Wandering Jew Plant Types (Tradescantia): Top Beautiful Species & Varieties

Wandering Jew plants are popular for their vibrant colors and attractive foliage. These plants, known scientifically as Tradescantia, have become a favorite among plant enthusiasts for their easy care and versatility in home decor. Many varieties exist, offering a range of hues and leaf patterns to suit any taste.

Discovering the unique characteristics of each Wandering Jew variety can enhance any plant collection. From dazzling purples to lush greens, these plants can bring life and color to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Their ability to adapt and thrive makes them a must-have for anyone looking to add beauty to their environment.

Tradescantia zebrina (Zebra Plant)

Tradescantia zebrina, often called the Zebra Plant, is well-known for its striking appearance. Its leaves are distinctively striped with purple and silver, adding vibrant color to any indoor space. The plant’s unique pattern makes it a popular choice among houseplant enthusiasts.

This variety thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-drained soil. Although it can tolerate some shade, the colors become more vibrant with adequate sunlight. It is relatively easy to care for and adapts well to indoor environments.

Tradescantia zebrina is not only visually appealing but also helps purify the air. Its resilient nature makes it an excellent option for beginners who want to enjoy the unique charm of a Wandering Jew plant.

Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Heart’

Tradescantia pallida, commonly known as ‘Purple Heart’ or ‘Purple Queen’, is renowned for its striking appearance. Its leaves are deep, royal purple with a pointed and elongated shape. The color is particularly vivid in full sunlight, making it a popular choice for decorative purposes.

The plant’s stems are fleshy and long, supporting small flowers that can appear in shades of white, pink, or purple. This adds a subtle, yet charming contrast to the bold leaves.

Native to Mexico, Tradescantia pallida is versatile. It thrives outdoors in warm climates as a ground cover. It’s also a favorite houseplant for its hardiness and easy care.

Its ability to spread and its stunning coloration make it a standout choice among the Wandering Jew varieties. Whether indoors or outdoors, ‘Purple Heart’ adds a vibrant touch to any space.

Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Variegata’

Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Variegata’, also known as Variegated Inch Plant, is a striking variety distinguished by its unique foliage. The leaves showcase a blend of green, white, and cream stripes, adding visual interest to any space. This pattern sets it apart from other Tradescantia species.

This plant is appreciated for its low-maintenance nature. When cared for properly, it thrives in bright, indirect light, which enhances the vibrant colors of its leaves. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their indoor plant collection.

Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Variegata’ can be grown in hanging baskets or as ground cover. Its trailing stems create a cascading effect that makes it a captivating addition indoors or out. Its adaptability and beauty make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

Tradescantia sillamontana (Cobweb Spiderwort, White Velvet, Hairy Wandering Jew)

Tradescantia sillamontana, also known as Cobweb Spiderwort or White Velvet, stands out with its unique appearance. This plant is characterized by its succulent leaves which are covered in dense silvery white, woolly hairs. These hairs provide a cobweb-like texture, giving the plant a distinctive look.

Originating from Mexico, Tradescantia sillamontana is well-suited for dry conditions. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and can tolerate some shade. The plant grows low to the ground, making it an excellent choice for ground cover or containers.

This species is known for its ability to survive with minimal water, making it an excellent option for drought-prone areas. Its upright habit allows it to reach heights of about 12 to 18 inches, displaying its striking foliage and adding character to any indoor or outdoor garden setting.

Tradescantia spathacea ‘Dwarf’ (Dwarf Oyster Plant, Dwarf Moses-in-the-Cradle)

Tradescantia spathacea ‘Dwarf’, also known as the Dwarf Oyster Plant or Dwarf Moses-in-the-Cradle, is a compact version of the classic Tradescantia spathacea.

Its leaves are shorter and more robust compared to other varieties. These leaves have a striking green top and a purple underside, creating a beautiful contrast.

This plant’s small size makes it perfect for indoor spaces. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers bright, indirect light. Many gardeners appreciate its resilience and ease of care.

The dwarf variety often forms a dense, attractive mat, making it ideal for ground cover. It also looks beautiful when placed in hanging baskets or containers.

Tradescantia spathacea ‘Dwarf’ is a stylish choice for those seeking a low-maintenance, eye-catching plant.

Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’

Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’, also known as Fantasy Venice, is a standout variety of the Wandering Jew plant. This variety is especially admired for its vibrant and colorful foliage. The leaves display striking shades of pink and green with a hint of purple, making it a visually appealing choice for many indoor plant enthusiasts.

Developed by cross-pollinating select seedlings, Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’ is a patented plant, which ensures its unique characteristics. It is known for being a hardy plant, requiring minimal care, which adds to its popularity among gardeners.

Due to its cascading growth habit, it looks beautiful in hanging baskets or as a trailing plant on shelves. With its colorful appearance and easy maintenance, Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’ is a distinctive choice that brings a splash of color and liveliness to any indoor space. People interested in cultivating this plant can learn more about it by visiting resources like the Plant Care Today guide.

Tradescantia ‘Quadricolor’

Tradescantia ‘Quadricolor’ is a striking plant known for its vibrant and varied colors. This variety features a mix of green, pink, cream, and white on its leaves, making it stand out.

The leaves have a glossy texture and a unique striped pattern. This gives them an almost painted look, perfect for adding color indoors or outdoors.

Tradescantia ‘Quadricolor’ is favored by many because of its ease of care. It thrives in indirect light and needs regular watering, allowing it to brighten up any space without too much fuss.

Tradescantia chrysophylla

Tradescantia chrysophylla, also known as the Golden Wandering Jew, is a standout variety in the Tradescantia family. Its eye-catching feature is its vibrant golden-yellow leaves that develop a faint blush of green. This color combination sets it apart from the more common purple or green shades seen in other types.

The leaves of Tradescantia chrysophylla are oval and slightly glossy, providing a lush and fresh appearance. These unique characteristics make it an excellent choice for those looking to add a splash of warm color to their indoor spaces.

This variety is easy to maintain and grows well in bright, indirect light. It prefers moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. For plant enthusiasts, Tradescantia chrysophylla provides an exotic yet manageable option, bringing both beauty and easy care into the home.

Tradescantia occidentalis (Prairie Spiderwort)

Tradescantia occidentalis, also known as Prairie Spiderwort, is a unique variety of the Wandering Jew plant. This species thrives in prairies and grasslands, making it quite different from other Tradescantia types typically grown indoors.

A distinctive feature of Prairie Spiderwort is its bright blue flowers, which bloom in clusters during the early summer months. Each flower opens in the morning and wilts by mid-afternoon, giving it a fleeting beauty that is appreciated by many gardeners.

The leaves of Tradescantia occidentalis are long, narrow, and grass-like. They provide a contrast to the vibrant flowers, enhancing the plant’s overall appearance. This species is adapted to sunny, dry conditions, making it a hardy choice for outdoor garden settings.

With its tough nature and striking flowers, Tradescantia occidentalis stands out among other Tradescantia varieties primarily found in more controlled environments.

Tradescantia virginiana (Virginia Spiderwort)

Tradescantia virginiana, commonly known as Virginia Spiderwort, is a striking variety of the wandering Jew plant.

This plant is admired for its vibrant blue or purple flowers, which stand out against the backdrop of its long, narrow green leaves. The blooms typically appear in spring and can add a pop of color to any garden.

One of the standout features of Tradescantia virginiana is its adaptability. It can thrive in a range of environments, from full sun to partial shade. This makes it a versatile choice for various garden settings.

Unlike some other Tradescantia varieties, Virginia Spiderwort is hardy and can tolerate colder climates, reaching growth heights of up to two feet. Its ability to endure less-than-ideal conditions contributes to its popularity among gardeners.