Wandering Jew Lilac Unrooted Cuttings

Wandering Jew Lilac (also known as Inch Plant, Small Leaf Spiderwort, or, botanically, as Tradescantia Fluminensis) is a spreading evergreen plant native to southeast Brazil. Though it has a tendency to become invasive if used as groundcover, Lilac is a unique and low-maintenance addition to outdoor containers or houseplant collections. The foliage is green, purple and pink. In outdoor settings, small pink flowers are everblooming. The flowers bloom less frequently when Wandering Jew is kept as a houseplant. This variety has a more upright habit than the Wandering Jew Green or Wandering Jew Tricolor varieties. The foliage reaches 6-9 inches tall and spreads 9-24 inches, with a trailing, mat-forming habit. This plant does well in part to full sun and is perennial in zones 9-11. It grows quickly and requires minimal maintenance to keep it contained.

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Lilac Selling Tips

Sell Lilac to your customers who are looking for a low-maintenance houseplant or a trailing plant for an outdoor mixed container or hanging basket. Wandering Jew is sometimes used as a groundcover, but it can become very invasive, so we recommend using it in containers. As a container or houseplant, Lilac offers many benefits. It is perennial in zones 9-12 and will do well in full sun or partial shade. Its foliage is evergreen and outdoors its small pink flowers are everblooming. As a houseplant, the uniquely colored green, pink, and purple foliage make up for less frequent blooming. This plant will add year round color to any partly sunny indoor room.

1. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Use containers and keep cut back to prevent invasive growth.
2. Provide consistent water to establish roots and keep the plant healthy. Prune back hard in spring. Pinch if needed throughout the year to help foliage grow densely.
3. Look for mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. Prevent root rot by using well-drained soil, maintaining space for airflow, and not over watering.

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General Growing Tips For Your Unrooted Cuttings

Your unrooted cuttings will arrive freshly cut. You will need to plant them immediately and begin a misting cycle to root the cuttings. This will leech the soil of nutrients, so during the propagation phase use a constant feed of 1/3 the normal recommended dosage of fertilizer until well rooted.

For best results with Lilac use well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade with 100-150 ppm N constant feed and a pH of 6.0-6.5. Plant one starter plant per 4-inch container. We recommend spacing containers at least a few inches apart for airflow and light penetration. You may see mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. This plant is usually not susceptible to many diseases, though root rot can occur in overly moist environments.

Flowering

Lilac is everblooming outdoors. As a houseplant it blooms less frequently throughout the year.

Pinching

Pinching is recommended 5-10 days after transplantation. A second pinch may be necessary depending on the size and shape of the final pot.

 

Spacing

Space pots adequately to allow for light penetration and airflow between foliage of adjacent pots. We recommend 6-8 inches for 4” pots and 18-24 inches for 10” pots.

Height Control

Pinching is the best way to control height. An initial pinch is recommended, but additional pinching may be necessary to shape your final product. If needed, use 26-132 ppm A-Rest spray.

Pests

Spider mites are the primary pests attracted to Wandering Jew. You may see mealybugs and whiteflies as well.

Disease

Lilac are not prone to many diseases, but watch for botrytis while the days are short. This grey rot is usually associated with wet or humid conditions. You can prevent botrytis by allowing the plant to dry out between waterings, allowing for good airflow in your greenhouse, and spacing to allow the sun to penetrate to the soil level. The most common chemicals used to treat botrytis are Medallion and Banrot. Use them as a drench according to each label’s instructions.

Planting Lilac Liners

1. We recommend planting 6-8 starter plants per 10” basket. Use a well-drained soil in your baskets and plant your starter plants deep, allowing the ellepot to be completely covered by the soil. If you are planting 4” pots, 2-3 plants per pot should be sufficient if you have enough time. If using three starters, plant them in a triangle in the middle of your pot.
2. Pinching is recommended 5-10 days after transplantation. A second pinch may be necessary depending on the size and shape of the final pot.

Unrooted Cuttings

Cuttings vary in size between different plant families, but most can be described as tip cuttings (ivy are leaf-and-eye stem cuttings not tips) that stick nicely in small plug trays such as the 105-plug tray we use (some varieties are better suited for a 50 cell tray, i.e. Angelwing Begonia, Bougainvillea, Setcrecea, etc.). Please do not order unrooted cuttings unless you are an experienced propagator with mist systems and proper temperature control.

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