The first time I brought home a Wandering Jew plant, I had no idea I was about to start an obsession. I was instantly hooked by its vibrant colors and how easy it was to care for. I never imagined how much joy such a simple plant could bring!
Over the years, I’ve grown so many varieties, and now I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned with you. Trust me, these plants are adaptable and thrive in almost any space.
So, what exactly is a Wandering Jew plant? It’s a Tradescantia, known for its fast-growing vines and stunning striped leaves in shades of purple, green, silver, and pink. It loves bright, indirect light, only needs water when the soil is dry, and looks amazing in hanging baskets or pots.
With so many varieties to choose from, I’ll walk you through the 15 gorgeous varieties, share my best care tips, and help you pick the perfect Wandering Jew for your home. Ready to start your obsession?
Let’s dive in!
What is a Wandering Jew Plant?
The Wandering Jew plant (Tradescantia) belongs to the Commelinaceae family. Known for their lush, striped leaves in shades of purple, green, silver, and pink, these plants are fast-growing, easy to propagate, and adaptable to various conditions.
Key Traits:
- Fast-growing trailing vines
- Vibrant foliage with striking patterns
- Easy propagation via stem cuttings
- Thrives indoors & outdoors
- Low-maintenance & beginner-friendly
Popular Uses:
- Hanging baskets
- Ground cover for outdoor gardens
- Indoor decor (shelves, pots, terrariums)
- Mixed planters for unique color combinations
15 Stunning Wandering Jew Plant Varieties
Each type of Wandering Jew Plant has unique color patterns, growth habits, and care needs. Here’s a list of the most popular and rare Tradescantia varieties.
Silver Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina)
The Silver Inch Plant is a popular plant known for its beautiful leaves. The leaves are shaped like a lance and are covered with striking purple and silver stripes that shine in the light. These leaves are about 2-3 inches long, smooth, and soft to the touch.
The purple stripes on the edges of the leaves really stand out against the silvery-green middle. This plant grows quickly and spreads out, making it perfect for hanging baskets or putting on shelves. It prefers bright, indirect light and needs well-draining soil. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry. It propagates readily from stem cuttings.
Small-Leaf Wandering Jew (Tradescantia fluminensis)
Small-Leaf Wandering Jew is a small but vibrant plant with shiny green leaves. The leaves are oval and have a smooth texture, and they grow in clusters along long stems. This plant is very adaptable—it does well in bright light but can also grow in shadier areas.
Just be sure to keep the soil slightly moist, but not too wet. It grows quickly, so it’s perfect for covering the ground or hanging in baskets. You can easily grow new plants from cuttings, which makes it a great choice if you want to share your plant with friends or expand your collection.
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)
Purple Heart is a unique plant with long, velvety leaves that are a deep shade of purple. The leaves are soft to the touch and have a beautiful, rich color that really pops. This plant loves sunlight, but it can also handle some shade. It doesn’t need much water, so be careful not to overwater it.
Purple Heart grows tall and can spread out, making it a great choice for pots or garden beds. The purple color gets even more vibrant when it’s exposed to more sunlight. It’s easy to care for and adds a beautiful burst of color to any space.
White Velvet (Tradescantia sillamontana)
White Velvet is a striking plant with soft, fuzzy leaves that have a silver-green color. The leaves feel like velvet and are covered in tiny white hairs, giving them a silvery appearance. This plant thrives in bright light but can also tolerate some shade. It doesn’t need much water, so it’s great for people who tend to forget about watering.
The fuzzy leaves help the plant save moisture, making it perfect for dry gardens or indoor pots. White Velvet grows in a bushy shape and is low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for beginner plant lovers.
Moses-in-the-Cradle (Tradescantia spathacea)
Moses-in-the-Cradle is a unique plant with colorful green or purple leaves that have a purple underside. The leaves are shaped like swords, giving the plant a striking, angular look. This plant likes bright light but can grow in medium light as well. It prefers the soil to stay a little moist but not too wet. Moses-in-the-Cradle grows upright and looks great in pots or gardens.
The plant gets its name from its unusual flowers, which appear between the leaves and are shaped like a cradle. It’s a fun plant to add to your collection and a great conversation starter.
Baby Bunny Bellies (Tradescantia chrysophylla)
Baby Bunny Bellies is a small but adorable plant with tiny, soft green leaves that have a golden tint. The leaves are so soft that they almost feel like bunny fur, making them a joy to touch. This plant thrives in bright light but can also grow in low light, making it a versatile option for different spaces.
It’s important to keep the soil moist but not soggy—just water it when the top layer starts to feel dry. Baby Bunny Bellies spreads out quickly, making it perfect for hanging baskets or as a ground cover. Its tiny, cute leaves and spreading growth make it a charming addition to any room or garden.
Fantasy Venice (Tradescantia albiflora ‘Nanouk’)
Fantasy Venice is a beautiful and unique plant with thick, curly leaves that are a mix of pink, purple, and green. The leaves have a soft, thick texture and are quite eye-catching, especially when they curl and twist in different directions. This plant loves bright light to keep its colors vibrant, so be sure to place it near a window with indirect sunlight.
Fantasy Venice grows in a bushy shape, making it perfect for hanging baskets or decorative pots. It’s important to let the soil dry a bit between waterings, but don’t let it dry out completely. This plant is relatively easy to care for and adds a fun, colorful touch to any space.
Purple Passion (Tradescantia ‘Purple Passion’)
Purple Passion is a striking plant with deep purple leaves that have a soft, velvety texture. The leaves grow long and fuzzy, creating a beautiful, dramatic effect in any room. This plant loves bright light, and its purple color gets even more intense with exposure to sunlight.
Purple Passion prefers its soil to stay a little damp but not soggy, so water it when the top layer of soil feels dry. It grows up and out, making it a great option for pots or hanging baskets. Its rich purple color and fuzzy texture make it a standout plant that’s sure to catch everyone’s eye.
Pink Panther (Tradescantia cerinthoides ‘Greenlee’)
Pink Panther is a lovely plant with small, oval-shaped leaves that are a mix of pink, green, and cream. The colors are soft but vibrant, adding a playful pop to any space. Pink Panther thrives in bright light and doesn’t require much water. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or small containers, as it grows in a spreading pattern.
This plant is newer to the plant world, but its pretty pink tones and easy-care nature make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced plant lovers. Its compact size and colorful leaves make it a fun and stylish addition to your collection.
Tricolor (Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Tricolor’)
Tricolor is a stunning plant with small, oval leaves that are a mix of green, pink, and white. The colorful stripes give it a cheerful and lively appearance. It thrives in bright light, which helps keep the colors vibrant, and it grows quickly, making it perfect for hanging baskets or as ground cover.
Tricolor likes its soil to stay moist but not waterlogged, so be sure to water it when the top layer of soil feels dry. Its colorful leaves and fast-growing nature make it a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any home or garden.
Chain Plant (Tradescantia navicularis)
Chain Plant is an interesting plant with thick, green leaves that have purple undersides. The leaves are small and shaped like little boats, giving the plant a unique look. It grows in a trailing pattern, making it perfect for hanging baskets or small containers.
Chain Plant enjoys bright light but can also tolerate some shade. It doesn’t need much water, so it’s a great choice for people who might forget to water their plants now and then. Its thick leaves can store water, making it more drought-tolerant than other plants.
This low-maintenance plant adds a touch of interest to any space.
Wild Spiderwort (Tradescantia longipes)
Wild Spiderwort is a hardy plant with long, shiny green leaves that grow in a clumping pattern. It produces small blue or purple flowers that add a pop of color to the plant. This plant loves shade and moist soil, making it a great option for shaded areas in your garden or home.
It grows upright and has a wild, natural look that adds texture to any space. Wild Spiderwort is tough and can handle a variety of conditions, including wet soil, making it perfect for areas with less sunlight or more moisture. It’s a great plant for shady gardens and will attract bees and butterflies.
Bubblegum (Tradescantia blossfeldiana)
Bubblegum is a charming plant with soft, fuzzy green and pink leaves that create a lovely contrast. Its leaves have a subtle, pastel pink color mixed with green, which gives it a soft, airy look. This plant thrives in bright light and prefers its soil to stay on the wetter side. It grows in a bushy shape, making it perfect for indoor pots or hanging baskets.
The unique pink color of its leaves is why it’s called “Bubblegum,” and it adds a playful touch to any space. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for both beginners and seasoned plant lovers.
Turtle Vine (Tradescantia callisia)
Turtle Vine is a delightful plant with tiny, round, green leaves that grow in a trailing pattern. It has a compact growth habit, which makes it perfect for hanging baskets or as ground cover. This plant thrives in bright light but can also grow in some shade, making it a versatile choice for different spots in your home.
Turtle Vine likes to stay moist, so be sure to water it regularly, but it doesn’t like to be waterlogged. It grows quickly and spreads out, making it an excellent choice for filling in spaces or adding greenery to shelves or hanging planters.
Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana)
Virginia Spiderwort is a native plant with long, thin green leaves and small blue or purple flowers. It grows in an upright pattern, making it an excellent addition to garden beds or borders. This plant loves the sun but can also tolerate some shade. It’s hardy and can grow in a variety of conditions, from wet to dry soil.
Virginia Spiderwort is perfect for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and it thrives in colder climates, making it ideal for outdoor gardens in a variety of regions. Its vibrant flowers and resilient nature make it a great plant for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Quick Care Overview for All Wandering Jew Varieties
Wandering Jew plants are low-maintenance, but they do best with the right conditions. Here’s a quick care guide:
Care Factor
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight for vibrant colors
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
- Humidity: Prefers 50-70% humidity — mist occasionally
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix (like cactus soil)
- Temperature: 60-80°F (16-27°C) — avoid cold drafts
- Fertilizer: Feed monthly during spring and summer
Toxicity and Safety
Tradescantia species contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause oral irritation, skin irritation, or, if ingested in large quantities, potentially cause vomiting in pets. While usually not life-threatening, it’s best to prevent pets from ingesting these plants. Keep all houseplants, including Tradescantia varieties, out of reach of pets. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, consult with your veterinarian.
FAQs: Types of Wandering Jew Plants
How Do I Propagate Wandering Jew Plants?
To propagate, simply take stem cuttings, remove the lower leaves, and place them in water or moist soil. Roots will grow in a few weeks, and you can then plant them in a new pot.
Can Wandering Jew Plants Grow in Low Light?
They can tolerate low light but may grow slower and lose vibrant colors. Bright, indirect light is ideal for best results.
What Are the Common Pests That Affect Wandering Jew Plants?
Wandering Jew plants can attract pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Regularly check your plant for signs of pests and treat them with soapy water or insecticidal soap if needed.
How Often Should I Repot My Wandering Jew Plant?
Repot your Wandering Jew every 1-2 years or when the roots start becoming crowded. Be sure to use a pot with good drainage and refresh the soil for healthy growth.
Why Is My Wandering Jew Plant Leggy and Sparse?
Leggy growth is often due to low light or overwatering. Move to a brighter spot, prune leggy stems, and avoid overwatering.
Wrapping It Up
Wandering Jew plants are a great way to add color and life to any room. The bright purple of Purple Heart and the soft, silvery leaves of White Velvet each bring something special. They grow quickly and don’t require much attention. Now that you know more about the different types and how to take care of them, it’s time to pick the one that will brighten up your space.
Which Wandering Jew variety will you add to your home first?
Further Reading:
- Wandering Jew Plant Care Guide: Expert Tips for Healthy Tradescantia
- How to Make Wandering Jew Bushy: The Ultimate Growth Guide
Helpful Resources:
- Animal Poison Control- https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
- NC STATE EXTENSION- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/tradescantia-fluminensis/
