Wandering Jew Plant

While all Tradescantia species share some traits, their care needs and visual appeal vary dramatically. This guide compares the 5 most common varieties, helping you choose the perfect one for your space and avoid cultivation mistakes.

Part of our Wandering Jew Plant Varieties Guide (Pillar Page)

1. Leaf Characteristics

Visual Identification Guide

plaintext

Copy

[Variety]         [Leaf Appearance]              [Underside]  

———————————————————————

T. zebrina      Purple with silver stripes      Deep magenta  

T. fluminensis  Small solid green/white         Pale green  

T. pallida      Pointed solid purple            Purple  

T. mundula      Pink/white/green variegation    Pink tint  

T. spathacea    Sword-shaped, purple/green      Silver sheen 

Key Differences:

  • Zebrina is the only striped variety
  • Pallida has the deepest purple foliage
  • Spathacea grows in rosettes, not trails

2. Growth Habits & Sizes

VarietyGrowth RateMature LengthHabit
T. zebrinaFast (8″/month)6-10 feetTrailing
T. fluminensisModerate2-3 feetCompact trailing
T. pallidaFast1-2 feet tall, 3-5 feet spreadUpright then trailing
T. mundulaSlow1-2 feetBushy
T. spathaceaModerate8-12″ tallRosette

Design Tip: Use zebrina/pallida for hanging baskets, spathacea for tabletop displays.

3. Light & Water Needs

Care Comparison Chart

VarietyIdeal LightWater FrequencySpecial Needs
T. zebrinaBright indirectWeeklyPrune frequently
T. fluminensisLow to brightEvery 10 daysHigh humidity
T. pallidaFull sun to part shadeWeekly outdoors, biweekly indoorsSun for color
T. mundulaBright indirectWhen 50% dryAvoid wet leaves
T. spathaceaMedium lightEvery 2 weeksDrought-tolerant

Expert Insight: The Royal Horticultural Society notes pallida is the most drought-resistant variety.

4. Hardiness & Climate Suitability

Outdoor Growing Zones

VarietyMin TempBest ZonesNotes
T. zebrina50°F (10°C)10-11Frost-tender
T. fluminensis45°F (7°C)9-11Invasive in warm climates
T. pallida30°F (-1°C)7-11Dies back in frost, regrows
T. spathacea40°F (4°C)9-11Rosette protects crown

Warning: T. fluminensis is banned in some areas due to invasiveness (USDA Alert).

5. Special Features

Unique Traits

  • Zebrina: Best for quick coverage (fastest grower)
  • Fluminensis: Only variety that flowers frequently (white blooms)
  • Pallida: Only type that tolerates full sun
  • Mundula: Rare tricolor foliage (collector’s plant)
  • Spathacea: Only non-trailing form

Toxicity Note: All varieties are mildly toxic to pets (ASPCA).

6. FAQs

Q: Which variety is best for low light?
A: T. fluminensis – survives with just 50 lux (north-facing windows).

Q: Why does my pallida turn green indoors?
A: Needs 4+ hours of direct sun to maintain purple color.

Q: Which grows fastest in water propagation?
A: T. zebrina roots in 5-7 days vs. 10-14 for others.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *