A fast trailing plant with shimmering leaves striped silver and purple above, vivid purple below. Easy and vigorous, it cascades brilliantly from a hanging basket.
At a glance
- Plant type: Indoor plant
- Mature size: 20 cm tall
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Wandering Jew
Tradescantia zebrina is an fast-growing indoor plant in the Commelinaceae family. It reaches around 20 cm tall at maturity, with evergreen, variegated, purple-toned and silver-grey foliage.
Where to grow Wandering Jew
Wandering Jew suits tropical and subtropical climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Wandering Jew provided drainage is reasonable. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Wandering Jew is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Wandering Jew in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Wandering Jew in the garden
Wandering Jew earns its place for pots and courtyard containers and hanging baskets. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Wandering Jew with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and tropical climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.
Buying Wandering Jew
Plant Sale lists Wandering Jew as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.