Is your Wandering Jew (Tradescantia) growing upwards instead of trailing as expected? This plant is famous for its colorful leaves and quick growth, but it often trails. Luckily, you can train it to grow upwards and make it look fuller and more organized.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to help your Wandering Jew grow upwards, from picking the right support to trimming and caring for it. By the end, your plant will look healthier and more beautiful.
Let’s get started!
Why Is My Wandering Jew Growing Straight Up?
The Wandering Jew is a vining plant that grows in warm, tropical places. In the wild, it spreads across the ground or hangs from trees. It grows this way because its stems are always looking for light and water. While this makes it great for hanging baskets, many people want it to grow tall.
To get your plant to grow up, you need to give it some support and trim it regularly.
How to Grow a Wandering Jew (Tradescantia) Upwards
Pick the Right Support
The first step in helping your Wandering Jew grow upwards is choosing a good support. Here are some good options:
- Trellis: Gives a neat, structured look.
- Moss Pole: Helps roots stick to it and stays moist.
- Bamboo Stakes: Simple and cheap way to guide the plant.
- Wall Hooks & Wire: Perfect for making it climb a wall or surface.
You can even make your own trellis with wooden sticks or cover a moss pole with moss to help the plant grow.
Trimming and Shaping Your Plant
Pruning is very important to help your Wandering Jew grow up. Cutting it back regularly will stop it from becoming too long and leggy. Here’s what to do:
- Cut back long, weak stems to help the plant grow thicker.
- Always use clean scissors or pruning shears.
- Pinch off new growth to stop it from trailing.
- Use plant ties to gently move new shoots upwards.
Using Plant Ties and Clips
To keep the plant attached to the support, you can use:
- Soft Plant Ties: These are gentle on the plant.
- Velcro Straps: Adjustable and reusable.
- Garden Clips: Easy to use for holding the vines.
Make sure not to tie the plant too tightly so it can grow freely. Check the ties often to make sure they’re not too tight.
Things That Affect Wandering Jew Growth
Light and Positioning
Light is important for your Wandering Jew to grow properly. To help it grow upwards:
- Put it in a spot with bright, indirect light.
- Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly.
- Avoid direct sunlight because it can burn the leaves.
If you don’t have enough light, try using a grow light to help the plant.
Watering and Soil
Here’s how to take care of the soil and water:
- Use soil that drains well and has some perlite in it.
- Keep the soil slightly moist but don’t overwater, or the plant will become weak.
- Make sure the pot has holes at the bottom to let water out.
- Feed your plant with fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to keep it strong.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Mistake 1: Using too many supports.
Fix: Pick one main support to keep things neat.
Mistake 2: Not trimming enough.
Fix: Cut back the plant every month to keep it full and tall.
Mistake 3: Using weak supports.
Fix: Make sure your support is strong enough for the plant’s growth.
Common Queries About Wandering Jew Growing Upwards
Can My Wandering Jew Climb Like a Vine?
Yes! Even though it’s not a true vine, you can train it to climb using supports like a trellis or moss pole.
What’s the Best Support for a Wandering Jew?
A moss pole or trellis works great, as they give the plant something to climb and support its growth.
How to Make Wandering Jew Bushy?
To make your Wandering Jew bushy, regularly prune it to encourage new growth, provide bright, indirect light, and ensure proper watering with a well-draining soil mix. More in: How to Make Wandering Jew Bushy: The Ultimate Growth Guide
How Do I Stop My Wandering Jew From Growing Too Long and Weak?
Regular trimming, enough light, and good support will keep your plant strong and healthy.
Final Thoughts
It may take some time, but with the right care, your Wandering Jew can grow upwards as desired, or even start trailing if that’s what you prefer. Try these tips and watch your plant become tall and beautiful!
For more plant care tips, check out our Wandering Jew Plant Care Guide: Expert Tips for Healthy Tradescantia
