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I have had a Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) plant for several years, but it has never flowered.

  • It is in a hanging basket outside during the warm season, and indoors during winter.

  • The temperature gets down to 45°F (7°C) in Miracle Grow potting mix.

  • It gets lots of water from the rain, but during the dry period I water it.

  • I make worm (compost) tea from my vermicomposter and use that as a liquid fertilizer feed.

Q. What should be done to get it to flower?

Mike Perry
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J. Musser
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    Apparently there are three species of spiderwort that are called Wandering Jew. 1) _[Tradescantia pallida](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradescantia_pallida)_ 2) _[Tradescantia fluminensis](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradescantia_fluminensis)_ and 3) _[Tradescantia zebrina](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradescantia_zebrina)_. From your description (houseplant, indoors during winter, hanging plant), it looks like _T. pallida_ and I've included the wiki link to that plant. If I'm mistaken, please correct the link accordingly – Lorem Ipsum Oct 12 '11 at 02:27
  • @jmusser When outside is it in a windy location? Outdoor or indoor is it ever subjected to temperatures below 50°F (10°C)? What potting medium is it planted in? How often do you water it & how much water per watering? Do you apply a fertilizer? If yes, what fertilizer, how much & how often? Also, could you please post a photo or two of the plant... – Mike Perry Oct 12 '11 at 04:29
  • This is Zebrina Pendula. The temperature gets down to 45F in Miracle Grow potting mix. It gets lots of water from the rain, but during the dry period I water it. I apply compost tea from my vermicomposter. – J. Musser Oct 13 '11 at 01:08

1 Answers1

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Having read up a little on Tradescantia zebrina:

  • In cooler (non native) climates, flowers are a rare sight.

Q. What can you do to increase the chance of flowering?

  • Plant requires plenty of light, but does best if kept out of direct sun (especially during the heat of Summer).

  • Subjecting the plant to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) isn't recommended.

  • Constant moisture during the growing season (Spring and Summer) is recommended.

  • Reduce watering in the Autumn (Fall) and Winter.

  • Potting medium should offer good drainage.

  • Potting medium should be replaced once a year, early Spring is the best time of year to perform this operation.

  • Once ever 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season apply a "mild" liquid fertilizer feed.

Mike Perry
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  • @jmusser From the [Wikipedia link above](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradescantia_zebrina): "*Tradescantia zebrina*, formerly known as *Zebrina pendula*..." – Mike Perry Oct 17 '11 at 02:38