Wanderlust Tradescantia Zebrina Care Guide

This plant enjoys bright, indirect light. The more light this plant receives, the more flowers they will produce. 

Keep the soil slightly moist and water when the soil reaches a #4 on the moisture meter. Use filtered, bottled, or tap water sitting 24 hours to release the chemicals and water enough to discharge out of the drainage holes. Once the water is fully drained, replace them into the cache or decorative pot. Don't let the roots sit in standing water. During winter months, water less frequently but keep it humid around the plant. 

Keep humidity surrounding this plant and mist daily. If leaves turn brown and crispy, add more humidity. 

This plant likes warmer temperatures. Keep them out of cold drafts. 

This plant likes warmer temperatures in shade to partial morning dappled sun (2-4 hours). Bring in when temperatures dip below 55°F. 

Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) by diluting a liquid fertilizer by half strength. Let the plant rest in the fall and winter. 

When receiving the plant, do not repot immediately but wait at least 6-12 months or if the roots are beginning to get crowded and growing through the drainage holes.
Repot in the spring, using a 2" bigger pot to keep the roots drier. Use a well-draining indoor potting mix with perlite to help with drainage. 
Place a piece of screening at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to secure the soil and allow to drain. Add soil to the bottom to elevate the root ball. Be aware that the limbs on this plant break easily. If there is breakage, not to worry! Just stick the ends in a rooting hormone and nestle down into the soil and they will root and fill in the blank spots. 
Very carefully lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen. 
Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners. If the plant is rootbound, cut through the roots to alleviate continued encircling. 
Ensure the plant is sitting about 1" below the edge of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Fill up to the soil line but not over. 
Water thoroughly, leaving the soil damp but not soggy. If settling occurs, add more soil. 

Pinch the branches on this plant to increase fullness. Trim back to the node to promote new growth. Take the cuttings and propagate. 

Cuttings: 
To propagate this plant during the growing season, take a stem cutting in the early spring. Use a knife or sharp pruners, cut below a node closest to the end of the stem. Place the stem in a glass jar and fill it with filtered water and watch the roots grow! Replace and freshen the water each week. After the roots are several months old, add them to moistened potting soil, continue to water, and give them the bright, indirect lighting requirements. Add a clear plastic bag over the pot to retain humidity while the stem roots. 

Soil propagation includes dipping the cutting in hormone stimulator and placing in prepared rich, well-draining, moist (but not soggy) soil with plenty of aeration. Keep the soil moist for approximately four weeks until roots begin to grow. You can tug slightly on the stalk to see if roots are grabbing and holding after this time. Provide them bright, indirect light to acquire the photosynthesis for growth to occur. 

Division: 
Remove the plant from the pot. Hold the base and turn upside down with your palm securely holding the plant. Gingerly pull the pot off the root base. Separate the plant into halves or thirds by pulling apart the roots or using a sterilized knife. Repot each in new well-draining aerated soil. Use a smaller, shallow pot for each portion. Fill each with soil, leaving an inch below the soil edge to eliminate water spillage. Water and let drain well.