The Wandering Jew plant comes in several stunning types, each with its own unique colors and patterns. From bold stripes to rich purples, there’s a variety to match any plant lover’s style.
But how do you tell the differences between them – and which one will suit your space best?
Let’s take a closer look at the most popular Wandering Jew plant types and what makes each one special.
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Quick Wandering Jew (Tradescantia) Care Guide 💚
⭐ Want one? The striking purple and green Zebrina variety is easily the most popular, but consider checking out the soft pink and green Nanouk one too.
💧 Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. These plants like consistent moisture but don’t tolerate soggy soil.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix designed for indoor plants – I personally use this potting mix. One with perlite or peat moss works well to keep the soil light and airy.
☀️ Light: Bright, indirect light keeps the vibrant purple and green leaves colorful. Too little light can cause the colors to fade.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) once a month during spring and summer. Skip feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
🌡️ Temperature: Wandering Jew plants thrive between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Keep them away from drafts or sudden temperature changes.
1. Tradescantia zebrina
Tradescantia zebrina, often called the inch plant, is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant leaves. They have contrasting stripes in shades of green, purple, and silver.
Like more of this type of plant, caring for Wandering Jew plants is usually pretty straightforward. You can grow it indoors with ease, as it thrives in indirect sunlight. Keep it in a pot that allows for drainage, and water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Pruning helps maintain its bushy appearance and encourages growth. It’s a great choice if you want a colorful, low-maintenance addition to your home.
2. Tradescantia cerinthoides ‘Nanouk’
You’ll soon see exactly why the Tradescantia cerinthoides ‘Nanouk’ is one of the most popular types of this plant. Its leaves display a mix of pink, green, and white, making it perfect for adding a Wandering Jew plant to your décor.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and needs well-drained soil. Your care routine should include watering when the top inch of soil is dry.
Be sure not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. ‘Nanouk’ is generally easy to maintain though and can add a splash of color to your space.
3. Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Tricolor’
Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Tricolor’ is known for its vibrant foliage. The leaves have a mix of green, white, and pink colors, creating a show-stopping appearance. It’s a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts because of its eye-catching look.
This plant needs bright, indirect light to keep its colors vivid. It’s a fast grower, so you might need to trim it regularly to maintain its shape. It’s also a hardy plant, making it a good option for beginners. Just be careful not to overwater it.
4. Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Heart’
You’ll find Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Heart’ easily recognizable with its striking purple leaves. This unique plant is a favorite for adding a splash of color to gardens or indoor spaces. It tends to grow well in containers or as a ground cover.
The ‘Purple Heart’ is known for its hardy nature and can thrive in both sunny and partly shaded areas. Light affects its color, so different lighting can change its shade. While it prefers well-drained soil, it can tolerate periods of drought.
5. Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’
You’ll love the vibrant pink foliage of Tradescantia blossfeldiana ‘Bubble Gum’. The leaves have a playful, bubble gum-like hue that brightens any space. It’s a great choice for bringing a touch of color indoors or outdoors.
This plant is easy to care for, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced gardeners. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
6. Tradescantia andersoniana ‘Blushing Bride’
You’ll find Tradescantia andersoniana ‘Blushing Bride’ with its lovely pink and white variegated leaves, perfect for adding some color to your garden. This plant’s foliage really stands out, making it an attractive choice for a variety of settings.
It thrives best in light shade and needs well-drained soil to maintain its vibrant colors. Regular watering is helpful, but don’t overdo it, as the plant doesn’t like soggy conditions.
7. Tradescantia ‘Red Gem’
Tradescantia ‘Red Gem’ adds a vibrant touch to any indoor plant collection. With its namesake red and green foliage, this plant catches the eye. The leaves have a distinct metallic sheen that enhances their appearance, particularly in bright light.
This plant is relatively easy to care for. Ensure it gets bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering by letting the soil dry out between waterings. It thrives in well-draining potting mix. Regular trimming helps maintain its bushy shape, encouraging new growth and keeping the plant healthy.
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8. Tradescantia sillamontana
Tradescantia sillamontana, also known as the White Velvet, is a unique plant that’s easy to grow indoors and outdoors. You’ll notice its thick, fuzzy leaves which help retain moisture – this makes it ideal for dry climates.
Apart from being visually appealing, it’s low maintenance. Just place it in bright, indirect light and water when the soil dries out.
If you’re a fan of easy-care plants, Tradescantia sillamontana is a great choice for you.
9. Tradescantia callisia ‘Pink Panther’
You’ll find Tradescantia callisia ‘Pink Panther’ to be a fascinating houseplant with its vibrant pink and green foliage. This plant’s compact size makes it perfect for small spaces, like windowsills or shelves.
Ensure you provide bright, indirect light and well-draining soil for the best growth. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to maintain its vibrant colors.
10. Tradescantia ohiensis
You’re likely to come across Tradescantia ohiensis, also known as Ohio spiderwort, in fields and roadsides. It’s a hardy plant that handles drought well. This plant produces beautiful blue to violet flowers that add a splash of color to its surroundings.
The flowers open in the morning and often close by midday. It’s important to give them well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine for the best growth results. Tradescantia ohiensis can be a wonderful addition to your garden.
11. Tradescantia ‘Sanna’
Tradescantia ‘Sanna’, also known as Tradescantia ‘Albovittata’, is a trailing houseplant admired for its striking green and white variegated foliage. The slender, lance-shaped leaves display a captivating interplay of colors, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets or elevated planters where its cascading growth can be showcased.
This cultivar thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers a humid environment, making it well-suited for areas like kitchens or bathrooms. Regular pinching of the stem tips encourages bushier growth and helps maintain a fuller appearance.
It’s important to keep the soil evenly moist, as Tradescantia ‘Sanna’ does not tolerate prolonged dryness or overwatering.
12. Tradescantia chrysophylla ‘Baby Bunny Bellies’
You’ll love Tradescantia chrysophylla ‘Baby Bunny Bellies’ for its soft, fuzzy leaves that add a unique texture to any plant collection. This variety is known for its rich green foliage with subtle hints of purple underneath.
It’s an easy plant to care for, making it great for beginners. It prefers bright, indirect light and needs well-draining soil to thrive. Keep the soil slightly moist, but ensure it doesn’t get too soggy. Regular pruning will help maintain its shape and encourage dense growth.
13. Tradescantia spathacea ‘Vittata’
Your garden will shine with Tradescantia spathacea ‘Vittata’, known for its vibrant foliage. The leaves are long and lance-shaped, offering a striking mix of green and yellow stripes.
This variety thrives in bright, indirect light, making it a great choice for indoor settings. With the right care, it maintains its vivid colors, adding a lively touch to any space.
14. Tradescantia virginiana
Tradescantia virginiana, often known as Virginia spiderwort, is a perennial plant with bright green leaves and striking purple or blue flowers. You’ll notice that its three-petaled blooms open each morning and close by afternoon, making it quite unique in your garden.
This plant thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, adding a nice touch to woodland gardens or shady borders. It’s low-maintenance and can tolerate different soil types, making it easy for you to grow and enjoy.
15. Tradescantia ‘Sweet Kate’
Tradescantia ‘Sweet Kate’ is known for its golden-yellow foliage, providing a vibrant contrast with its purple-blue flowers. This plant is a great addition to your garden if you want a pop of color.
You can grow it in partial shade for the best foliage color. It’s a hardy plant, making it low-maintenance and easy to care for.