With over 75 Tradescantia species and cultivars, telling them apart can be challenging. This guide provides key identification markers, close-up leaf comparisons, and growth habit differences to help you distinguish between common and rare varieties.
Part of our Wandering Jew Plant Varieties Guide (Pillar Page)
1. Leaf Identification Guide
Visual Comparison Chart
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[Variety] [Leaf Shape] [Surface] [Margins] [Variegation]
T. zebrina Oval-elongated Glossy Smooth Silver stripes
T. fluminensis Small oval Matte Slightly hairy Solid or white stripes
T. pallida Lanceolate Waxy Smooth Solid purple
T. mundula Oval Velvety Hairy Pink/white/green
T. spathacea Sword-shaped Metallic sheen Smooth Purple underside
Key Markers:
- Hairiness: T. fluminensis has barely visible hairs, T. mundula is fuzzy
- Shine: T. zebrina is glossy, T. spathacea has metallic reflection
- Thickness: T. pallida leaves are succulent, T. fluminensis are papery
2. Stem & Growth Patterns
Stem Characteristics
| Variety | Stem Color | Texture | Growth Habit |
| T. zebrina | Purple | Smooth | Fast trailing |
| T. fluminensis | Bright green | Slightly fuzzy | Compact trailing |
| T. pallida | Deep purple | Succulent | Upright then arching |
| T. cerinthoides | Reddish | Hairy | Rosette-forming |
Pro Tip: T. pallida stems thicken with age, resembling small vines.
3. Flower Characteristics
While not all varieties flower indoors, blooms provide crucial ID clues:
| Variety | Flower Color | Shape | Frequency |
| T. zebrina | Rare pink | Three triangular petals | Very rare |
| T. fluminensis | White | Three rounded petals | Frequent |
| T. pallida | Pink | Three pointed petals | Occasional |
| T. cerinthoides | Blue-purple | Clustered | Seasonal |
Botanical Note: Flowers last just 1 day but bloom sequentially (Missouri Botanical Garden).
4. Telling Similar Varieties Apart
Common Confusions & How to Differentiate
A. T. zebrina vs. T. fluminensis ‘Tricolor’
- Zebrina: Purple undersides, silver stripes always parallel
- Fluminensis ‘Tricolor’: Cream/pink/green patches, no purple underside
B. T. pallida vs. T. spathacea
- Pallida: Trailing, solid purple, thin leaves
- Spathacea: Rosette form, purple/green, thick leaves
C. T. mundula vs. T. cerinthoides ‘Nanouk’
- Mundula: Smaller leaves, fuzzy texture
- Nanouk: Thick leaves, pink stripes instead of patches
5. Using Apps for ID
Best Plant ID Apps
- PictureThis (90% accuracy for Tradescantias)
- Planta (Provides care tips after ID)
- Google Lens (Free but less reliable)
How to Photograph for Best Results:
- Capture top and underside of leaves
- Include stem close-up
- Photograph in natural light
Limitation: Apps often mislabel T. mundula as T. cerinthoides.
6. FAQs
Q: Why does my zebrina have solid green leaves?
A: Likely T. fluminensis – zebrina never loses stripes completely.
Q: Are there variegated T. pallida varieties?
A: Extremely rare – most “variegated purple heart” photos are edited.
Q: How can I confirm a rare variety’s authenticity?
A: Compare with herbarium specimens (Kew Gardens Database).