The colorful trailing plant commonly known as the Wandering Jew is a popular houseplant, celebrated for its vibrant, striped foliage in shades of green, purple, and silver. Its rapid growth and ease of propagation have made it a favorite among plant enthusiasts. Its slightly fleshy appearance often causes confusion, leading many to wonder whether this plant is classified as a succulent. The answer requires understanding the precise botanical definition of water-storing plants.
Characteristics That Define a Succulent
A succulent is broadly defined as any plant that has evolved specialized, thickened parts to retain water, enabling it to endure dry or arid conditions. This adaptation results in characteristic fleshy leaves, stems, or roots, which act as reserves during periods of drought. The Latin root of the word, sucus, literally means “juice” or “sap.”
The primary function of succulence is survival in environments where water is scarce. These plants develop strategies to minimize moisture loss, such as utilizing specialized processes like Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis. This process allows leaf stomata to open only at night to collect carbon dioxide, drastically reducing water evaporation during the daytime heat.
Botanical Classification and Water Storage
The plant in question belongs to the genus Tradescantia, most often represented by species like Tradescantia zebrina or Tradescantia fluminensis. Botanically, Tradescantia species are categorized as herbaceous perennials, not true succulents. While their stems and leaves are noticeably thicker and more fleshy than standard foliage plants, they lack the highly specialized, drought-resistant water storage organs found in classic succulents like cacti or aloe.
Tradescantia are more accurately described as semi-succulents or mesophytes, meaning they tolerate drier periods but are not adapted to true desert conditions. Their native habitats in the Americas are often moist, wooded areas and riverbanks, requiring them to handle consistent water rather than prolonged drought. The slight succulence is a minor adaptation for short dry spells, but their care requirements, which demand more consistent moisture, reflect this distinction.
Essential Care for Tradescantia Varieties
Understanding the semi-succulent nature of Tradescantia is the key to successful cultivation, as their care differs significantly from that of true desert plants. Unlike cacti, which thrive when their soil dries out completely between deep waterings, Tradescantia varieties prefer the soil to remain lightly moist. Watering should occur when the top inch of the soil feels dry, but the plant should never be left sitting in standing water, which can quickly lead to root rot.
They require bright, indirect light to maintain the vivid purple, pink, and silver variegation. Insufficient light will cause the stems to become long and sparse, a condition known as legginess, and the intense colors of the foliage will fade. While they can tolerate average household humidity, these plants thrive in slightly more humid environments, which can be provided with regular misting or a nearby pebble tray.
Understanding the Common Name
The common name “Wandering Jew” has been used for the Tradescantia genus for many years, but it is a term with a controversial and historically problematic origin. The name derives from a medieval European folk tale about a fictional man condemned to wander the Earth until the end of time, a narrative historically associated with antisemitic themes. This has led many in the plant community to abandon its use.
Today, growers are increasingly adopting alternative, neutral common names. The most widely accepted alternatives are Inchplant, a reference to its fast growth rate, and Spiderwort, which is the common name for the entire Tradescantia family. Choosing the scientific name, Tradescantia, or a non-controversial common name ensures respectful communication within the plant world.