Bolivian Jew Plant Care
Vasqueziella boliviana Dodson
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Vasqueziella boliviana is a stunning plant known for its vibrant purple and green leaves with a unique fuzzy texture. Native to Bolivia, this plant thrives in tropical climates and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its eye-catching appearance and easy care requirements.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to filtered sunlight
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Bolivian Jew?
Water Bolivian Jew every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to filtered sunlight. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Bolivian Jew?
Bolivian Jew (Vasqueziella boliviana) belongs to the Orchidaceae family within the Vasqueziella genus. Bolivian Jew is native to Peru and Bolivia. Bolivian Jew is also known as Bolivian Inch Plant, Tradescantia boliviana.
Bolivian Jew displays an epiphytic, clumping orchid growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Bolivian Jew produces small, colorful blooms in various shades.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Bolivian Jew?
Vasqueziella boliviana requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Bolivian Jew Need?
Bolivian Jew thrives in bright indirect to filtered sunlight. Avoid placing Bolivian Jew in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to filtered sunlight
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bolivian Jew Prefer?
Vasqueziella boliviana grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Bolivian Jew prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bolivian Jew?
Loose, well-draining orchid mix with bark and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Bolivian Jew to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Bolivian Jew?
Feed Bolivian Jew every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Bolivian Jew?
Repot every 1-2 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Bolivian Jew?
Bolivian Jew can be propagated through division, back bulbs, keiki propagation.
Is the Bolivian Jew Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Bolivian Jew, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Bolivian Jew?
Bolivian Jew is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Bolivian Jew is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Vasqueziella genus — compare its care with other Vasqueziella species on PlantoScan.
Vasqueziella is part of the Orchidaceae plant family — browse all Orchidaceae genera and species.
Bolivian Jew thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Vasqueziella boliviana Dodson, family Orchidaceae (first published in Icon. Pl. Trop. 6: t. 600 (1982)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bolivian Jew, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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