Life Cycle of the Bolivian Wandering Jew

Seed

• Although this vine is propagated in nurseries and occasionally in nature by cuttings, the Bolivian Jew is a seed plant that begins most often, in nature, from a single seed. Once shed from the parent plant, this seed requires a lightly moist patch of soil that is located in partial shade. Embedded in a compatible planting ground, the seed will germinate quickly. Callisia repens is classified as a monocot, and this means the plant has only a single leaf inside the side. When the plant germinates, this single leaf will pop up above the ground as the plant also begins to root.

Shoot

• The development of the plant accelerates rapidly after germination and the single seed leaf soon multiplies as the plant vines begin to divide and shoot. These vines are still young and the leaves are very tender, which makes the plant vulnerable to herbivorous animals, especially insects such as aphids and mealybugs. As the shoots extend, tear shaped leaves alternate on either side. During this period, the Bolivian Jew requires average water and regular nutrients. Bright but indirect sunlight is also required for fast growth for at least six hours per day. Once established, these shoots are perennial and will provide greenery year after year. New plants are also grown in nurseries by cutting the shoots rather than using seeds.

Creep

• The Bolivian wandering Jew will creep, like many other vines, according to its allotted space and level of nutrients. Well-supplied plants can fill out a hanging basket in a matter of days and a landscape in a matter of weeks. Mature leaves grow up to 4 inches long. If the plant is established near a rock wall or latticework, the vine will not only creep along the ground during its growth, but up the structure.

Bloom

• After a season of creeping growth, the Bolivian Jew blossoms with white flowers, all along its runners. These flowers last only a few weeks and carry within them the necessary material for the next generation of seeds.