The Tradescantia, often referred to as the Inchplant or Spiderwort, is a popular houseplant celebrated for its vibrant, colorful foliage and vigorous growth habit. This plant genus is known for being exceptionally easy to propagate, allowing enthusiasts to quickly expand their collection or refresh a mature plant. The term “Inchplant” is sometimes used because of the plant’s rapid growth rate. It is important to note that the common name “Wandering Jew” is considered outdated and offensive; Tradescantia or Inchplant are now preferred. The simple process of propagation works equally well using either a water or a soil method.
Preparing the Cuttings
Successful propagation begins with selecting healthy stem segments from the parent plant. Look for non-flowering tips that are actively growing, ideally measuring between four and six inches in length. The entire process should be executed with clean, sharp tools, such as sterilized scissors or pruning snips, to ensure a smooth cut and prevent the introduction of pathogens. Make your cut on the stem just below a leaf node, which is the slightly swollen joint where a leaf attaches to the stem.
The node is the biological point from which new adventitious roots will emerge, making its inclusion necessary for rooting. After making the cut, remove all leaves from the lower one or two nodes that will be submerged in water or buried in soil. Stripping these lower leaves is necessary because any foliage left underwater or underground will quickly rot, potentially fouling the water or causing the entire cutting to fail.
Propagation Method Using Water
Water propagation offers the advantage of allowing you to visually monitor the development of the new root system. Place the prepared cuttings into a clear container, such as a glass jar or vase, ensuring that at least one node is fully submerged in the water. The remaining upper leaves must stay well above the waterline to prevent them from rotting.
Position the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light, as this energy source supports the cutting’s initial metabolic needs without the risk of scorching the foliage. Change the water every few days, or at least once a week, to replenish oxygen and remove any leached hormones or bacteria. Fresh water prevents the environment from becoming stagnant, which can encourage stem rot. Fine, white roots should emerge from the submerged nodes within one to three weeks.
Propagation Method Using Soil
For those who prefer a single-step rooting process, planting cuttings directly into soil eliminates the need for a later transition. The ideal soil medium is a light, well-aerated potting mix, often achieved by amending standard houseplant soil with materials like perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. This porous mix prevents the soil from compacting and becoming waterlogged, which is a common cause of rot in new cuttings.
Plant the prepared stem segments into a small pot, ensuring that at least one node is buried beneath the soil surface, as this is where the new roots will form. Gently firm the soil around the base of the stem to secure the cutting in place, then water thoroughly until the excess moisture drains from the bottom. To maintain high localized humidity, which significantly aids in initial rooting, you may cover the pot loosely with a plastic bag or dome. Successful rooting is typically confirmed after a few weeks when new leaf growth appears, or if the cutting resists a gentle tug.
Care for Newly Propagated Plants
Once the cuttings have developed a root system, their long-term survival depends on consistent aftercare. Both soil-rooted and newly potted water-rooted cuttings thrive in bright, indirect light, which is important for maintaining the vibrant coloration of the leaves, especially in variegated varieties. Insufficient light can cause the plant to stretch out, resulting in “leggy” growth with smaller, more widely spaced leaves.
Watering should be managed by allowing the top inch or half of the soil to dry out completely between applications. While Tradescantia appreciates consistent moisture, overwatering is detrimental and can quickly lead to root rot in the developing plant. Cuttings rooted in water require a specific transition: they should be moved to soil once the roots are about one to two inches long. After planting these water-rooted cuttings, keep the soil consistently moist for the first week to help the delicate water roots acclimate to the denser soil environment and prevent transplant shock.