The Intriguing Growth Guide For A Bolivian Wandering Jew

The Bolivian Wandering Jew (Callisia repens) is a low-maintenance, easy-to-grow plant native to the Americas. With its small, olive green leaves tinged with raspberry and creeping vines, it makes a beautiful hanging plant or ground cover. Here's a guide to help you grow your own Bolivian Wandering Jew, covering everything from sunlight and soil requirements to watering, feeding, and common pests.

Soil and Transplanting

When used as potted plants or in a hanging basket, the Bolivian Wandering Jew, or Bolivian Inch Plant, does well in a standard potting mix or a peat-based, well-draining mix. If you tend to forget to water your plants, or the soil dries out too quickly, mix in some peat moss, coco coir, and/or vermiculite to help retain moisture. An organic-rich soil works well when planting in a garden.

The Bolivian Inch Plant should be repotted every two years or so, choosing a pot an inch or two larger than the previous one, with drainage holes. When watered incorrectly, the plant will develop soft stems (from overwatering) or lose its lowest leaves (from underwatering).

Watering and Feeding

The Bolivian Wandering Jew is a low-maintenance plant that requires regular watering and bright indirect light. It is native to the Tropical Rainforest and is an herbaceous groundcover that is easy to grow. Here are some detailed tips on watering and feeding this plant:

Watering:

• Allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out before watering.
• Water deeply until water flows out the bottom of the pot about every 5-7 days, depending on lighting and temperature.
• The Bolivian Wandering Jew prefers consistently damp but not soggy soil.
• Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to soft stems and root rot.
• During the winter, allow the surface of the soil to dry out between waterings.
• As a rule of thumb, water the plant thoroughly in the summer and reduce watering in the winter and rainy season.
• Do not water the plant leaves.

Feeding:

• During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize once or twice a month using a liquid houseplant fertilizer.
• Follow dilution recommendations to avoid damaging the plant's sensitive roots and leaves.
• Stop fertilizing in the winter as the plant slows its growth.
• During the main growing season (January-March), feed the plant with organic fertilizer once a month.
• Apply water immediately after fertilizing.
• For Dwarf Bolivian Wandering Jew, a bit of liquid fertilizer every 10 to 14 days during the summer will encourage dense foliage.

Sunlight and Temperature

The Bolivian Wandering Jew plant, or Callisia repens, is a low-maintenance plant that is native to the Americas. It is well-suited to bright, indirect light and thrives in temperatures above 55°F (13°C).

Sunlight

Bolivian Wandering Jew plants prefer bright, indirect light. They can be placed in a north- or east-facing window to receive all-day indirect bright light. South- and west-facing windows will also work, but the plants should be protected from direct afternoon sunlight to avoid burning the leaves. In lower light, the plant tends to become "leggy", with the space between its leaves stretching and the plant losing its compact appearance.

Temperature

The Bolivian Wandering Jew plant thrives in temperatures of 55°-70°F (13°-21°C). It is native to the Americas and does well as a perennial ground cover in the southernmost regions of the United States. In colder climates, cuttings can overwinter indoors.

Pests and Diseases

The Bolivian Wandering Jew is resistant to most pests, but low humidity can attract spider mites and mealybugs. These pests like to build their webs along the stem tips. To make your plant less attractive to these pests, mist the foliage.

The Wandering Jew is not prone to many diseases, but botrytis can be an issue when 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, ensuring good airflow, and spacing out your plants so that the sun can penetrate to the soil level. The most common chemicals used to treat botrytis are Medallion and Banrot. Use them as a drench according to the label’s instructions.

Propagation

The Bolivian Wandering Jew, or Callisia repens, is easy to propagate through stem cuttings or division. The best method is to use 2-inch stem cuttings in spring or early summer. Place the cuttings where you wish to grow the plant and lightly cover them with soil. If kept moist, the cuttings will take root, and new leaves will begin to show in a few days.

You can also propagate through seeds, but this is less common.

When growing from cuttings, it is important to plant them immediately and begin a misting cycle to root them. This will leech the soil of nutrients, so it is recommended to use a constant feed of 1/3 the normal recommended dosage of fertilizer during the propagation phase until the cuttings are well rooted.

Pinching is recommended 5-10 days after transplantation. A second pinch may be necessary depending on the size and shape of the final pot. Pinching is also the best way to control the height of your plant.

Frequently asked questions