The Wandering Jew plant (Tradescantia zebrina) is celebrated for its vibrant purple and green foliage, making it an excellent choice for terrarium projects. Creating a terrarium with this plant not only showcases its beauty but also provides a low-maintenance indoor garden.​

Materials Needed

Glass Container: Choose a clear glass container with an opening wide enough to arrange plants easily. Options include fishbowls, mason jars, or specialized terrarium containers.​

Pebbles or Small Stones: These provide drainage at the bottom of the terrarium.​

Activated Charcoal: Helps prevent odors and mold by filtering the water.​

Potting Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for houseplants.​

Wandering Jew Cuttings: Healthy cuttings with at least one node.​

Decorative Elements: Optional items like small figurines, moss, or decorative stones.​

Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the Container: Clean the glass container thoroughly to ensure it’s free from contaminants.​

Add Drainage Layer: Place a 1-2 inch layer of pebbles at the bottom.​

Add Activated Charcoal: Sprinkle a thin layer over the pebbles to keep the environment fresh.​

Add Potting Soil: Add enough soil to accommodate the plant roots, typically 2-3 inches.​

Plant the Cuttings: Insert the Wandering Jew cuttings into the soil, ensuring the nodes are buried to encourage rooting.​

Decorate: Add any decorative elements to enhance the visual appeal.​

Water Lightly: Moisten the soil without overwatering. The closed environment retains moisture well.​

Place Appropriately: Position the terrarium in a spot with bright, indirect light.​

Maintenance Tips

Light: Ensure the terrarium receives adequate indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can cause overheating.​

Watering: Monitor the moisture level. Water sparingly, as terrariums retain humidity.​

Pruning: Trim the Wandering Jew as needed to prevent overgrowth and maintain aesthetics.​

Cleaning: Wipe the inside of the glass to remove condensation and prevent mold growth.​