You’ve probably scrolled past countless Tradescantia plants without realizing how many stunning varieties exist. These colorful trailing plants can transform any boring corner into a vibrant display, and they’re surprisingly easy to care for. Whether you’re drawn to purple leaves or silvery stripes, there’s a type that’ll match your style perfectly. Let’s explore nineteen varieties that’ll help you create the indoor jungle you’ve been dreaming about.
Key Takeaways
- Tradescantia varieties offer diverse foliage colors including purple, silver, pink, green, and gold stripes for seasonal decorating appeal.
- Most Wandering Jew plants thrive in bright, indirect light to maintain vibrant leaf coloration and variegation patterns.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to prevent root rot while maintaining healthy growth.
- Compact varieties like Nanouk and Navicularis work well for small spaces while trailing types suit hanging baskets.
- Fast-growing species like Quicksilver and Fluminensis propagate easily from cuttings for quick plant multiplication.
Tradescantia Zebrina (Silver Inch Plant)
Tradescantia Zebrina stands out with its stunning purple and silver striped leaves.
With its eye-catching purple and silver foliage, Tradescantia Zebrina brings bold color and visual interest to any indoor space.
You’ll love how easy it’s to grow this colorful plant. It thrives in bright, indirect light near a window. The leaves will lose their vibrant stripes in low light, so placement matters for keeping those beautiful colors.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. This plant prefers slightly moist conditions but won’t tolerate soggy roots.
You can propagate new plants by cutting stems and placing them in water. They’ll develop roots within two weeks, giving you more plants to share.
The trailing vines look wonderful in hanging baskets or on shelves. Regular pinching encourages fuller, bushier growth and prevents legginess.
Like other tropical indoor plants, it benefits from humidity levels between 30-65% for optimal growth.
Tradescantia Fluminensis ‘Variegata’ (Small-Leaf Spiderwort)
While the Zebrina variety catches eyes with bold purple stripes, the ‘Variegata’ cultivar offers a softer, more delicate appearance.
You’ll notice its smaller leaves display gentle cream and green striping. This variety grows well in bright, indirect light conditions. It’s particularly suited for smaller spaces and tabletop displays.
The variegated leaves need adequate light to maintain their coloring, so place your plant near a window with filtered sunlight.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. This helps prevent root rot while keeping growth steady. You can trim leggy stems to encourage fuller growth patterns.
The ‘Variegata’ works beautifully in hanging baskets where its trailing vines can cascade downward, and it pairs nicely with solid-green houseplants for visual contrast.
Like many herbs that prefer well-drained soil, this plant benefits from containers with proper drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Tradescantia Pallida ‘Purple Heart’
With its stunning deep purple foliage, this variety stands out as one of the most dramatic members of the wandering jew family.
You’ll love how the rich burgundy leaves create bold contrast in your garden or home. This plant thrives in bright indirect light, and more sunlight intensifies its purple coloring. The stems grow quickly and trail beautifully from hanging baskets.
Rich burgundy foliage delivers stunning contrast while thriving in bright light, with trailing stems that intensify in color with increased sun exposure.
You should water it when the top inch feels dry. Purple Heart tolerates some drought better than its green cousins.
It grows well in average household temperatures between 60-80°F. You can easily propagate new plants by placing stem cuttings in water, and they’ll root within two weeks.
The vibrant color makes this variety perfect for adding drama to any plant collection.
Like spider plants, you can enhance growth by using balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the active growing season.
Tradescantia Zebrina ‘Quadricolor’
If you’re looking for even more color variety, you’ll find it in the Quadricolor cultivar. This stunning plant displays four distinct colors on each leaf.
You’ll see green, silver, pink, and purple striping together beautifully. The leaves feature broader bands than other zebrina varieties, and the color contrast makes them really stand out.
This plant thrives in bright indirect light to maintain its vibrant coloring. You can place it in a hanging basket or on a shelf where it’ll cascade downward. The stems can grow quite long and create a dramatic display.
Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, and you’ll keep those colorful leaves looking their best. It’s easy to propagate from stem cuttings if you want more plants.
Regular pruning and trimming encourages fuller, bushier growth while maintaining the plant’s attractive trailing form.
Tradescantia Fluminensis ‘Tricolor’
Delicate stripes of cream, pink, and green make the Tricolor cultivar a real showstopper in any collection.
With its stunning cream, pink, and green striped foliage, the Tricolor cultivar instantly becomes the star of your plant collection.
You’ll notice the variegation runs lengthwise along each leaf. This variety needs bright, indirect light to maintain its colors. Without enough light, the pink and cream stripes will fade to plain green, and you’ll lose that striking appearance.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch feels dry to your touch.
The Tricolor grows quickly in warm conditions, so you can trim it back to encourage bushier growth. Place it in a hanging basket to showcase the trailing stems.
This cultivar is slightly less vigorous than solid green varieties, but it’s still easy to propagate from stem cuttings in water.
Similar to monstera care, using balanced fertilizer during spring and summer helps maintain healthy growth and vibrant colors.
Tradescantia Zebrina ‘Burgundy’
The Burgundy cultivar takes the classic zebrina pattern and deepens it with rich, wine-colored tones that make it stand out from other varieties.
You’ll notice the leaves display striking silvery stripes against deep burgundy-purple backgrounds, and this contrast creates visual interest in any room.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain its vibrant coloring throughout the year.
Place your Burgundy near an east or west-facing window for best results.
The deeper pigmentation actually helps protect the leaves from sun damage better than lighter varieties.
You should water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and this usually means watering once or twice weekly.
The burgundy coloring intensifies with proper light exposure, so you’ll see more dramatic hues when you provide adequate brightness.
Using a soil moisture meter can help you determine the perfect time to water your Burgundy Tradescantia.
Tradescantia Spathacea (Moses-In-The-Cradle)
Unlike other Tradescantia varieties, this plant grows upright instead of trailing and displays a unique boat-shaped flower structure that inspired its biblical nickname.
You’ll love its sword-like leaves with deep purple undersides and green tops. The plant reaches 12 inches tall and wide, making it perfect for tabletops.
Moses-in-the-Cradle thrives in bright, indirect light, but it tolerates lower light conditions better than most Tradescantia species.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to your touch. The plant prefers consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged, so make certain your pot has drainage holes.
This variety works beautifully as a standalone specimen or grouped with other tropicals.
You can propagate it easily by separating offsets that form around the base.
For optimal growth, consider placing your plant with other moisture-loving species to create a humidity-boosting cluster that benefits all plants.
Tradescantia Albiflora ‘Albovittata’
Bold white stripes running down bright green leaves make Tradescantia Albiflora ‘Albovittata’ instantly recognizable in any plant collection.
You’ll love how easy this variety is to maintain. It grows quickly in bright, indirect light conditions. The white variegation needs adequate sunlight to stay vibrant, so place it near a window where it’ll receive filtered rays throughout the day.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. This plant tolerates occasional neglect better than overwatering.
You can propagate new plants by cutting stems below a node and placing them in water. Roots typically develop within two weeks, and you’ll have fresh plants to share with friends.
Regular pinching encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess.
Like most indoor plants, it benefits from monthly fertilizing during the active growing season of spring and summer.
Tradescantia Cerinthoides (Flowering Inch Plant)
Purple-pink flowers set Tradescantia Cerinthoides apart from its non-flowering cousins, making it a delightful choice for gardeners who want blooms alongside trailing foliage.
You’ll notice its succulent-like leaves with fuzzy undersides. The stems grow thick and fleshy compared to other varieties. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sun helps encourage more blooms throughout the growing season.
Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to your touch, and you’ll prevent root rot while keeping it healthy. The plant handles occasional drought better than constant moisture.
You can propagate it easily through stem cuttings placed in water or soil. Feed it monthly during spring and summer with diluted fertilizer, and you’ll support continuous flowering and vigorous growth throughout the warmer months.
Like many plants, it benefits from regular pruning to maintain a bushy growth pattern and prevent legginess.
Tradescantia Blossfeldiana ‘Variegata’
Cream and green stripes dance across the leaves of Tradescantia Blossfeldiana ‘Variegata’, creating one of the most striking variegated varieties you’ll find. The foliage combines creamy white bands with deep green sections, and each leaf displays unique patterning that makes this plant truly special.
Each leaf showcases its own distinct pattern of cream and green stripes, making every Tradescantia Blossfeldiana ‘Variegata’ completely one-of-a-kind.
You’ll notice the undersides show a lovely purple hue that adds extra visual interest.
This variety needs bright, indirect light to maintain its variegation. Place it near an east or west-facing window for best results. The cream portions contain less chlorophyll, so they’re more sensitive to direct sun and can burn easily.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to your touch. This variety grows quickly during spring and summer, so you can propagate stem cuttings to share with friends or expand your collection.
Consider growing this plant in a vertical gardening setup to maximize space while creating a stunning cascading display.
Tradescantia Zebrina ‘Red’
While cream stripes create stunning contrast, deep burgundy tones offer something equally fascinating in Tradescantia Zebrina ‘Red’.
This variety displays rich purple-red leaves with darker stripes running lengthwise. The undersides reveal an even deeper burgundy shade. You’ll notice the color intensifies with bright indirect light, and it creates a dramatic focal point in any room.
This plant thrives in the same conditions as other wandering jew varieties. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
The stems trail beautifully from hanging baskets or elevated shelves, and they can reach several feet in length. You can propagate new plants easily by placing stem cuttings in water. The roots will develop within two weeks, giving you more plants to enjoy.
Consider planting in stackable planters to create a cascading purple display while maximizing your available space.
Tradescantia Fluminensis ‘Quicksilver’
Shimmering silver markings distinguish Tradescantia Fluminensis ‘Quicksilver’ from other varieties in this plant family. The leaves feature striking white and green stripes that catch light beautifully.
You’ll find this variety grows quickly in bright, indirect sunlight. Place it near an east-facing window for best results. The soil should stay slightly moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top inch feels dry to your touch, and drainage holes prevent root problems.
This plant tolerates average household humidity without extra attention. You can propagate new plants by cutting stems below a node and placing them in water. Roots develop within two weeks under proper conditions.
The trailing stems look wonderful in hanging baskets or on tall shelves, and regular pinching encourages fuller, bushier growth patterns. Like dwarf Alberta spruce, this plant maintains its natural shape with minimal pruning requirements.
Tradescantia Pallida ‘Pale Puma’
Soft lavender tones make Tradescantia Pallida ‘Pale Puma’ a standout among purple wandering jew varieties. This cultivar displays pale purple leaves with subtle pink undertones. The foliage creates a gentle, calming presence in any room.
You’ll find this variety easier to maintain than darker purple types. It tolerates lower light conditions better, and it won’t lose its color as quickly. Place your ‘Pale Puma’ in bright, indirect light for the best coloration. The leaves will appear more vibrant near windows.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to your touch. This variety appreciates consistent moisture but doesn’t like soggy conditions.
Pinch back leggy stems regularly to encourage fuller growth, and your plant will develop a bushier, more attractive shape.
Like the peace lily’s drooping leaves, this plant will show visible signs when it needs watering.
Tradescantia Multiflora
Tradescantia Multiflora brings a fresh twist to the wandering jew family with its crisp white and green variegation. The leaves display bold stripes that run lengthwise down each blade.
You’ll find this variety grows more upright than its trailing cousins, making it perfect for smaller spaces where you need contained growth. The stems stay compact and bushy without much effort.
Place your Multiflora in bright indirect light to maintain those striking white markings, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Lower light conditions will cause the variegation to fade, so choose your location carefully.
The plant tolerates average humidity levels, which means you won’t need special equipment. Feed it monthly during spring and summer for best results.
Consider adding organic fertilizers like fish emulsion to nourish growth while maintaining soil health.
Tradescantia Sillamontana (White Velvet)
White fuzzy leaves make this variety instantly recognizable among wandering jew plants. The soft white hairs cover both stems and foliage completely. This natural coating protects the plant from intense sunlight and heat.
You’ll need to provide bright, indirect light for best results. The white coating won’t develop properly in low light conditions.
Water sparingly since the fuzzy texture traps moisture against the leaves, and this can lead to rot if you overwater. Let the soil dry out between waterings completely.
This variety grows more slowly than other tradescantias. You can expect compact growth with purple undersides on mature leaves.
The white velvet appearance creates beautiful contrast in hanging baskets, and it pairs well with darker green plants in mixed arrangements.
Consider watering before 10 AM to minimize water loss through evaporation and prevent fungal issues on the fuzzy leaves.
Tradescantia Nanouk (Tradescantia Albiflora ‘Nanouk’)
Pastel pink and green stripes make Nanouk one of the most colorful wandering jew varieties available. This compact plant grows slower than other tradescantias, but you’ll appreciate its stunning variegation. The thick leaves feature vibrant pink undersides that add extra visual interest.
You can keep your Nanouk looking its best by following these care tips:
- Place it in bright, indirect light to maintain those gorgeous pink tones, as low light will fade the colors.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and don’t let it sit in standing water.
- Pinch back leggy stems regularly to encourage bushier, fuller growth.
This variety reaches about six inches tall. It’s perfect for small spaces and tabletop displays where you’ll notice those pretty colors daily.
Tradescantia Chrysophylla (Gold Leaf Plant)
Golden foliage sets this variety apart from its green-leaved cousins. You’ll notice the leaves display stunning yellow-gold tones that brighten any room.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light, and it needs more sunshine than other tradescantias to maintain its vibrant color. Without enough light, the golden leaves will fade to green, so place it near a sunny window.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to your touch, and make sure your pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
The trailing stems grow quickly, and you can pinch them back to encourage fuller growth. Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted liquid fertilizer, but skip feeding in winter when growth naturally slows down.
Tradescantia Mundula (Rainbow Inch Plant)
Vivid stripes of purple, pink, and green make this variety absolutely eye-catching.
You’ll love how the rainbow-colored leaves brighten any room. This plant grows quickly and stays compact with proper care.
Here’s what makes Tradescantia Mundula special:
- Colorful foliage – The leaves display stunning stripes that shift from deep purple to bright pink, and you’ll notice green edges that frame each leaf perfectly.
- Easy maintenance – You can water it when the soil feels dry, and it’ll thrive in bright indirect light without much fuss.
- Fast growth – This plant produces new trailing stems rapidly, so you’ll see noticeable growth within weeks.
You can trim leggy stems to encourage fuller growth.
The cuttings root easily in water, which means you’ll create new plants for friends.
Tradescantia Navicularis (Chain Plant)
Thick, boat-shaped leaves give this succulent variety its distinctive appearance and “Chain Plant” nickname.
You’ll notice the leaves stack together in compact rows. This creates an interesting pattern that looks like a green chain. The plant stays small and compact, making it perfect for tiny spaces. You can grow it in a small pot on your windowsill.
This variety needs less water than other tradescantias. The thick leaves store moisture, so you’ll water only when the soil feels completely dry.
Bright light helps maintain the plant’s tight, boat-shaped form, and it’ll appreciate several hours of direct sunlight each day. The compact growth habit means you won’t need to trim it often.
It’s an excellent choice for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wandering Jew Plant Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Yes, wandering jew plants are toxic to both cats and dogs.
The plant contains substances that can irritate your pet’s mouth, stomach, and skin. If your pet chews or eats the leaves, they might experience drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea.
You’ll want to keep this plant in a spot where your furry friends can’t reach it, and consider choosing pet-safe alternatives if your pets like exploring your plants.
How Often Should I Water My Wandering Jew Plant?
Like a thirsty traveler, your wandering jew needs regular drinks to thrive.
You’ll want to water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to your touch. This usually means watering once or twice weekly during warmer months.
The plant prefers consistently moist soil, but don’t let it sit in water.
Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows down naturally.
Can Wandering Jew Plants Survive in Low Light Conditions?
Wandering Jew plants can tolerate low light, but they won’t thrive there.
You’ll notice their vibrant colors fading to plain green, and growth will slow down considerably.
They prefer bright, indirect light to maintain those beautiful purple and silver stripes.
If you’re dealing with a dim room, place your plant near a window or add a grow light to keep it healthy and colorful.
Why Are the Leaves on My Wandering Jew Turning Brown?
Brown, brittle leaves barely brighten your plant’s beauty. Your wandering jew turns brown from three main causes.
First, you’re likely underwatering your plant. These plants need consistently moist soil.
Second, low humidity dries out the delicate leaves quickly.
Third, too much direct sunlight scorches the foliage.
Check your watering schedule and move your plant to bright, indirect light. Mist the leaves regularly to boost humidity levels.
How Do I Propagate Wandering Jew Cuttings in Water?
Cut a 4-6 inch stem below a leaf node using clean scissors.
Remove the bottom leaves so they won’t rot underwater.
Place your cutting in a clear glass filled with room temperature water, and you’ll see roots growing in about a week.
Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
Once roots reach 2 inches long, you can plant your cutting in soil.
Conclusion
You’ve discovered nine stunning varieties to brighten your space. Each plant offers something special, from purple leaves to silvery stripes. Start with one or try several together for a cascading display. These plants reward you with fast growth and easy care, and you’ll love how simple they are to share through cuttings. Which variety will you bring home first? Your indoor garden adventure begins now, so pick your favorite and watch it thrive.
