How to Root a Wandering Jew Cutting (In Soil & Water)

If you’re looking for a houseplant that’s both beautiful and easy to care for, the Wandering Jew might just be the perfect choice. With its striking purple and green leaves, this plant is sure to add a touch of color and vibrancy to any room. But what if you want to share the love and grow more of these beauties? Rooting a Wandering Jew cutting is a great way to expand your plant collection without having to buy new plants.

Today, we’ll walk you through the process of rooting Wandering Jew cuttings, whether you prefer doing it in soil or water. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right cutting to ensuring your new plant thrives in its new home. So grab your gardening gloves, and let’s get started!

Choosing the Right Cutting

The first step in propagating your Wandering Jew is selecting a healthy cutting. You want to make sure you choose a section of the plant that is vibrant and disease-free. Look for a stem that’s about 4 to 6 inches long and has a few leaves attached. The healthier the cutting, the better the chances of successful rooting.

Use a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to make your cut just below a leaf node. This is important because the leaf node is where new roots will form. If you’re unsure where the node is, it’s the small bump on the stem where leaves emerge. Don’t worry if you’re new to this. It’s pretty easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for. Just remember to make a clean cut to avoid damaging the plant.

Once you have your cutting, remove the leaves from the bottom inch or so of the stem. This prevents the leaves from rotting once the cutting is placed in water or soil. Plus, it helps direct the plant’s energy toward root development rather than leaf maintenance.

Rooting in Water

Rooting a Wandering Jew cutting in water is a popular method because it allows you to easily monitor the root growth. Plus, it’s exciting to watch the roots develop right before your eyes. To start, you’ll need a clear container, like a glass jar or a small vase. Fill the container with enough water to submerge the leafless part of the cutting.

Place the cutting in the container, ensuring that the nodes are under the surface of the water. Position the container in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can be too harsh and might cause the water to overheat, potentially harming the cutting.

Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. This helps prevent bacterial growth, which could harm your cutting. Within a week or two, you should start to see roots forming. It’s a little like magic, isn’t it? Once the roots are about an inch long, your cutting is ready to be transplanted into soil.

Potting the Rooted Cutting

Now that your Wandering Jew cutting has developed roots in water, it’s time to transfer it to soil. Choose a small pot with drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape. This is vital because Wandering Jew plants don’t like to sit in soggy soil. You’ll want to use a well-draining potting mix, which can be a standard houseplant mix or a blend specifically designed for succulents.

Fill the pot with soil, leaving a small hole in the center where the cutting will go. Gently place the rooted cutting in the hole, ensuring the roots are well-covered with soil. Lightly pat down the soil around the base of the plant to secure it in place.

Give your new plant a good drink of water, but be careful not to overwater. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Place the potted cutting in a location with bright, indirect light to help it acclimate to its new environment. Over the next few weeks, keep an eye on your plant, watering when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Rooting in Soil

If you’d prefer to skip the water rooting stage, you can root Wandering Jew cuttings directly in soil. This method can be just as effective and saves you the step of transferring from water to soil. Start by preparing a small pot with well-draining potting mix. As mentioned earlier, a mix for houseplants or succulents works well here.

Make a small hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil, and insert the cutting, ensuring that at least one node is buried beneath the surface. Gently firm the soil around the cutting to hold it in place. Water the cutting lightly, just enough to moisten the soil without making it soggy.

Place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light. Check the soil regularly, and water when it starts to feel dry. Within a few weeks, the cutting should begin to develop roots. You can give it a gentle tug to see if it resists, which indicates root growth. Once the roots are established, you can care for it as you would any other Wandering Jew plant.

Creating the Ideal Environment

Whether you’re rooting in water or soil, it’s important to provide the right conditions to encourage healthy growth. Wandering Jew plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light may cause the vibrant colors to fade.

The temperature should be kept between 60-80°F for optimal growth. These plants aren’t too fussy about humidity, but they do enjoy a bit of moisture in the air. If your home is particularly dry, consider misting the plant occasionally or placing a humidifier nearby.

Keep an eye on your cutting and adjust its environment as needed. If the leaves start to wilt or turn brown, it could be a sign that it’s getting too much sun or not enough water. On the other hand, yellowing leaves might indicate overwatering or poor drainage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rooting plant cuttings can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overwatering: It’s easy to get carried away with watering, but too much moisture can lead to root rot. Always check the soil’s moisture level before watering.
• Insufficient Light: While bright, indirect light is ideal, placing your cutting in a dim area can slow its growth or cause it to become leggy.
• Poor Air Circulation: Stagnant air can promote fungal growth. Ensure there’s good air circulation around your cuttings to keep them healthy.
• Using Dirty Tools: Always sanitize your scissors or shears before making a cutting to prevent the spread of disease.
• Ignoring Signs of Stress: Pay attention to any changes in leaf color or texture. These can be early signs of stress that need addressing.

Fostering Continued Growth

Once your Wandering Jew cutting has taken root and is growing well, you can shift your focus to ensuring it continues to thrive. Regular care includes:

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Fertilizing: Feed your plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Pruning: Trim back any leggy growth to encourage a bushier appearance. This also helps maintain the plant’s shape and promotes new growth.

By maintaining these care practices, your Wandering Jew will likely reward you with vibrant foliage and vigorous growth. And who knows? You might be so inspired by its success that you’ll want to propagate even more plants!

The Joy of Sharing Plants

One of the best parts about propagating plants is the ability to share them with others. Once your Wandering Jew cuttings have grown into healthy plants, consider gifting them to friends or family. It’s a thoughtful way to share your love of plants and brighten someone’s day.

When giving a plant as a gift, include care instructions to help the recipient know how to look after it. A small note about watering, light requirements, and general care can make all the difference in helping your gift thrive in its new home.

Sharing plants is more than just giving a gift—it’s about sharing your passion and encouraging others to develop their green thumb. Plus, who wouldn’t want to spread a little more greenery in the world?

Conclusion: Final Thoughts

Rooting Wandering Jew cuttings can be a fun and rewarding process, allowing you to multiply your plant collection with minimal effort. Whether you choose to root in water or soil, the key is to provide the right conditions and care for your cuttings to thrive.

At Cafe Planta, we’re passionate about helping you care for your plants. We offer a range of houseplants and plant care accessories to support your plant journey. If you have any questions, feel free to email us or send a message on Instagram. We’re here to help you create a beautiful, thriving plant collection in your home.