Beyond the common T. zebrina and T. pallida, the Tradescantia genus includes stunning rare varieties prized by plant enthusiasts. This guide covers 7 exotic types, their care quirks, and where to source them ethically.
Part of our Wandering Jew Plant Varieties Guide (Pillar Page)
1. Top 5 Rare Varieties
A. Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’
Rarity Level: ★★★☆☆ (Becoming mainstream)
Key Features:
- Thick, pastel leaves with pink stripes
- Grows more upright than other Tradescantias
Care Quirk: Needs brighter light to maintain variegation
B. Tradescantia mundula ‘Lisa’
Rarity Level:
Key Features:
- Tricolor leaves (pink/white/green)
- Compact growth habit
Special Need: Higher humidity (60%+) to prevent crispiness
C. Tradescantia chrysophylla ‘Baby Bunny Bellies’
Rarity Level: ★★★★★
Key Features:
- Fuzzy, velvety purple leaves
- Trails beautifully but grows slowly
Warning: Hates wet leaves – bottom-water only
plaintext
Copy
[Visual Comparison]:
Nanouk: [Thick pink-striped leaves]
‘Lisa’: [Tricolor confetti-like foliage]
‘Baby Bunny’: [Fuzzy purple trailing stems] Note: These are patented varieties – propagation for sale is restricted.
2. Sourcing Ethically
Where to Buy
- Specialist nurseries (like Steve’s Leaves, Glasshouse Works)
- Plant swaps (check local Facebook groups)
- Etsy sellers with 100+ reviews
Red Flags
- Sellers offering “seeds” (most are scams – Tradescantias rarely set viable seeds)
- Prices under $15 for rare varieties (likely mislabeled)
- No phytosanitary certificates for international shipments
Expert Tip: The International Tradescantia Society maintains a list of trusted vendors.
3. Specialized Care Tips
Light Requirements
| Variety | Ideal Light |
| ‘Nanouk’ | 6 hrs bright indirect |
| ‘Lisa’ | 4 hrs morning sun |
| ‘Baby Bunny Bellies’ | Low to medium indirect |
Watering Guide
- All rare varieties: Use distilled water to prevent leaf spotting
- Fuzzy types: Water at soil level only
- Variegated types: Let soil dry 50% between waterings
4. Propagation Challenges
Why It’s Harder
- Slow rooters: ‘Baby Bunny Bellies’ takes 4-6 weeks vs. 1 week for zebrina
- Higher failure rate: Variegated cuttings often revert
- Legal issues: Patented varieties can’t be propagated for sale
Best Method for Rare Types
- Take 3-node cuttings
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Root in sphagnum moss under humidity dome
- Expect 50-70% success rate
Related: Advanced Tradescantia Propagation (Internal link)
5. FAQs
Q: Why is my ‘Nanouk’ losing pink color?
A: Needs more light – supplement with grow lights if needed.
Q: Are rare varieties harder to care for?
A: Yes – most need higher humidity and precise watering.
Q: Can I import rare Tradescantias from overseas?
A: Only with phytosanitary certificates to avoid confiscation.