If your Wandering Jew plant is looking a bit too adventurous, spilling out of its pot, it might be time for a new home. Learning how to transplant Wandering Jew is a simple task that ensures your plant stays healthy and vibrant for years to come. This fast-growing, colorful plant, also known as Tradescantia or Inch Plant, benefits greatly from occasional repotting to refresh its soil and give its roots more room.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from knowing when it’s time to the final aftercare. You’ll find it’s an easy weekend project that makes a big difference.
How to Transplant Wandering Jew
Transplanting is basically giving your plant a upgrade. You’re providing fresh nutrients and more space, which encourages new growth. The best time to do this is in the spring or early summer, when the plant is entering its active growing phase. This gives it the best chance to recover quickly and settle into its new pot.
Avoid transplanting in the dead of winter when growth is slow. If you just brought a new plant home, it’s a good idea to let it acclimate to your space for a week or two before repotting.
What You’ll Need
Gathering your supplies before you start makes everything smoother. Here’s your checklist:
- A new pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure it has drainage holes.
- Fresh, well-draining potting mix. A standard indoor mix works, but you can add perlite for extra drainage.
- A trowel or small shovel.
- Pruning shears or sharp, clean scissors.
- Newspaper or a tray to contain the mess.
- A watering can.
Step 1: Preparing the New Pot
Start by preparing your plant’s new home. Place a piece of broken pottery or a coffee filter over the drainage hole. This prevents soil from washing out while still allowing water to drain. Next, add a layer of fresh potting mix to the bottom of the new pot. The layer should be deep enough so that when you place the root ball on top, the plant sits at the same level it did in its old pot.
You don’t want to bury the stem deeper than it was before.
Step 2: Removing the Plant Gently
This is the trickiest part, but go slow. Water your Wandering Jew lightly a day before transplanting. This helps the root ball hold together. To remove it, turn the current pot on its side. Gently squeeze the sides of a plastic pot or tap the rim of a ceramic one against a table.
Slowly slide the plant out, supporting the base of the stems with your hand. If it’s really stuck, you can run a knife around the inside edge of the pot to loosen it. Never pull on the stems to yank it out.
Step 3: Inspecting and Loosening the Roots
Once the plant is out, take a look at the root system. Healthy roots are firm and often white or light in color. Gently loosen the outer roots with your fingers. If the roots are wound tightly in a circle (root-bound), you can make a few shallow vertical cuts with your shears to encourage them to grow outward.
This step helps the roots spread into the new soil more easily. If you see any black, mushy, or dead roots, trim them away with your clean shears.
Step 4: Placing in the New Pot
Now, center the plant in the new pot. The top of the root ball should be about an inch below the rim of the pot. This leaves space for watering. Once it’s positioned correctly, begin filling in around the sides with your fresh potting mix. Use your fingers or the trowel to add soil, gently tamping it down as you go to remove large air pockets.
Avoid packing the soil to tightly, as you want it to remain airy and well-draining.
Step 5: The First Watering
After potting, give your plant a thorough, gentle watering. Water until you see it running out of the drainage hole. This helps settle the soil around the roots. Let the pot drain completely in the sink before placing it back on its saucer. This initial watering is crucial for helping the plant recover from the shock of being moved.
Step 6: Post-Transplant Care
Your plant will need a little extra TLC after the move. Place it in a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight for a week or two while it adjusts. You might notice some drooping or a few leaves turning yellow; this is normal transplant shock. Just maintain your care routine.
Hold off on fertilizing for at least 4-6 weeks. The fresh soil has plenty of nutrients, and fertilizer could stress the tender new roots. Resume your normal watering schedule, checking the soil moisture with your finger.
Propagating During Transplant
Transplanting is a perfect time to make more plants! If your Wandering Jew has long, leggy stems, don’t throw them away. You can easily propagate them.
- Snip a stem that’s at least 3-4 inches long, making the cut just below a leaf node.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom couple of nodes.
- Place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the bare nodes are submerged.
- In about a week or two, you’ll see roots forming. Once they’re an inch long, you can pot them up in soil.
You can also plant cuttings directly into moist soil, though keeping them consistently damp is key for success.
Common Problems After Transplanting
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, plants get a bit stressed. Here’s what to look for:
- Drooping Leaves: This is common. Ensure the plant isn’t in direct sun and that the soil is moist (not soggy). It should perk up in a few days.
- Yellowing Leaves: A few yellow leaves are okay; just pinch them off. Many yellow leaves could mean overwatering.
- Slow Growth: Be patient. The plant is focusing its energy on establishing roots below the soil. New top growth will come soon.
Choosing the Right Soil and Pot
The right materials make all the difference. For soil, a peat-based or coco coir-based potting mix is ideal. You can improve drainage by mixing in 1 part perlite to 3 parts potting mix. Wandering Jew plants are not picky, but they hate sitting in wet soil.
When choosing a pot, drainage holes are non-negotiable. Terracotta pots are excellent because they allow the soil to dry out more evenly between waterings. Plastic pots retain moisture longer, so you’ll need to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
When to Transplant Again
Wandering Jew plants grow quickly. You’ll likely need to transplant every 1-2 years. Signs it’s time include roots growing out of the drainage holes, water sitting on top of the soil without absorbing, or the plant becoming top-heavy and tipping over. If growth seems stunted even with proper care, it might be root-bound.
Regular transplanting keeps your plant from becoming stressed and maintains its lush, trailing appearance.
FAQ Section
How often should I water after repotting?
Water thoroughly after repotting, then wait until the top inch of soil feels dry. The fresh soil may dry at a different rate than the old, so check frequently.
Can I transplant a Wandering Jew in the fall?
Spring and summer are best. Fall is okay if you live in a warm climate, but avoid winter when growth is minimal. The plant will recover slower in cooler, darker months.
My plant is huge. Can I divide it?
Absolutely! During transplant, you can gently pull or cut the root ball into two or more sections. Make sure each section has plenty of roots and stems, then pot them individually.
Why are the leaves losing color after transplant?
Too much direct light while the plant is stressed can cause fading. Move it to a slightly shadier spot. Also, ensure your not overwatering, as this can also lead to pale leaves.
Is it okay to prune when transplanting?
Yes, it’s actually a great idea. Trimming back long vines encourages bushier growth and reduces stress on the roots as they have less plant to support. Don’t be afraid to give it a good haircut.
Transplanting your Wandering Jew is a straightforward process that revitalizes your plant. With fresh soil and a bit more space, it will reward you with vigorous, colorful growth. Remember to handle the roots gently, provide a period of gentle care afterward, and enjoy watching your plant thrive in its new home. Before you know it, those vibrant vines will be wandering all over again.