Just when you thought houseplants couldn’t get more colorful, Tradescantia varieties prove otherwise with their stunning array of patterns and hues. These trailing beauties transform any space with their distinctive leaf markings, from silvery stripes to purple undersides. You’ll find these plants particularly rewarding to collect, as each variety offers its own unique charm. Before exploring the most eye-catching specimens, you’ll want to understand what makes each one special.

1. Pink Striped Wandering Jewel

The Pink Striped Wandering Jewel (Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Tricolor’) is a trailing perennial known for its distinctive pink, white, and green variegated foliage. Each leaf displays a mix of these colors in irregular stripes, creating an eye-catching display. This variety of wandering jewel grows as a spreading groundcover or hanging plant, with stems that can reach up to 6-8 inches long before trailing. The succulent-like stems root easily at nodes, making it an excellent choice for propagation and filling spaces quickly.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from harsh afternoon sun; variegation is best in medium to bright light
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good organic content
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels (50-60%)
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Growth Zone: USDA zones 9-11 for outdoor growth, suitable as houseplant in all zones

2. Purple Heart Tradescantia

Purple Heart Tradescantia (Tradescantia pallida) is a striking perennial known for its deep purple foliage and delicate pink or purple flowers. This trailing plant features lance-shaped leaves that grow up to 2 inches long and creates dense mats of purple stems and leaves. Native to eastern Mexico, it’s commonly grown as a houseplant or outdoor groundcover in warm climates, reaching heights of 6-12 inches while spreading up to 2 feet wide. The plant gets its common name from its rich purple coloration, which becomes more intense with increased sun exposure.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light indoors; can tolerate full sun to partial shade outdoors; more sun exposure intensifies purple coloring
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix
  • Temperature: Thrives in 60-80°F (15-27°C); not frost hardy
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity; tolerates average household humidity
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
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3. Green Zebra Wandering Jew

Green Zebra Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina ‘Green’) is a striking variety of the classic wandering jew plant, featuring elongated green leaves with silvery stripes that create a zebra-like pattern. This trailing plant exhibits rapid growth and produces cascading stems that make it ideal for hanging baskets or as ground cover. The leaves are slightly succulent and maintain their vibrant coloring throughout the year, though they may require regular pruning to maintain a fuller appearance and prevent legginess.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels; mist regularly or use a humidity tray
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C); not frost tolerant
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • pH: 6.0-7.0

4. Tradescantia Fluminensis Silver Stripe

Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Silver Stripe’ is a striking variegated cultivar of the wandering jew plant, featuring elongated green leaves with white or silvery stripes running lengthwise. This trailing plant grows rapidly and can reach lengths of several feet, making it ideal for hanging baskets or as ground cover in suitable climates. The leaves are succulent-like and grow alternately along soft, sprawling stems that root easily at the nodes, aiding in its spread and propagation.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels above 50%
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • pH: 5.0-7.0

5. Nanouk’s Pink-Green Striped Leaves

Tradescantia Nanouk features distinctive pink and green striped leaves that create a stunning visual display. The foliage exhibits bold stripes that range from deep green to creamy white, with varying shades of pink, purple, and magenta overlaying the patterns. These compact plants produce thick, fleshy stems adorned with these colorful leaves, making them particularly attractive for hanging baskets or as tabletop specimens.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels between 40-60%
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C); avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Soil pH: 6.0-6.5
  • Container: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot

6. White-Flowered Tradescantia Sillamontana

Tradescantia sillamontana with white flowers is a striking variety of the cobweb spiderwort, featuring fuzzy, silvery-gray leaves covered in soft, white hairs that give the plant a cobweb-like appearance. This compact succulent produces small, three-petaled white flowers that emerge from purplish buds, creating a beautiful contrast against its woolly foliage. The white-flowered variant maintains the same trailing growth habit as other Tradescantia varieties, making it suitable for hanging baskets or as ground cover in appropriate climates.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from harsh afternoon rays
  • Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce watering in winter
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C); not frost tolerant
  • Humidity: Tolerates average household humidity; prefers moderate humidity levels
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
  • Container: Pots with drainage holes; suitable for hanging baskets
  • Growing Zone: USDA zones 9-11 for outdoor growth

7. Variegated Red-Purple Tradescantia

Variegated red-purple Tradescantia, also known as Tradescantia zebrina or Wandering Jew, features striking foliage with silver-white stripes against deep purple undersides. The leaves are elongated and pointed, growing in a cascading pattern that makes them excellent for hanging baskets or ground cover. This variety combines the classic purple coloring with distinctive variegation, creating a dramatic visual impact in both indoor and outdoor settings.

  • Light: Bright indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels (40-60%)
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • pH: 6.0-6.5
  • Container: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot
  • Pruning: Trim regularly to maintain shape and promote bushier growth
  • Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings in water or soil

8. Bronze-Striped Inch Plant

The Bronze-Striped Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina ‘Bronze’) is a striking variety of wandering tradescantia characterized by metallic bronze-colored leaves with distinctive silver stripes. This trailing plant features fleshy stems and oval-shaped foliage that creates a dramatic cascading effect when grown in hanging baskets or as ground cover. The leaves display a lustrous sheen on their upper surface, while the undersides reveal a deep purple hue, adding depth and visual interest to the plant’s overall appearance.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade but needs good light for ideal color development
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels; benefits from occasional misting
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C); not frost tolerant
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Soil pH: 5.0-6.5
  • Container: Requires good drainage holes; ideal for hanging baskets or containers with space for trailing growth
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9. Rainbow Flame Tradescantia

Rainbow Flame Tradescantia (Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Rainbow Flame’) is a striking variegated cultivar featuring leaves with streaks of pink, white, green, and purple coloration. This trailing plant creates a vibrant cascading effect, making it popular for hanging baskets and container gardens. The leaves are small to medium-sized, lance-shaped, and develop more intense coloring when exposed to proper light conditions.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; some morning sun is beneficial for maintaining vibrant colors but avoid harsh afternoon sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (40-60%)
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot

10. Lavender-Speckled Tradescantia Pallida

The Lavender-Speckled Tradescantia Pallida is a striking variant of the traditional purple heart plant, featuring delicate lavender speckles across its purple-tinged foliage. This trailing perennial showcases elongated leaves with a metallic sheen and produces small pink or purple flowers throughout the growing season. The speckled pattern varies in intensity depending on light exposure and growing conditions, making each plant uniquely beautiful.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Humidity: Moderate to high
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot
  • Pruning: Regular trimming to maintain shape and promote bushy growth

11. Gold-Dusted Wandering Jew

The Gold-Dusted Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina ‘Gold Dust’) is a striking variety of the wandering jew plant featuring variegated foliage with golden yellow and green stripes on the upper leaf surfaces and deep purple undersides. This trailing plant produces oval-shaped leaves with a metallic sheen, creating an eye-catching display when grown in hanging baskets or as ground cover. The gold dusting effect becomes more pronounced when the plant receives adequate light, though too much direct sun can cause the colors to fade.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; morning sun is tolerable but protect from harsh afternoon sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels; mist regularly in dry conditions
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot
  • Pruning: Trim regularly to maintain shape and promote bushier growth

12. Metallic Blue Chain Plant

The Metallic Blue Chain Plant (Tradescantia zebrina var. ‘Metallic Blue’) is a striking variety of wandering tradescantia known for its iridescent blue-purple foliage with silvery metallic stripes. This trailing plant features succulent stems and oval-shaped leaves that create a dramatic cascading effect when grown in hanging baskets or allowed to spread as ground cover. Each leaf displays a distinctive metallic sheen that shifts in appearance depending on the lighting angle, making it a popular choice for indoor decorative displays.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with good organic content
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (50-60%)
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pruning: Regular trimming to maintain shape and promote bushier growth
  • Container: Pots with drainage holes; ideal for hanging baskets

13. Emerald-Frosted Wandering Sailor

The Emerald-Frosted Wandering Sailor (Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Emerald Frost’) is a striking variegated cultivar featuring green leaves with white edges and a frosted appearance. This trailing plant forms a dense mat of foliage and is commonly grown as a houseplant or ground cover in frost-free areas. Like other Tradescantia varieties, it produces small white flowers, though the main appeal lies in its decorative foliage. The stems can grow up to 2 feet long, creating an attractive cascading effect when planted in hanging baskets or allowed to spread as groundcover.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate partial shade but variegation may fade in low light
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from regular misting
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • pH: 5.0-7.0
  • Spacing: 12-18 inches apart when planting outdoors
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14. Rose-Mist Trailing Vine

Rose-Mist Trailing Vine (Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Rose-Mist’) is a delicate variety of the wandering jew plant family, characterized by its pink and green variegated foliage. The leaves display a soft rosy hue mixed with cream and green streaks, creating an attractive trailing pattern as the plant grows. This fast-growing cultivar develops long, cascading stems that make it particularly suitable for hanging baskets or as groundcover in appropriate climates.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added organic matter
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity; benefits from regular misting
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pruning: Trim regularly to maintain shape and promote bushier growth
  • Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings in water or soil

15. Silver-Tipped Ghost Tradescantia

The Silver-Tipped Ghost Tradescantia (Tradescantia mundula ‘Silver Ghost’) is a striking variegated plant characterized by its green and white foliage with silvery-white tips that give it a ghostly appearance. This trailing plant features small, oval-shaped leaves arranged in alternating patterns along its stems, creating a cascading effect that makes it suitable for hanging baskets or as ground cover. The plant’s variegation is most pronounced in ideal growing conditions, and new growth often displays the brightest silver coloring.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (50-60%)
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Growing Medium: Can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or as ground cover
  • Pruning: Regular trimming to maintain shape and promote bushier growth