Wandering Jew Light Requirements: The Ultimate Guide
The Wandering Jew is a popular houseplant with attractive, trailing vines. There are over 60 species of Tradescantia plants, with Tradescantia Nanouk being one of the most beautiful and trendy varieties. Easy to grow and in demand due to its eye-catching multicolored foliage, this tropical plant (undeservedly) has the reputation of being finicky. Yet, Wandering Jew plant care is straightforward if you know what this charming plant needs to thrive.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the Wandering Jew’s light requirements and key prevention tips that will help you avoid sunlight issues.
About Wandering Jew Plant
The Wandering Jew (Tradescantia albiflora) is a beautiful creeper with neat, pointed leaves. Its unique foliage with white and green stripes also features delicate pink variegation and a purplish-pink underside. This lovely plant is known as Tradescantia Nanouk, Inch Plant, and Wandering Dude. Prized for its cascading stems and leaves, the pink Wandering Jew looks great in hanging containers.
The Tradescantia Nanouk plant belongs to the Commelinaceae family (spiderwort family). Nanouk is a Tradescantia cultivar, which stands out with its thick stems and pink variegation. Tradescantias are tropical epiphytes native to South America. They’re relatively easy to care for and can be planted outdoors in hardiness zones 9 -11.
Tradescantia isn’t a succulent, yet it stores water in its thick, fleshy stems. It can also produce tiny white or lilac flowers when grown in the right conditions. It’s known to purify indoor air from toxins, like formaldehyde. Moreover, Tradescantia varieties come in different colors, and their leaves’ structure gives them an iridescent glow.
Proper lighting is important for bringing out this plant’s bright colors. So, how much light does a Nanouk need?
Wandering Jew Sun Requirements: Issues & Solutions
The Nanouk plant is an easy-going, beautiful Tradescantia variety that brings color and charm to any plant collection. This houseplant grows fast with the right type of light, forming bushy cascades of colorful foliage. It will also bloom more readily in proper sunlight.
On the other hand, Tradescantia Nanouk may struggle in poorly lit spaces, growing faded-out, leggy stems. So, does a Wandering Jew need a lot of light? It’s fairer to say that this plant grows best in stable, consistent light.
How Much Light Does a Wandering Jew Plant Need?
The Wandering Jew loves light and should ideally get 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. If you provide your Wandering Jew with the right amount of light it needs, you’ll witness how your plant grows stunning, lush foliage.
What Kind of Light Does a Wandering Jew Plant Need?
Does the Wandering Jew need sun or shade to grow properly? The best light for this cascading plant should be bright and indirect at the same time. An east or north-facing window is an ideal spot for your Trdescantia Nanouk plant.
Does Wandering Jew Like Full Sun?
Since it’s native to the tropics, you may assume that this beauty can handle direct sunlight. But can Wandering Jew take full sun? Not really, especially for prolonged periods. Strong, unfiltered sunlight can burn its delicate foliage, leaving unsightly brown spots and causing further damage. Thus, you should avoid placing your Wandering Jew plant in direct sunlight and find a more sheltered location.
Wandering Jew: Direct Sunlight Issues
Growing in direct sunlight can be overwhelming for this delicate plant, as the Wandering Jew plant is sensitive to scorching light and heat. Here are some signs that your plant is getting too much sun:
- Discolored, scorched leaves
- Brown, crisp leaf edges
- Wilting leaves and stems
- Curling leaves
The best way to fix sunburn in Wandering Jew plants is to move yours to a location with bright but diffused light. Either place it further from the window or use a sheer curtain to shield it from harsh sun rays. Further steps for correct post-sunburn Wandering Jew plant care include pruning any severely damaged stems and leaves and providing sufficient water. Just remember to keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
Can Wandering Jew Grow in Low Light?
Since direct sun exposure is not recommended, can the Wandering Jew survive in low light? While Tradescantia Nanouk light requirements include about 7 hours of sunlight daily, Wandering Dude plants can adapt to lower light. You can move these relatively easy-going plants to a different location as the seasons change to provide enough light. Outdoors, the best option is a place where it will get morning sun and shade in the afternoon.
Wandering Jew: Low Light Issues
Not meeting the right Wandering Jew plant light requirements can lead to the following issues:
- Losing its pink and purple hues
- Leggy stems
- Drooping, soft foliage
- Stunted growth
If your plant is struggling due to insufficient light, move it to a sunnier location to meet your Wandering Jew's light needs. So, what to do if there’s no suitable place in your home, and you’re still wondering, ‘How do I keep my Wandering Jew plant happy?’ The best solution is to get LED or fluorescent grow lights to supplement your plant's lighting.
Wandering Jew Light Requirements: FAQs
Q: What is the best window for a Wandering Jew?
A: A north- or east-facing window that gets plenty of bright but diffused light will provide the Wandering Jew plant’s sunlight needs. A west-facing window can also work well for your plant as long as there’s a curtain or some other protection from direct afternoon sun.
Q: Does Wandering Jew do well in shade?
A: Tradescantia Nanouk can grow in the shade, especially outdoors and in warm climates. However, it requires bright, filtered light to thrive indoors. In low-light conditions, the Wandering Jew plant may lose color and become spindly and drooping.
Q: Can a Wandering Dude be outside?
A: The Wandering Dude plant can grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 -11. In warmer climates, Tradescantia varieties are even planted as ground-covering plants in the garden. Wandering Jew plants also make an excellent porch plant in a warmer climate. However, if temperatures drop below 50°F, this plant should be brought indoors, as colder temperatures can damage it.
Q: Where is the best place to put a Wandering Jew plant?
A: Wandering Jew plants look great in a variety of spaces. You can place it in a well-lit bathroom, since this plant enjoys high humidity. It’s also a perfect plant for bedrooms or home offices because of its air-filtering properties and cheerful foliage. Since Tradescantia plants are mildly toxic, they should be kept out of the reach of pets and children.
Q: How do I revive my Wandering Jew?
A: First, check the soil to understand whether your plant is suffering from a lack of water or from overwatering. Secondly, provide the right location with bright but indirect light and prune back any dried or damaged foliage. Feed with a diluted liquid fertilizer to provide the right nutrients for growth.
Conclusion
Getting the Wandering Dude plant’s light requirements right isn’t difficult. These charming tropical plants appreciate balanced, bright lighting that doesn’t leave them open to scorching midday or afternoon sun. While they can tolerate lower light levels, Tradescantia Nanouk plants may not develop their unique bright purple and pink colors fully in dimly lit locations. Luckily, faded colors are easy to fix by providing your plant with the right light it needs.