The inch plant (Tradescantia or Wandering Jew) is a popular houseplant due to its ease of care and vibrant foliage. This trailing plant is exceptionally simple to multiply, making it one of the most beginner-friendly species for propagation. Creating a new plant from a simple stem cutting allows you to quickly grow a fuller specimen or share with others. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to propagate your inch plant.
Preparing the Cuttings
Use sterilized shears or scissors to prevent the transfer of any potential plant diseases to the new cutting. You should aim to take a cutting that is between 4 to 6 inches long from a healthy stem tip. Make the cut just below a leaf joint, which is called a node.
A node is a small bump on the stem where a leaf attaches, and this specific area contains the undifferentiated cells necessary for root development. Each cutting needs to include at least two to three nodes to ensure successful rooting. After making the cut, remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem. These submerged leaves will rot in water or soil, which can introduce pathogens and cause the cutting to fail. Removing the lower foliage exposes the nodes, allowing them direct contact with the rooting medium to facilitate growth.
Rooting in Water Versus Soil
Once the cuttings are prepared, you can choose between two rooting methods: water or soil. The water method is popular because it allows you to watch the roots develop. Simply place the prepared cutting in a clear glass container, ensuring that at least one node is fully submerged in the water.
Place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light, as this warmth and illumination encourages root growth. It is important to change the water every few days to maintain oxygen levels and prevent the growth of bacteria or algae. You should see small white roots emerge from the submerged nodes, often within just one to two weeks.
For the soil method, start with a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix and moisten it thoroughly. Although optional, dipping the cut end into a commercial rooting hormone can accelerate the development of new roots by stimulating cell division. Insert the cutting directly into the soil, burying the exposed nodes about two inches deep, then gently pat the soil around the stem to secure it.
Maintaining a high level of humidity around the soil-rooted cutting can speed up the process, which can be achieved by placing a clear plastic bag or dome over the pot. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Look for signs of new leaf growth, which indicates that the cutting has successfully established roots. Both methods require placement in a warm spot with bright, filtered light.
Caring for the New Plant
If you rooted your cutting in water, the transition to soil should occur when the roots are about one to two inches long. When potting the water-rooted cutting, use a standard houseplant potting mix and keep the soil slightly more moist than usual for the first few weeks. This period allows the delicate water roots time to adjust to the drier, denser environment of the soil without suffering shock or desiccation.
Inch plants thrive in bright, indirect light, which is necessary to maintain the vibrant color and variegation of the leaves. If the light is too low, the stems may become thin and “leggy,” with long distances between the leaves. Water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, avoiding overwatering to prevent root rot. Pruning the trailing stems occasionally helps encourage a bushier, fuller plant appearance by activating dormant growth points near the cuts.