In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing Wandering Dude (scientifically known as Tradescantia) plants from setting up the perfect environment to fixing common problems that can arise.
But before moving forward, I want to tell you the common names and types of this plant. This method will apply to each type of Wandering Dude plant. If you don’t want to grow yourself, you can buy from Amazon.
The common names of this plant are Inch plant, Spiderwort, Wandering dude, Wandering zebrina, and Zebra plant
The common types include the Tradescantia zebrina, the Tradescantia Fluminensis, Tradescantia Pallida, or Purple Heart.
Let’s learn how to grow this beauty and care for it.
How to Grow Wandering Dude from Cuttings?
Before you start, make sure you have all these things:
- Healthy Wandering Dude plant to take cuttings (Buy from Amazon)
- Clean pair of pruning shears (Buy from Amazon)
- Small pots (Buy from Amazon)
- Well-draining potting mix (Buy from Amazon)
- A spray bottle filled with water (Buy from Amazon)
- Clear plastic bags or plastic wrap
1. Prepare Cuttings (Avoid THIS Common Mistake)
Pick your plant and start looking for a stem with the new growth point (node).
The common mistake most people make is to take random stem cuttings without nodes.
So, keep in mind only select the one with nodes. After that, cut the stem with pruning shears from below the node.
Make sure each cutting is about 4-6 inches long and has at least four leaves.
2. Prepare the Pot
Take pots or containers in which you want to grow your plant and fill them with damp and well-draining soil.
You can also use a mix of peat, sand, and perlite.
3. Plant the Cuttings
Make a small hole about 1-2 inches deep in each pot of potting mix.
Insert the cut end of your Wandering Dude cuttings into the hole, and gently press the soil around the stem to help it stay upright.
Keep in mind that the part of the plant that will form the roots should be submerged in soil.
The part that will grow leaves and stems should remain above ground.
How to Care for Wandering Dude?
1. Lightning
The first thing that you need to know before growing any plant is it’s light need. Wandering Dude plants love bright, indirect light.
Place your plant near a window that receives a good amount of sunlight, but be sure to filter the sun’s rays with sheer curtains or a few feet of space.
Sometimes direct sunlight can cause the delicate leaves to scorch, but not every time.
If you find your Wandering Dude is getting leggy, with elongated stems and sparse foliage, it’s a sign that the light is insufficient.
2. Watering
Water your Wandering Dude when the top inch or so of the soil feels dry to the touch.
In most households, this means checking the soil once a week during the growing season and reducing frequency in the winter.
Always water the plant until you see moisture begin to drain from the bottom, but make sure the entire root system is hydrated.
If your Wandering Dude leaves are turning yellow it’s a common sign of overwatering.
So, you should adjust your watering schedule accordingly if you notice these symptoms.
3. Potting
Wandering Dudes grow quickly therefore potting them is important to keep them healthy. When your plant is bigger than the pot you should do repotting.
When potting your Wandering Dude, select a pot with enough drainage to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.
Fill the pot with organic potting mix. Gently tease the roots apart and trim any that are dead or rotting before placing the plant in its new home with fresh potting mix.
4. Pruning
Wandering Dudes are quick growers. Therefore they can easily become leggy. So, regular pruning is important to keep your plant in full shape.
This is also an opportune time to propagate any healthy stem cuttings you will remove during the pruning.
Trim back any overgrown stems or stems that are bare or have lost their leaves. You can do this at any time.
5. Propagation
Take the healthy cuttings that are 3- to 4-inch cutting below a node and place them in a jar of water or directly in the soil.
Roots will start to develop within a few weeks, and then you can plant your new Wandering Dude in a pot.
