Years ago, since they’re so easy to propagate, cuttings of Tradescantia Zebrina plants would travel from home to home when gardeners would share their plants with neighbors, friends and family, which may account for its common name, ‘Wandering Jew’. While this name continues to be used some have switched to calling this plant ‘Wandering Dude’ and other common names for this popular plant include ‘Spiderwort’ and ‘Inch Plant’

This Zebrina variety of Tradescantia is recognizable for its long vines covered in small stemless leaves about 2” in length. The colorful patterned leaves are green with purple stripes and a silver shine, and they have deep purple or magenta undersides which they need bright light to maintain.

Ed's Plant Profile

• Botanical Name: Tradescantia Zebrina
• Pronunciation: trad-es-KAN-tee-uh zeb-REE-nuh
• Common Name(s): Wandering Jew, Wandering Dude, Spiderwort and Inch Plant
• Family: Commelinaceae
• Native Range: South America and Mexico 

Ed's Care Guide

• Care Level: Moderate 
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light
• Water: Allow soil to dry between watering but ensure that plant is water thoroughly
• Humidity: Moderate to high
• Temperature: 60-80F
• Pruning: Prune as needed to remove brown or dead leaves
• Feeding: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a water-soluble houseplant food diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength.
• Propagation: Stem cuttings
• Growth: Fast growing, vining 
• Pests: Look out for aphids, scale and mealy bugs
• Toxicity: Mildly toxic to humans and pets

Want More Info on Tradescantia Zebrina 'Wandering Dude'?

Discover expert tips on how to keep your new 'Wandering Dude' thriving by checking out our comprehensive, covering everything from watering to lighting for lush, healthy growth.