If you’re looking for an easy-care plant that brings instant vibrancy and life to your indoor spaces, the Wandering Jew plant (Tradescantia) is a perfect choice. Beloved for its cascading growth habit and colorful foliage, this plant family is one of the most popular options for brightening up corners, shelves, and hanging baskets. With hues of purple, green, silver, and even pink, Wandering Jew plants are true showstoppers in the indoor garden world.
Beyond their stunning looks, these plants are hardy and versatile, making them ideal for beginners as well as experienced plant enthusiasts. They thrive in bright, indirect light and grow quickly with minimal fuss. Even better, many Wandering Jew varieties are excellent for indoor corners where you want a splash of bold, lively greenery.
In this guide, we’ll explore five gorgeous Wandering Jew varieties that can transform dull indoor corners into colorful retreats. You’ll also discover care tips and ideas for showcasing these plants in your home.
1. Tradescantia zebrina (Striped Wandering Jew)
Perhaps the most popular and recognizable variety, Tradescantia zebrina stands out with its striking striped leaves. Its foliage has deep green and purple undersides with shimmering silver stripes on top, giving it a metallic, jewel-like appearance.
This trailing plant looks stunning when grown in hanging baskets or placed on high shelves, allowing its vines to cascade downward. Its fast growth rate means you’ll have a lush, full display in no time.
Why it’s perfect for indoor corners:
- The shimmering silver stripes reflect light, making dark corners brighter.
- Adds a bold, colorful focal point without needing flowers.
- Extremely forgiving and quick to recover from neglect.
Care Tips:
- Provide bright, indirect light for vibrant colors.
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; avoid soggy soil.
- Pinch back stems regularly to encourage bushy growth.
2. Tradescantia fluminensis (Small-Leaf Wandering Jew)
Tradescantia fluminensis is known for its smaller, delicate green leaves with a glossy finish. While it may not have the bold purple hues of other varieties, its charm lies in its lush, trailing greenery that creates a soft, fresh atmosphere.
This plant is an excellent option if you want to bring a touch of nature indoors without overpowering the room. It pairs beautifully with other colorful plants and provides a calming, green backdrop.
Why it’s perfect for indoor corners:
- Fills corners with a lush, “green curtain” effect.
- Great for balancing bright, colorful décor with natural greenery.
- Grows well in low-maintenance setups like terrariums.
Care Tips:
- Keep in medium to bright indirect light.
- Prefers consistently moist soil, but ensure good drainage.
- Pinch off leggy stems to maintain a fuller look.
3. Tradescantia pallida (Purple Heart)
For lovers of bold color, the Purple Heart Wandering Jew is an absolute must-have. Its deep purple, lance-shaped leaves and violet stems create an eye-catching contrast that instantly elevates indoor spaces. In the right conditions, it even produces small, pinkish-purple flowers that add extra charm.
The Purple Heart works beautifully in minimalist or modern interiors, where its dramatic color provides a stunning focal point. Place it in a decorative pot in the corner of a room, and you’ll see how it transforms the space with elegance and vibrancy.
Why it’s perfect for indoor corners:
- Bold purple tones brighten otherwise plain or neutral décor.
- Fast-growing and creates dense, trailing vines for coverage.
- Tolerates some neglect, making it easy for beginners.
Care Tips:
- Needs bright light to maintain its deep purple hue.
- Water moderately and let soil dry slightly between waterings.
- Prune regularly to avoid legginess and encourage compact growth.
4. Tradescantia spathacea (Boat Lily or Moses-in-the-Cradle)
This variety stands out from the typical trailing Wandering Jew types because of its upright growth habit. Tradescantia spathacea features sword-shaped green leaves with vibrant purple undersides, growing in rosettes that resemble boats—hence the nickname “Boat Lily.”
Perfect for corners that need a vertical accent rather than trailing vines, this plant is a versatile choice. It thrives in both pots and decorative containers and brings a tropical vibe indoors.
Why it’s perfect for indoor corners:
- Adds vertical dimension, making corners feel fuller and more dynamic.
- The striking purple undersides pop in low-light spaces.
- Very hardy and adapts well to indoor conditions.
Care Tips:
- Prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some shade.
- Water when the soil is partially dry; avoid waterlogging.
- Wipe leaves occasionally to maintain their shine and prevent dust buildup.
5. Tradescantia sillamontana (White Velvet Wandering Jew)
If you want something unique and slightly different from the usual glossy-leaved Wandering Jew, try the White Velvet variety. It’s characterized by its fuzzy, silvery-green leaves that have a soft, velvety texture. This plant doesn’t just add color—it adds texture, making it a standout in any plant collection.
The contrast of its silver foliage against purple stems makes it particularly eye-catching, especially in corners with good lighting. Its unusual look makes it a great conversation starter for visitors.
Why it’s perfect for indoor corners:
- Soft, silvery foliage brightens darker corners.
- Unique texture adds depth and interest to your plant collection.
- Slow-growing, making it low-maintenance and easy to manage.
Care Tips:
- Prefers bright light but tolerates some direct sun.
- Water sparingly, as it is more drought-tolerant than other varieties.
- Keep in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Styling Tips for Wandering Jew Plants in Indoor Corners
- Hanging Baskets: Let their trailing vines spill gracefully for a lively, cascading effect.
- Corner Stands: Use multi-tiered stands to display different varieties together for a colorful corner garden.
- Wall Shelves: Place them on floating shelves so the vines create a “green curtain” effect.
- Contrasting Pots: Use bold or metallic planters to complement the vibrant foliage.
- Mix and Match: Combine different Wandering Jew varieties in one corner for a rainbow of textures and colors.
General Care Guide for Wandering Jew Plants
While each variety has its unique traits, the general care for Wandering Jew plants is simple:
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal. Too little light can cause fading colors.
- Water: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter.
- Humidity: They appreciate moderate to high humidity, so mist occasionally or use a humidifier.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent soggy roots.
- Pruning: Regularly pinch or prune stems to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess.
- Propagation: Easily propagated by stem cuttings, making it simple to grow new plants.
Conclusion
The Wandering Jew plant family offers a wide range of vibrant, easy-care options perfect for brightening indoor corners. From the shimmering silver stripes of Tradescantia zebrina to the bold purple leaves of Tradescantia pallida, each variety brings its own charm and character to your home. Whether you want trailing vines, vertical foliage, or unique textures, there’s a Wandering Jew plant for every corner of your indoor space.
By choosing one—or all five—of these varieties, you can create colorful, lively, and stylish corners that make your home feel more inviting and dynamic. With just a little care, these plants will thrive and reward you with lush growth and striking beauty year-round.