jew’s vivid coloration. It thrives in bright, indirect light, encouraging pink hues. Too much direct sun scorches leaves, causing brown spots or fading, while insufficient light results in green foliage and leggy growth. An east or west-facing window, providing bright but filtered light, is ideal.
Watering
Proper watering prevents root rot. The Nanouk Pink Wandering Jew prefers its soil to dry out partially between waterings; allow the top inch or two of the potting mix to dry before rewatering thoroughly. Overwatering is common, so always check soil moisture with your finger before adding more water to prevent waterlogging.
Soil Requirements
The Nanouk Pink Wandering Jew requires a well-draining, airy potting mix. A standard indoor mix can be enhanced with perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage and aeration, preventing compaction. Slightly acidic soil is also beneficial.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant thrives in average room temperatures, from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). While it tolerates average household humidity, it appreciates higher humidity. A more humid environment, like a humidifier or pebble tray, promotes healthier, more vibrant foliage. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations for its well-being.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize the Nanouk Pink Wandering Jew regularly. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two to four weeks. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient burn, damaging roots.
Pruning for Bushiness
Regular pruning encourages a fuller, bushier plant and maintains its compact shape. Pinching back leggy stems stimulates new growth from nodes below the cut, leading to a denser appearance. This prevents the plant from becoming sparse or straggly. Cuttings can be used for propagation.
Propagating Nanouk Pink Wandering Jew
Propagating the Nanouk Pink Wandering Jew is straightforward with stem cuttings, boasting a high success rate. Select a healthy stem segment at least 4-6 inches long, with a few leaves and at least one node. Remove bottom leaves to expose the nodes. Cuttings can be placed directly into water, where roots emerge within weeks. Alternatively, plant them directly into a well-draining potting mix, kept moist until new growth indicates rooting.
Common Problems and Solutions
One common issue is the loss of vibrant pink coloration, indicating insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter spot with more indirect light restores its hues. Leggy growth, with long, stretched stems and sparse leaves, results from low light or a lack of pruning. Increasing light exposure and pinching back stems promotes bushier growth.
Brown or crispy leaves signal underwatering or low humidity. Consistent moisture without overwatering and a more humid environment alleviate this. Mushy stems or root rot indicate overwatering. Allowing the soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings and ensuring adequate drainage are essential.
Is Nanouk Pink Wandering Jew Toxic?
The Nanouk Pink Wandering Jew, like other Tradescantia species, is mildly toxic to pets and humans. Ingestion may cause mild skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset, with symptoms including mouth irritation, vomiting, or diarrhea. Place the plant out of reach of curious pets and small children to prevent accidental ingestion.