Wandering Jew (Tradescantia) Winter Care: No Dormancy

Critical: Wandering Jew Cannot Go Dormant

Unlike bulbs or tubers, Tradescantia has no storage organs. If it dries out completely, it dies. "Dormancy" is not an option.

Proper Winter Indoor Care

• Light: Sunniest window available. Prune back up to 1/2 to fit.
• Water: Regularly—when top inch of soil feels dry. Never let dry out completely.
• Humidity: Appreciates misting or pebble tray.
• Fertilizer: Start monthly feeding in March.
• Appearance: Will look scraggly in low winter light—this is normal.

Spring Recovery

1. Move outdoors to full sun after frost danger.
2. Resume regular watering and fertilizing.
3. Within weeks, it regains lush, colorful growth.
4. Take fresh cuttings to rejuvenate if desired.

Propagation Insurance

Root a few cuttings in water each fall. They're easy backups and make great gifts.

The secret to wandering jew success: treat it like a tropical that stays active year-round, not a seasonal plant that sleeps.