These are a tolerant, easy-to-grow group of plants. The characteristic flowers have 3 petals, 3 sepals, and 6 stamens, which although short-lived individually are produced continually over a period of many weeks.
The stems of this plant from southeast Brazil will trail profusely from a shelf or hanging basket, each turning up at its lower end, hence the common name wandering Jew. The plant is also known as spider lily and inch plant. The leaves look translucent and arise directly from the succulent-looking stems, causing the stem to change direction slightly at each joint.
Small, white or pale pink, 3- petaled flowers are produced in spring and summer in clusters on short stalks. Varieties include: T.f. ‘Albovittata’ which has white-striped leaves; T.f ‘Aurea,’ with yellow leaves; T.f ‘Laekenensis’ which has small leaves that are pale green, striped and banded white, and tinted purple; and T.f. ‘Quicksilver’ a quick-grower with green and white striped leaves.
Size: Stems to 18 in. (45 cm) long.
Light: Some direct sunlight every day is important to maintain leaf color.
Temperature: Normal room.
Moisture: Keep thoroughly moist from spring to fall, drier during the winter.
Feeding: Apply standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks from spring through to fall.
Propagation: Take 4 in. (10 cm) tip cuttings from spring to fall. Root them in water or soil.
Special needs: Pinch out tips regularly to encourage a bushy plant.