You’ll discover that trailing Tradescantia plants can transform ordinary hanging baskets into cascading masterpieces of color and texture. These versatile plants offer options ranging from deep purple foliage to metallic stripes, with some varieties trailing up to 3 feet in length. Whether you’re looking to accent your porch or create an indoor jungle, there’s a Tradescantia variety that’ll match your vision – and these 15 selections represent the cream of the crop.

1. Purple-Heart Tradescantia

The Purple-Heart Tradescantia (Tradescantia pallida) is a striking trailing plant known for its deep purple foliage and delicate pink flowers. This variety features elongated, pointed leaves that grow densely along purple stems, creating a dramatic cascading effect when planted in hanging baskets. Native to Mexico, this hardy plant can reach lengths of up to 18 inches and produces small three-petaled flowers throughout the growing season, though its main appeal lies in its rich purple coloration which becomes more intense with increased sun exposure.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light to full sun; more sun exposure intensifies purple color
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow top inch to dry between waterings
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix
  • Temperature: 50-80°F (10-27°C)
  • Humidity: Moderate to high; tolerates average household humidity
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • pH: 5.0-6.5
  • Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings in water or soil

2. Zebrina’s Silver Stripes Shine

Tradescantia zebrina’s distinctive silver stripes make it a standout variety among trailing plants. The leaves feature bold metallic bands that alternate between silver-white and deep purple-green, creating a zebra-like pattern that catches and reflects light. This striking variegation, combined with the plant’s vigorous trailing growth habit, makes it particularly attractive in hanging baskets where the stems can cascade freely.

  • 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 potting mix rich in organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; mist regularly in dry conditions
  • Temperature: Thrives in 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
  • Pruning: Trim leggy growth to encourage fullness and maintain shape
  • Container: Use containers with drainage holes to prevent root rot

3. Tradescantia Fluminensis ‘Tricolor

Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Tricolor’ is a striking variegated variety of wandering jew featuring leaves striped in green, white, and pink. This trailing plant grows rapidly and can reach lengths of up to 2 feet, making it ideal for hanging baskets or as groundcover in frost-free zones. The succulent stems root easily where they touch the soil, and the plant produces small white flowers sporadically throughout the growing season, though they’re not particularly showy.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from harsh afternoon sun; variegation is most pronounced in good light
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in winter
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C); not frost hardy
  • Humidity: Moderate to high; mist regularly in dry conditions
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Use containers with drainage holes
  • Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings in water or soil
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4. Tradescantia Spathacea ‘Sitara

Tradescantia spathacea ‘Sitara’ is a striking variety of the Moses-in-the-cradle plant, featuring sword-shaped leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. The foliage displays vibrant stripes of pink, purple, and green, creating a dramatic color contrast that makes it an attractive choice for hanging baskets. This compact cultivar typically grows to about 12 inches tall and wide, with leaves that are slightly smaller than the standard species.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun but protect from harsh afternoon rays
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in winter
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix with organic matter
  • 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
  • Soil pH: 6.0-7.0

5. Pink Tradescantia Blossom Beauty

The Pink Tradescantia Blossom Beauty is a striking variety of wandering jew featuring delicate pink flowers and variegated foliage with shades of green, cream, and pink. Its trailing stems cascade elegantly in hanging baskets, reaching lengths of up to 2 feet. The leaves are lance-shaped with distinctive pink stripes, and the plant produces small, three-petaled pink blossoms throughout the growing season, adding a soft, feminine touch to indoor spaces.

  • 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 added organic matter
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; mist regularly
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pruning: Trim regularly to maintain shape and promote bushier growth
  • Container: Use hanging baskets with drainage holes
  • Soil pH: 6.0-6.5

6. Golden Tradescantia Zebrina

The Golden Tradescantia Zebrina, also known as Wandering Jew ‘Aurea,’ is a striking trailing plant featuring vibrant gold and lime-green striped leaves with purple undersides. This variety is a more luminous version of the traditional Tradescantia zebrina, bringing a bright, eye-catching element to hanging baskets. Its succulent-like stems grow quickly and can trail up to 2 feet long, creating cascading curtains of foliage that add dramatic flair to indoor and outdoor spaces.

  • 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; regular misting benefits growth
  • Temperature: Thrives in 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pruning: Trim regularly to maintain shape and promote bushier growth
  • Container: Use containers with drainage holes to prevent root rot

7. Silver-Veined Wandering Jew

The Silver-Veined Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) is a striking trailing plant known for its distinctive metallic silver stripes that run along purple-colored leaves. This fast-growing variety features leaves with purple undersides and produces small pink or purple flowers, though they rarely bloom indoors. The plant’s stems can cascade up to 2-3 feet long, making it particularly suitable for hanging baskets and containers where its dramatic foliage can be displayed to full effect.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; can tolerate moderate shade but may lose variegation
  • 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; 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
  • Pruning: Trim leggy stems to promote bushier growth and prevent bare spots
  • Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings in water or soil
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8. Nanouk’s Rosy-Pink Leaves

Tradescantia ‘Nanouk’ features distinctive rosy-pink variegated foliage that makes it a standout variety among trailing plants. The leaves display bold stripes of pink, purple, and green, with the pink coloration becoming more vibrant when exposed to bright light. Unlike traditional Tradescantia varieties, Nanouk has a more compact growth habit with thick, sturdy stems and densely packed leaves that create a fuller appearance in hanging baskets.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct morning sun; pink coloration intensifies with more light
  • 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 (50-60%)
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Monthly feeding during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Container: Requires good drainage holes and works well in hanging baskets or containers

9. Green-Leaf Ruby Cascade

The Green-Leaf Ruby Cascade Tradescantia is a striking variety featuring deep green foliage with vibrant purple undersides, creating an eye-catching contrast as the vines cascade downward. This trailing plant produces small triangular leaves along its stems and occasionally displays small pink or purple flowers, making it particularly attractive in hanging baskets where its bicolored foliage can be fully appreciated.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate partial shade but may lose color intensity
  • 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; benefits from occasional misting
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pruning: Trim leggy stems to promote bushier growth and maintain shape

10. Tradescantia Minima’s Delicate Foliage

Tradescantia minima features tiny, lance-shaped leaves that create a dense, cascading appearance. The delicate foliage exhibits variegated patterns of green, purple, and silvery-white stripes, making it particularly attractive for hanging displays. Each leaf measures approximately 1-2 inches in length, and the compact growth habit produces a full, trailing effect that can reach lengths of up to 2 feet when properly maintained.

  • 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 (50-60%)
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pruning: Trim leggy stems to promote bushier growth
  • Container: Use containers with drainage holes to prevent root rot

11. Giant Oyster Tradescantia

Giant Oyster Tradescantia (Tradescantia gigantea) is a trailing perennial plant native to Texas and Oklahoma, known for its vibrant purple-blue flowers and elongated, lance-shaped leaves. This larger variety of spiderwort can grow up to 2 feet in length, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets where its cascading stems can create dramatic displays. The plant produces clusters of three-petaled flowers that typically bloom in the morning and close by afternoon, with peak flowering occurring in spring and early summer.

  • Light: Partial shade to full sun; performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in winter
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich organic soil with pH 6.0-7.0
  • Temperature: Hardy in zones 4-9; prefers temperatures between 60-80°F
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels; tolerates average home humidity
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pruning: Trim back leggy growth to encourage bushiness and maintain shape

12. Lilac-Striped Bolivian Tradescantia

Tradescantia boliviana ‘Lilac Stripes’ features cascading stems adorned with purple-striped foliage that creates a striking display in hanging baskets. The elongated leaves showcase alternating bands of green and lilac, becoming more vibrant with proper light exposure. This trailing variety grows vigorously and can reach lengths of up to 24 inches, making it an excellent choice for suspended containers where its colorful stems can freely cascade.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun; 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; pH 6.0-7.0
  • Humidity: Moderate to high humidity levels (50-60%)
  • Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • Pruning: Trim leggy stems to promote bushier growth and maintain shape
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13. Emerald-Edged Inch Plant

The Emerald-Edged Inch Plant (Tradescantia fluminensis ‘Variegata’) is a stunning trailing variety featuring elongated leaves with cream centers and emerald green edges. This variegated cultivar creates a cascading effect with its interweaving stems and foliage, making it particularly attractive in hanging baskets. The plant’s rapid growth and ability to produce new shoots at leaf nodes allows it to form dense, trailing masses that can reach lengths of up to 2-3 feet.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf burn
  • 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 (50-60%)
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • 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

14. Rainbow Tradescantia Multicolor

Rainbow Tradescantia Multicolor is a vibrant trailing plant known for its striking variegated foliage displaying shades of pink, green, white, and purple. The leaves are elongated and lance-shaped, arranged alternately along cascading stems that can grow up to 6-8 inches long. This variety is particularly popular for hanging baskets and container gardens due to its compact growth habit and stunning color display that intensifies with proper light exposure.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun; more light exposure intensifies leaf colors
  • 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: 6.0-6.5
  • Pruning: Trim regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth

15. White-Spotted Tradescantia Albiflora

Tradescantia albiflora, also known as White-Spotted Wandering Jew, features small, elongated leaves with white or cream variegation against deep green foliage. This trailing variety grows quickly and can reach lengths of 2-3 feet, making it ideal for hanging baskets where its cascading stems can create a dramatic display. The leaves are typically 2-3 inches long, and the plant occasionally produces small white flowers, though it’s primarily grown for its attractive foliage.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from direct afternoon sun; can tolerate partial shade
  • 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
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity; mist regularly in dry conditions
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C); not frost tolerant
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
  • pH: 5.0-6.5
  • Pruning: Trim regularly to maintain shape and promote bushier growth