Wandering Jew plants, are fast growing easy care plants that are perfect to hang in front of a window that gets bright indirect lightVery few houseplants should be placed in direct sun. High light refers only to bright indirect light since direct sun often burns the leaves of indoor houseplants. An area that is too hot and dry encourages Spider Mites and causes blooms to quickly fade. A northern exposure really doesn't provide enough light for high light plants. These plants need to be placed directly in front of an east-facing window, within 1-3 feet of a west-facing window, and within 5 ft. of a south facing window. A high light area has over 300 ft. candles of light.. The zebrina variety has long vines covered in small stemless leaves about 2” in length. The colorful patterned leaves are green with purple stripes and a silver shine. The underside of the leaf is a deep purple or magenta color. There are other varieties of Wandering Jew plants that have pink, off -white, or a bronze stripe in their leaves. The “fluminensis” Wandering Jew plant has small, solid green leaves and white flowers while the “palida” variety has purple leaves with white, purple, or pink flowers. Wandering Jew plants, native to South America and Mexico, are commonly used in the Tabasco region of Mexico to make a cold herbal tea called Matali.

These plants, especially the sap, are considered slightly poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children. Read more about common houseplants that are poisonous in Don’t Feed Me To Your Cat! A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants