While the Wandering Jew plant (Tradescantia spp.) is known for its easy propagation, even seasoned plant lovers can run into issues. From rotting cuttings to zero root growth, a few simple mistakes can derail your efforts. This guide highlights the most common propagation errors—and exactly how to avoid them.
Part of our Wandering Jew Plant Propagation Guide (Pillar Page)
1. Using Unhealthy or Improper Cuttings
Mistake: Taking cuttings from weak, diseased, or overly woody stems.
Fix: Always select vibrant, green stems and cut just below a leaf node. Use clean scissors to avoid introducing bacteria or fungi.
Learn how to do it right in our guide: How to Propagate Wandering Jew from Cuttings
2. Submerging Leaves in Water
Mistake: Letting leaves sit in water during water propagation causes them to rot.
Fix: Only the node should be underwater—remove any leaves that would be submerged.
According to Missouri Botanical Garden, rot spreads quickly in humid, wet conditions, especially when organic matter (like leaves) decays in water.
3. Overwatering During Soil Propagation
Mistake: Watering too often during the rooting stage.
Fix: Mist the soil lightly and let the top inch dry out before watering again. Use a well-draining soil mix with perlite.
Related: How to Propagate Wandering Jew in Soil
4. Lack of Light or Warmth
Mistake: Keeping cuttings in a dark or cold room.
Fix: Cuttings need bright, indirect sunlight and a temperature between 68–75°F (20–24°C) for optimal root development.
Use a grow light in winter or in low-light spaces. The University of Florida IFAS confirms Tradescantia thrives in warm, filtered light environments.
5. Skipping Rooting Hormone (Optional but Helpful)
Mistake: Not using rooting hormone when cuttings are taken from older or slower-growing stems.
Fix: Dip cuttings into powdered rooting hormone before planting in soil to increase success rate, especially in off-season propagation.
While not required, The Spruce recommends rooting hormone to improve propagation success in many houseplants.
6. Not Changing Water Regularly
Mistake: Leaving water unchanged during propagation.
Fix: Replace the water every 3–4 days to keep it fresh and oxygenated. Stagnant water breeds bacteria and leads to stem rot.
Pro Tip: Rinse the jar and stem bottom when refreshing the water to remove biofilm or algae buildup.
Dive deeper: How to Propagate Wandering Jew in Water
7. FAQs
Q: My cutting turned mushy—what happened?
A: Likely due to leaves being submerged or water not being changed regularly. Discard the rotted part and start with a new cutting.
Q: Why is nothing happening after 2 weeks?
A: Check temperature and light levels. Propagation slows in cold or dark environments. Use a heating mat or grow light to encourage growth.Q: Can I save a cutting that has partially rotted?
A: Yes—cut above the rot, remove affected leaves, and try again with clean water or fresh soil.