How to Take Care of a Creeping Jew Plant

A creeping Jew plant, more commonly known as a wandering Jew, is a perennial plant that is native to Mexico and areas of South America. Wandering Jew plants offer colorful, striped leaves and easy care, to reward those seeking to raise it as a houseplant. Wandering Jew plants are well suited for hanging baskets, with the long creeping stems dangling over the sides. With proper care, a wandering Jew plant will live several years or more indoors.

Things You'll Need

• Misting bottle
• Water
• All-purpose plant food

Instructions

1. Place the wandering Jew plant where it will receive about six hours of indirect sunlight a day. Too much direct sunlight will cause the color of the leaves to fade.

2. Use a misting bottle to spray the wandering Jew twice a day. Once in the morning, and again after lunch, the misting will raise the humidity level around the plant.

3. Water the plant once a week during spring, summer and fall months. During winter months, water a wandering Jew once every 10 days. By reducing the amount of water in the winter months, the plant will go into dormancy, which is an important natural part of the plant's cycle.

4. Fertilize the plant twice a month with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer during the spring through summer months.

5. Remove extremely long stems by pinching them off at the desired length. This will encourage the stems to branch out and grow in a more compact pattern.

6. Remove damaged or dead leaves as needed throughout the year.

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Zebrina-Wandering Jew
• University of Florida: Zebrina Pendula Wandering Jew